CB6955 Nylon 12 (PA 12) film

Nylon 12/PA 12 Film Description

Nylon 12 (PA 12) film utilises the molecular structure of a long-chain polyamide. It exhibits a moisture absorption rate between 0.25% and 0.5%, thereby maintaining dimensional stability and barrier integrity in humid conditions. This performance is quantified by reduced permeability to hydrocarbons, oils, CO₂ and O₂ when compared with shorter-chain nylons such as PA 6. The film demonstrates resistance to fuels, greases, weak acids, weak bases and hydraulic fluids, and it withstands hydrolysis. It is operative over a temperature range from –70°C to +120°C (with short-term exposure to 150°C) and retains flexibility and impact strength under cryogenic conditions. Mechanically, it provides puncture and abrasion resistance while maintaining flexibility and elasticity (low modulus) without the need for plasticisers.

Optically, the film may be translucent or near transparent, with its appearance determined by crystallinity control. Its low density (1.01–1.03 g/cm³) contributes to a reduction in weight. The film offers electrical insulation and, when adequately stabilised, UV stability. It meets FDA and EC requirements for food and medical contact. The product is processed via extrusion or biaxial orientation, achieving specified thicknesses ranging from 5 to 200 μm with a consistent gauge. It is employed in high‐barrier food packaging (for example, packaging for coffee and meats), medical device pouches, inflatable seals, composite interlayers and protective films where moisture independence, cold flexibility and chemical resistance are essential.

Nylon 12/PA 12 Film Applications

Nylon 12 film is used in high‐barrier flexible packaging for foods that are sensitive to moisture and oil (for example, coffee, cheese and processed meats). Its moisture absorption of less than 0.5% helps maintain flavour stability and extends shelf life. The film’s measured gas barrier properties, with low permeability to O₂ and CO₂, render it appropriate for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of perishable products. Its compliance with FDA and EC standards also permits its use in medical sterilisation pouches for surgical instruments and implant devices. The film’s performance at –70°C and its puncture resistance support its application in inflatable industrial seals (in aircraft doors and cleanrooms) and in protective covers for sensitive electronic components during transit. Additionally, the film functions as an interlayer in composite laminates for automotive panels and safety glass, where optical clarity, adhesion and chemical resistance are required. PA 12 film is further employed for specialised coatings on metals or textiles to enhance abrasion and corrosion resistance in harsh environments, such as offshore equipment, and its stability against hydrolysis permits continued use where PA 6/6 films do not meet the service conditions. Emerging applications include solar panel encapsulation and flexible electronics, owing to its measurable dielectric stability and UV resistance when appropriately stabilised.

Nylon 12/PA 12 Film Packaging

Our products are dispatched in customised cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Smaller items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are transported in customised wooden crates. We adhere strictly to packaging customisation protocols and utilise appropriate cushioning materials to ensure protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Please refer to the packaging details provided for further information.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis – Analysis is conducted using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to verify compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing – Tensile strength, yield strength and elongation tests are conducted to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection – Measurements of thickness, width and length are taken to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection – Visual and ultrasonic examinations are performed to detect defects such as scratches, cracks or inclusions.

(5)    Hardness Testing – This test determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical consistency.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for further details.

Nylon 12/PA 12 Film FAQs

Q1. What distinguishes PA 12 film from other nylons?

The film exhibits a moisture absorption rate between 0.25% and 0.5%, which maintains dimensional stability and barrier functionality in humid environments. It also offers flexibility at –70°C and retains resistance to oils, fuels and chemicals.

Q2. What are the main applications?

Key applications include:

High‐barrier food packaging for products such as oily or frozen foods, coffee and cheese.

Medical sterilisation pouches that withstand steam or EtO sterilisation.

Inflatable seals used in aerospace and cleanroom environments.

Interlayers in composites and safety glass.

Coatings for metal pipelines requiring corrosion resistance.

Q3. What are the measured performance properties?

Gas barrier: The film exhibits low permeability to O₂ and CO₂.

Thermal range: It is operative from –70°C to +120°C with short-term exposure to 150°C.

Mechanical: It provides measured puncture and abrasion resistance while maintaining elasticity.

Compliance: The film meets FDA and EC standards for food and medical contact.

Optical: Translucency is adjustable based on processing parameters.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

Nylon 12 is primarily synthesised via ring‐opening polymerisation (ROP) of laurolactam. Laurolactam is derived from butadiene through intermediates such as cyclododecatriene, cyclododecanone and cyclododecanone oxime, followed by a Beckmann rearrangement. In industrial practice, hydrolytic polymerisation is employed whereby laurolactam reacts with water at pressures of 5–20 bar and temperatures of 270–300°C to initiate ring opening and form 12-aminododecanoic acid. This intermediate undergoes polycondensation in a step‐growth process where amine groups attack lactam rings, releasing water. The process, occurring over 10–24 hours in vertical reactors (VK tubes), yields high molecular weight polymers. Residual monomers are removed by vacuum stripping or hot-water extraction. Alternatively, anionic polymerisation is employed for casting applications using sodium hydride/N-acetyl caprolactam catalysts in molten laurolactam at 150–180°C, completing polymerisation within minutes in the absence of pressure. Post-polymerisation, the melt is extruded, pelletised and often subjected to solid-state post-condensation under vacuum to increase chain length before final processing into granules or powders.