Comparison
XLPE Wire and Cable vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Cross-linked Polyethylene for Wire and Cable and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
0.915-0.935 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
<0.1 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Opaque
Opaque
Shrinkage
1-3 %
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.2-0.5 GPa
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
15-25 MPa
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
200-500 %
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
No Break
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-120 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
Non-meltable (degrades above 300°C)
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
90-120 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
60-80 °C
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
2.25-2.35
4.0
Volume Resistivity
>10¹⁵ Ω⋅cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
18-30 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Poor
Bases
Good resistance
Good
Solvents
Good resistance in most solvents, swells in hot aromatic hydrocarbons
—
UV Resistance
Poor (requires stabilization)
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (difficult due to cross-linking)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
2 (PE-HD)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)