PA11 and PA12 are both types of nylon, also known as polyamide 11 and polyamide 12.

They are both thermoplastic polymers, but their raw material sources, physical properties and prices are different.

First. Source of raw materials

PA11 is a bio-based polyamide whose main raw material is renewable resources such as castor oil. This makes PA11 have a 

prominent advantage in environmental protection, reducing the dependence on non-renewable oil resources, in line with 

the concept of sustainable development. But at the same time, its output is limited by castor oil and other raw materials, and 

the stability of supply is relatively weak.

The raw material of PA12 is mainly from the petrochemical product butadiene. Because of its dependence on oil, its supply is 

more affected by fluctuations in the oil market. In the context of the growing global demand for oil resources and frequent oil 

price fluctuations, the cost and supply stability of PA12 are also facing certain challenges.

Second, performance characteristics

1. Mechanical properties:

· Strength: the tensile strength and impact strength of PA11 are relatively high; The strength of PA12 is slightly weaker, but the 

toughness is better.

Wear resistance: Both have good wear resistance, but PA11 may be slightly better than PA12 in this respect.

2. Thermal performance:

· Melting point: the melting point of PA11 is high, generally at 186-190 ℃; The melting point of PA12 is relatively low, about 

178-180 ° C.

· Thermal stability: PA11 has good thermal stability under light and weather conditions; PA12 also performs well in terms of 

thermal stability, but is slightly inferior to PA11.

Low temperature performance: At low temperatures, the flexibility of PA11 is significantly stronger than that of PA12.

Third, processing performance

1. Molding difficulty: PA12 is relatively easier to process and form, its processing window is wider, the process parameters in 

the processing process are relatively easier to control, suitable for a variety of processing methods, such as injection molding, 

extrusion, etc.

2. Dimensional stability: PA12 performs better in terms of dimensional stability after processing, and the product size changes 

less, which can better meet the application needs of some high dimensional accuracy requirements.

Four. Application field

1. Automotive field:

PA11 is widely used in the automotive field. Because of its good oil resistance, high temperature resistance and impact resistance,

 it can be used to make automobile oil pipes, hoses, air pressure pipes and other fluid conveying parts. In addition, PA11 can also 

be used to make car circuit adapters, wipers, gasoline filters, dashboards, bumpers and other dozens of parts, which play an 

important role in automotive lightweight and performance improvement.

PA12 also has important applications in the automotive sector. It is often used in automotive fuel pipelines, some mechanical parts 

and so on. Due to its good flexibility and fuel permeability resistance, it is a more common material in automotive fuel pipelines.

 In addition, PA12 can also be used to make some automotive interior parts, such as dashboard covers, seat components, etc.

2. Electronic and electrical fields:

PA11 can be used to manufacture all kinds of connectors, high voltage break device connection rod, limit switch, thermal relay, 

change gear and other parts. It can also be used as a protective sheath for wire and cable to improve the reliability of the cable 

and extend its service life. Because PA11 has good insulation and flame retardant properties, it has advantages in terms of safety 

in the field of electronic appliances.

PA12 also has certain applications in the field of electronics and appliances. It can be used to make some small electronic and 

electrical parts, such as mobile phone shell, charger shell and so on. The good processing performance and appearance quality 

of PA12 make it competitive in these fields.

3. Military industry:

The military equipment made by PA11 can withstand moisture, drought, cold, heat, dust, sea or salty air, and various collisions. 

In the military field, PA11 can be used to make parts of weapons and equipment, protective equipment, etc., to provide reliable 

guarantee for military operations.

PA12 also has a certain application in the military industry, but it may be that in some scenarios with higher performance 

requirements, PA11 performs better.

4. 3D printing field:

The application of PA11 in 3D printing is gradually increasing. With its durability and flexibility, PA11 printed products with high 

strength and accuracy are suitable for some applications with high performance requirements, such as aerospace parts, medical 

devices, and so on.

PA12 is a more common 3D printing material with good dimensional stability and printing accuracy. It is suitable for making some 

complex shape models and parts, and is widely used in industrial design, education and other fields.

5. Pipeline field:

PA11 can be used for some special pipes with high material performance requirements, such as industrial pipes with high 

temperature resistance, high pressure resistance and corrosion resistance. PA11 pipeline has good sealing and reliability, and can 

meet the requirements of some special working conditions.

PA12 is suitable for common pipeline application scenarios, such as some small pipelines or pipelines with low temperature 

resistance and other performance requirements. Its flexibility and processability give it certain advantages in pipeline installation 

and maintenance.

6. Sports equipment field:

PA11 can be used in some sports equipment with high material performance requirements, such as high-end sports equipment 

components and protective equipment. The high strength and good impact resistance of PA11 can provide better protection for 

athletes.

Because of its good impact resistance and wear resistance, PA12 can be used to make some sports equipment, such as sports shoes 

and sports protective gear. Its lightness and comfort have also made it a certain concern in the field of sports equipment.

Fifth. Price

Due to the different raw material sources and production processes, there are certain differences in the price of PA11 and PA12. 

Generally speaking, the price of PA11 is relatively high. This is mainly due to the high cost of renewable resources such as castor 

oil and the relatively complex production process. The relatively low price of PA12 is mainly due to the fact that its raw materials 

come from petrochemical products, the supply is relatively adequate, and the production process is relatively mature.

In summary, PA11 and PA12 have certain differences in raw material sources, performance characteristics, application fields and 

prices. Both have their own characteristics and play an important role in different fields. In practical applications, appropriate 

materials should be selected according to the specific needs and use environment to give full play to their advantages.