🧩 PA11+PE – Polyamide 11 + Polyethylene
(A hybrid thermoplastic material combining the mechanical and chemical resistance of Polyamide 11 (PA11) – a bio-based polymer derived from castor oil – with the flexibility and moisture stability of Polyethylene (PE).)
🔹 What is PA11+PE
PA11+PE is a controlled combination of bio-based semi-crystalline polyamide (PA11) and medium or high-density polyethylene (PE-MD / PE-HD). This hybrid structure is used to achieve materials with excellent interlayer adhesion, ideal for multi-layer hoses and co-extruded components requiring pressure resistance and hydrocarbon stability.
🔧 Composition
| Component | Typical Ratio | Role |
| PA11 (Bio-based) | 60–70 % | Chemical/mechanical resistance, fuel barrier |
| PE (Polyethylene) | 30–40 % | Flexibility, moisture, and impact resistance |
| Additives / Compatibilizers | < 5 % | Interlayer adhesion and thermal stability |
🚗 Where PA11+PE is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Fuel / Oil Hoses | Peugeot, Renault, Mercedes | Inner PA11 layer, outer PE layer |
| Brake / Vacuum Tubes | Bosch, Valeo, Contitech | Stability against fuels and oils |
| Technical Cables | Wire harnesses / protectors | Co-extruded flexible layer |
| Diesel / Petrol Lines | Delphi, Continental | Permeability and stress-crack resistance |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 250 – 270 °C | Recommended – precise PA11 layer control |
| Plastic Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Ideal – use compatible PA11 or PE rod |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 240 – 260 °C | Possible only for flat parts/covers |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: PA11, PA12, PE-HD, PE-MD.
- ⚠️ Partially Compatible: PA6, PA66, PPA, PP (large melting point gap).
- ❌ Incompatible: PVC, PC, ABS, PET (chemically and thermally incompatible).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: Weld at moderate temperatures, concentrating the heat on the PA11 layer. For flexible areas, Rilsan® PA11 or compatible PE-MD/HD rods are highly recommended.
🧠 How to Identify PA11+PE
- Engraved marking: >PA11+PE<, >PE-PA11<, >Rilsan-PE<, >VESTAMID-PE<.
- Texture: Semi-glossy, slightly flexible, visible layering in cross-section.
- ReplastMD practical test: Does not break when bent, behaves like a reinforced rubber hose. Flame: burns slowly with a vegetable oil (PA11) + paraffin (PE) scent.
🛠️ PA11+PE Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PA11+PE welding for fuel and vacuum lines, ensuring a clean, pressure-resistant, and flexible finish.