Nylon 6,6 and scratch resistance

[LeMarrB]

I'm working on a product that can withstand temps of 350-400 degrees, and is also scratch-resistant. We've tested several different plastics, and the one we like for our purpose is Nylon 6,6. Is there anyway to make this virtually scratch-free? The prototype we are currently working with scratches EASILY. We were looking at kitchen spatulas of all things, and found one that was made from Nylon 6,6. It didn't scratch at all, and it had almost a metallic appearance. Was this a coating? If so, what might the coating be?

Are we working with the right plastic (It needs to be able to withstand temps of 350-400 degrees)?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

 

[Demon3]

There are two routes to scratch resistance.

1. Make the material significantly harder than what you are scratching it with (obvious and over-rated in many cases)

2. Make it elastomeric / rubbery. That's why all PVC flooring is covered with a polyurethane wear layer to prevent it from wearing out from heavy wear.

Also don't forget that the customers don't care about scratches as much as about the appearance of scratches so concentrate more on that than measuring the scratches themselves.

Chris DeArmitt

http://www.phantomplastics.com

Consulting to the plastics industry

 

[Pud]

What were you scratching it with?

Glass filled PA6.6 will be more "scratch resistant" depending on what your "scratch" media is - due to the glass.

As Demon noted, appearance is all - hence years ago hand tool handles and pocket knife handles were made from cellulosic materials which were self-polishing with use.

I have a kitchen spatula (and several other stuff) made in PA6.6 and guess what?: I always use the olive wood ones! (The potato masher/creamer is OK though)

Cheers

Harry

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[LeMarrB]

Thanks to both of you for your input. We are going to try adding 30% glass to Nylon 6. I hope this gives us the appearance we want. By the way, the 6,6 sample we had scratched easily with a finger nail. Could this be because we are lightly sandblasting the mold? We do this to eliminate some of the shine.

 

[Pud]

we are lightly sandblasting the mold? We do this to eliminate some of the shine.

Yes. A polished or medium sparked finish is much better. You are not "scratching" it with your fingernail - you are flattening the microscopic peaks on the finish. Even a rough "commercial" polish will be better.

Cheers

Harry

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk