Why Use Rilsan® (Nylon) Coatings?
Rilsan® (polyamide 11) is a leading high-performance nylon material produced by Arkema, often referred to as Nylon 11 or Nylon 12. Its excellent combination of mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties makes it ideal for critical applications.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Withstands many acids, bases, salts, and corrosive media in challenging environments. |
| Temperature Range | Operates from –60 °C up to +150 °C, with suitability for autoclave cycles in medical settings. |
| High Toughness & Impact/ Wear Resistance | Maintains strength and integrity under stress and mechanical loading. Smooth, durable surfaces that resist scuffing and friction over time. |
| Mechanical Flexibility / Creep Resistance | Adjusted formulations handle stress, flexing, and long-term load retention. |
| FDA / Biocompatibility (Where Required) | Available in formulations meeting regulatory and purity standards. |
| Machinability & Post-Processing | Can be shaved, trimmed, or machined to tight tolerances. |
| Variety & Aesthetics | Multiple colors and gloss levels (often 30–70 gloss) to suit appearance and performance goals. |
| Weatherability | Maintains integrity in harsh weather and climates. |
These strengths make Rilsan® (nylon) coatings an ideal choice when you need a multi-functional protective layer rather than just one property (e.g. chemical resistance or abrasion).
Supported Substrates & Compatibility
Rilsan® nylon coatings from AIC can be applied over a wide range of substrate materials:
- Metals: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum (various alloys), brass, copper, etc.
- Surface-treated or plated finishes: anodized aluminum, chromate treatments, plated surfaces
- Non-metals: composites, thermosets, thermoplastics, foams, and engineered polymers
Because of its adhesion characteristics, Rilsan® nylon coating is versatile across many base materials, enabling flexibility in design and material selection.
Typical Applications
Rilsan® / nylon coatings are found in a broad spectrum of industries and components. Key applications include:
- Medical & Biotech: forceps, paddles, catheter hubs, tubing fittings (coatings that can handle sterilization cycles)
- Automotive & Fuel Systems: lining fuel connectors, monowall fuel lines, brake line components
- Electronics & Semiconductor: wire coatings, cable insulation, precision component coatings
- Water & Fluid Handling: pump housings, impellers, piping, valves in potable or treated water systems
- Oil & Gas / Subsea: flexible pipe linings, umbilicals, connectors in demanding environments
- Industrial Components: rollers, conveyors, pulleys, racks, structural parts exposed to wear or corrosion
- General Manufacturing: any part needing unified protection from abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, or wear
If your application involves aggressive media, repeated cycling, or demands durability, Rilsan® nylon coatings may offer significant value.