Comparison
PLA vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Polylactic Acid and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
1.24 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.5 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Semi-transparent
Opaque
Shrinkage
0.3 – 0.5 %
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
3.5 GPa
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
50 – 65 MPa
80 MPa
Flexural Strength
80 MPa
110 MPa
Impact Strength (Izod)
16 J/m
50 J/m
Elongation at Break
6 %
60 %
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
60 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
150 – 160 °C
255 – 265 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
55 °C
75 °C (unfilled)
Continuous Service Temperature
45 °C
100 – 120 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.0
4.0
Volume Resistivity
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Chemical resistance
Acids
Fair
Poor
Bases
Poor
Good
Alcohols
Fair
Good
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis
Poor
—
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Industrially compostable
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7
7
Bio-based Content
100 %
0 – 100 % (bio grades)
Carbon Footprint
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg