PAI
The Metal Alternative for
High-Temperature Extremes
It maintains excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability under
high pressure and continuous temperatures up to 260°C.
260°C
Metal-grade
Wear Resistance
Temperature Resistance
Rigidity
Unrivaled
Core Material Advantages
The highest-performance thermoplastic that can be melt-processed
260°C
It can operate continuously at temperatures up to 260°C and maintain mechanical integrity under extreme heat loads.
Rigidity
It surpasses the rigidity of ordinary engineering plastics, and its modulus performance is close to that of lightweight metal alloys.
Wear Resistance
Extremely low wear rate, exhibiting excellent lifespan even in high-speed friction environments without lubrication.
Stability
Extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CLTE) ensures dimensional stability of precision parts.
Insulation
Its excellent dielectric strength makes it an ideal choice for high-temperature semiconductor test sockets.
PAI Properties and Key Characteristics
| Performance Metric | Peak Performance |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.41–1.42 g/cm³ (GF30% Reinforced) |
| Tensile Strength | 100–200 MPa (RT), >100 MPa @ 260°C |
| Continuous Service Temp | 260°C (Short-term 300°C) |
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | 280°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | 280–300°C |
| Wear Resistance | Wear Rate < 10⁻⁵ mm³/N·m (Superior to PEEK) |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to acids/bases, fuels, solvents (excl. conc. H₂SO₄) |
| Flame Retardancy | UL94 V-0, Low Smoke |
| Dimensional Stability | CTE 20–30 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (Near Metal) |
| Water Absorption | <0.3% |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Metal-replacement performance at 260°C | Extremely high cost (>150 USD/kg) |
| Ultra-high wear resistance + Self-lubricating | Requires high processing temp (320–380°C) + Post-curing |
| Excellent dimensional stability + Creep resistance | Poor flowability (Requires specialized equipment) |
| Radiation resistance + Chemical stability | Not resistant to concentrated sulfuric acid |
| Electrical insulation + Flame retardant (UL94 V-0) | Limited color options (Natural/Black) |
| Trend | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Aerospace/Automotive Lightweighting | Metal replacement, 50%+ weight reduction |
| EV High-Voltage Components | Surge in insulation + heat resistance demands |
| Semiconductor Localization | High-purity PAI test fixtures |
| Sustainable PAI | Recycling pilots, Circular economy |
| 3D Printing PAI | Aerospace prototypes |
| Material | Continuous Temp (°C) | Strength @ 260°C (MPa) | Wear Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAI | 260 | >100 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| PEEK | 250 | 70–100 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| PEI | 170 | <50 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| PPS | 200 | 50–80 | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Industry Applications
Fasteners, bushings, and nozzle components.
Drivetrain thrust washers and seal rings.
IC test sockets and plasma chamber components.
Deep-sea drill bits and high-temperature labyrinth seals.
Wear-resistant bushings and non-lubricated (oil-free) gears.
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