🧩 PA11 – Polyamide 11 (Rilsan®)
(High-performance bio-based polyamide, derived from castor oil, with exceptional elasticity, chemical resistance, and stability. It is the premium material for hoses, connectors, and automotive parts exposed to oils, fuels, and vibrations. Commercially known as Rilsan®, produced by Arkema.)
🔹 What is PA11
PA11 is an aliphatic polyamide obtained from 11-aminoundecanoic acid, sourced from castor oil. It is one of the most advanced polyamides due to its bio-origin, high elasticity, and very low water absorption (<1%). PA11 offers superior dimensional stability compared to PA6 and PA12, excellent impact resistance, and stable behavior in aggressive chemical environments, making it ideal for critical automotive applications.
🔧 Composition
- Polyamide 11 (PA11): 100%
- Additives: UV stabilizers, glass fibers (optional), lubricants.
- Density: 1.03–1.05 g/cm³ (very lightweight).
- Melting Point: ≈ 185–190 °C.
- Water Absorption: <1% (very low).
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent (oils, fuels, antifreeze, solvents).
- Continuous Heat Resistance: 90–110 °C.
🚗 Where PA11 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Fluid Systems | Hoses, pipes, fuel lines | Flexibility and excellent chemical resistance |
| Connectors / Sensors | Plugs, covers, gaskets | Excellent insulation and dimensional stability |
| Engine Bay | Clips, supports, connectors | Durability and stable heat behavior |
| Technical Parts | Elastic elements, guides | Combination of strength and elasticity |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 240 – 260 °C | Controlled melting, flexible material |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 230 – 250 °C | Clean joint, no deformation |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Ideal for pipes and hoses |
🔩 What to Weld PA11 With (Material Compatibility)
PA11 has very good compatibility with other new-generation polyamides and technical blends.
✅ Compatible with:
- PA11 ↔ PA12 / PA610 / PA612 / PA66 / PA6 – ideal.
- PA11 ↔ PA-GF / PMMA+PA / PC+PA – excellent bond.
- PA11 ↔ PBT / PET / PC+PBT – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PVC, PS, ABS, ASA, pure PMMA – completely different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use original PA11 rods (Rilsan®) at 245–255 °C. Lightly preheat the part to eliminate any internal moisture. Welding should be performed with uniform hot air to avoid shrinkage.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Arkema: Rilsan® PA11
- Evonik: Vestamid® B
- BASF: Ultramid® 11
- DuPont: Zytel® 11
🧠 How to Identify PA11
- Engraved marking: >PA11<, >Rilsan<, >Nylon 11<, >Vestamid B<.
- Semi-matte surface, slightly elastic, low density.
- Blue flame with faint nylon smell.
- Softens at ≈ 240 °C without bubbling.
- Highly resistant to bending and stretching.
- ReplastMD practical test: If the part is matte, slightly flexible, does not absorb water, and is marked >PA11< / >Rilsan<, it is confirmed Polyamide 11.
🛠️ PA11 Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PA11 (Rilsan®) welding for technical hoses, fuel lines, and engine clips, ensuring a perfect, flexible, and durable finish.