Polyphthalamide replaces aluminum in fuel-air rail

A grade of Amodel polyphthalamide (PPA) from Solvay Advanced Polymers has replaced aluminum in the fuel-air rail of a system developed by Synerject for European motor scooters.

Heat resistance was a major consideration in the selection of the Amodel PPA, because of the fuel rail’s proximity to the cylinder head, whose operating temperature can be as high as 160C. Amodel AS-1133 HS offered Synerject engineers superior heat resistance, with continuous use temperatures of 185C for 5,000 hours, and 165C for 20,000 hours.

Injection molding the part reduced its cost compared with machining it from aluminum, and achieved some weight savings as well.

Amodel AS-1133 HS is a glass-reinforced, heat-stabilized material. According to Solvay, it outperforms conventional nylons in both its resistance to heat and resistance to swelling caused by absorption of moisture or fuel.

Solvay Advanced Polymers 770-772-8200