Material	PA - polyamide (nylon)
	Arguments for using PA include strength (fishing line, axe handle), wear resistance (bearings), barrier properties (food packaging) and machinability. Strength and stiffness are often improved using glass fibre reinforcement. PA absorbs water which makes it softer. UV-stabilizators are required for outdoor applications. PA is a group of amorphous (transparent) and semi-crystalline (opal-white) plastics. The latter are distinguished by a numeric code indicating the number of carbon atoms between two nitrogen atoms in the molecular chain (e.g. PA6 and PA11).
Danish Name	PA - polyamid (nylon)
Category	Plastics, Thermoplastics
Products	Nylons (stockings) Fishing line Bicycle trailer, rainproof cover Bearing Axe Hedge cutter, casing Handle for high pressure cleaner Bottle for tomato ketchup (barrier layer) Ensemble chair (PA blended with ABS) Bottle-opener
Processes	Plastic moulding Plastic injection moulding Machining Extrusion
Similar materials	PET PBT
Price	High cost plastic (see also Plastics general overview)
Environmen- tal notes	Creation: Production of 1 kg of PA requires the equivalent of about 3 kg of oil (raw material and energy). Common additives are: UV-stabilizators (e.g. carbon black) and colouring agents. Use: Polyamides are biologically indifferent materials. Disposal: Incineration in an incineration plant mainly produces water and carbon dioxide. Heating value is equivalent to 1/2 kg of oil.
Additional Info	PA has very good resistance to fuels, oils and solvents, but is affected by acids and strong bases.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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