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).
Creep Resistance at Elevated Temperatures
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.
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Ixef® Resin | |
| Ixef® 1022 | 1.5 10-5K-1 (Flow direction) |
| Ixef® 1022 | 3.6 10-5K-1 (Transverse direction) |
| Steel | 1.2 10-5K-1 |
| Aluminum | 2.4 10-5K-1 |
| Brass | 1.8 10-5K-1 |
| Zinc | 3 10-5K-1 |
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.
Moisture Absorption, 24h at 23 °C
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 hours at 120°C (248°F) and to automotive fuels after 2,000 hours at 40°C (104°F).
Ixef® resin offers good injectability even for grades with high glass fiber content – ideal for molding complex or thin-walled parts. Immediately below the smooth outer surface, glass fibers orient in the flow direction, while at the core, fiber orientation becomes random. The result is a strong polymer with a beautiful, smooth finish.
Recommendations for Processing
| Processing Temperatures | |
| Cylinder Temperature | |
| Feed zone | 250 - 280°C |
| Compression zone | 250 - 280°C |
| Metering zone or homogenization zone | 250 - 280°C |
| Nozzle | 260 - 290°C |
| Hot runners (when used) | 250 - 260°C |
| Temperature of the Melt (measured on purged material) | |
| Standard grades (eg. Ixef® 1022, 2030) | 280°C |
| Impact modified (eg. Ixef® 1622) and flame retardant grades (eg. Ixef® 1521, 1524) | <270°C |
| Mold Temperature | |
| Mold Temperature | 120 - 140°C |
| Plasticizing | |
| Screw Speed, peripheral(1) | 3-10 m/min |
| Back Pressure | 0-10 bar |
| Injection | |
| Injection Speed | High |
| Injection Pressure | 500-1500 bar (material) |
| Hold and Cooling | |
| Hold Pressure | 500-1500 bar (material) |
| Hold time(sec) | 3w (2) |
| Cooling time, including hold time(sec) | 2.5w2 (3) |
(1)for screw diameter 25-50 mm
(2)w = wall thickness in mm
(3)w = wall thickness in mm, > 2mm
Mold Temperature
It is essential that the mold temperature be 120°C to 140°C to achieve maximum crystallinity. This will assure:
- Good surface finish
- Good dimensional stability
- Full mechanical properties
- Low moisture absorption