Ixef® Polyarylamide
Aesthetics and Strength – A Beautiful Combination
| Ixef polyarylamide (PARA) provides a unique combination of strength and aesthetics, making it ideal for complex parts that require both overall strength and a smooth, beautiful surface. |
Excellent Surface Finish
Compounds typically contain 50-60% glass fiber reinforcement, giving them remarkable strength and rigidity. What makes them unique is that even with high glass loadings, the smooth, resin-rich surface delivers a high-gloss, glass-free finish that’s ideal for painting, metallization or producing a naturally reflective shell.

Very High Strength and Stiffness
The tensile and flexural strength of Ixef compounds are similar to many cast metals and alloys at ambient temperature. Ixef 1032 (60% glass fiber) exhibits typical values of 280 MPa and 400 MPa respectively at 23°C (73°F).
 
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High Flow into Thin Walls
Ixef PARA is an extremely high-flow resin, even with glass loadings as high as 60%, and can readily fill walls as thin as 0.5 mm.
Very Low Creep
The creep resistance of Ixef compounds is superior to that of most engineering polymers with similar glass fiber content. Deformation of Ixef 1032 is less than 1% after 1,000 hours under 50 MPa of pressure at 50°C (122°F).
Good Dimensional Stability
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of Ixef compounds is similar to that of many cast metals and alloys at ambient temperatures. Low mold shrinkage and the ability to maintain tight tolerances (as little as ± 0.05% length tolerances when properly molded) allow for high reproducibility.
Low and Slow Rate of Water Absorption
Ixef PARA’s highly aromatic structure results in lower and slower water absorption than typical polyamides, which are highly sensitive to humidity. Water absorption for Ixef 1022 (50% glass fiber) is only 0.16% after 24 hours of water immersion at room temperature.
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Good Chemical Resistance
Ixef compounds are highly resistant to aqueous solutions of wide range of chemicals and cleaning fluids as well as to common solvents, such as
- Aliphatic hydrocarbons
- Aromatic hydrocarbons
- Chlorinated solvents
- Ketones
- Esters
- Ethers
- Glycols
Testing also shows good resistance to standard engine oil (Type SAE 10W30) after 2,000 hrs at 120C (248°F) and to automotive fuels after 2,000 hours at 40°C (104°F).
Ixef® PARA Products
Ixef compounds are available in a variety of grades that are formulated to meet specific application requirements. A side-by-side comparison of typical properties provides a quick overview of performance capabilities. Individual data sheets are also available.
The semi-aromatic, semi-crystalline polyamide base resin is compounded with glass fiber, mineral and/or advanced fillers. Impact modified and flame retardant grades as well as custom colors are available.
 


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