Comparison
PDLLA High Molecular Weight vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Poly(D,L-lactic acid), High Molecular Weight Grade W and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
1.26 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.6 %
1.2 %
Transparency
High (amorphous)
Opaque
Shrinkage
3.5 - 6.5 %
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.5 GPa
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
50 MPa
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
4.0 %
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
0.2 J/cm
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
48-52 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
None (amorphous)
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
0 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
42 °C
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.1
4.0
Volume Resistivity
10¹³ Ω·cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
19 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Poor resistance
Poor
Bases
Poor resistance
Good
Solvents
Swells in many organic solvents, particularly esters and ketones
—
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Compostable (industrial), implantable (biocompatible)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than fossil-based plastics
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)