Superior Strength and Wear Resistance for Extreme Conditions
Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) is the highest performing, melt-processable thermoplastic. The amorphous polymer has exceptional resistance to wear, creep and chemicals and performs well under severe service conditions up to 260°C (500°F). Torlon® PAI also has superior electrical and structural characteristics at high temperatures, an extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and exceptional dimensional stability. Typical applications include non-lubricating bearings, seals, valves, compressors, and piston parts, bearing cages, bushings, and thrust washers.
Why Torlon® PAI?
- Unsurpassed wear resistance in dry and lubricated environments
- Maintains strength and stiffness up to 260°C (500°F)
- Very low-temperature toughness and impact strength
- Excellent resistance to wear and creep under load
- Resistant to most chemicals, including strong acids and most organics
- Excellent compressive strength and extremely low CLTE
- Low flammability and smoke generation
Learn more about Torlon® PAI properties
Market Applications
Parts made from Torlon® PAI polymers perform under conditions generally considered too severe for thermoplastics. Typical applications include aircraft hardware and fasteners, automotive transmission and powertrain components, and oil & gas exploration and recovery equipment. The material’s excellent electrical insulating properties have made it a common choice for semiconductor fabrication and testing as well as electrical and electronic components.
Amide-imide (AI) powders are widely used in high-performance, non-stick, and corrosion-resistant coatings for a variety of other demanding industrial uses.
Check out all Torlon® PAI applications
Torlon® PAI Product Line
Torlon® PAI products fall into two main categories: wear-resistant grades and high strength grades. Extrusion and compression molding are used to produce stock shapes for machining and low-volume production. Amide-imide (AI) powders are also available.
Wear-resistant grades offer tailored combinations of mechanical and tribological properties, along with excellent chemical resistance and high thermal stability. This accounts for Torlon® PAI’s broad acceptance in replacing metal over a wide range of temperature and PV conditions, even when lubrication is marginal or non-existent.
High-strength grades exhibit metal-like performance at elevated temperature and are routinely specified for precision components used in repetitive-use, load-bearing operations. Glass-fiber and carbon-fiber-filled grades retain their strength and stiffness at high temperature, with the added benefit of low creep and excellent fatigue resistance.
Amide-imide (AI) powders are used to manufacture high-temperature adhesives, non-stick coating primers, composite matrices, coatings and films.
| Wear Resistance Grades | High Strength Grades | ||
| 4301 | General purpose wear resistance | 4203L* | Unfilled, highest impact strength, good electrical properties |
| 4275 | Good wear resistance at high velocities | 5030 | 30% glass fiber, high strength and rigidity, very low creep |
| 4630 | Excellent wear resistance in dry environments | 7130 | 30% carbon fiber, highest stiffness, best fatigue resistance, electrically conductive |
| 4435 | Good wear resistance at high velocities and high pressures | ||
| 4645 | Excellent wear resistance in lubricated environments |
*4203 has equivalent properties to 4203L
Comparison of Torlon® PAI polymers
Find Torlon® PAI grades, technical data sheets, SDS and more
Find Torlon® PAI products by chemistry, market, application, etc.
