Driven by the global energy transition and the "dual carbon" goals, the electrification wave is sweeping across sectors like transportation, industry, and consumer electronics at an unprecedented pace. From electric vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles to power tools and smart home devices, electric propulsion is gradually replacing traditional fuel-powered vehicles. In this profound industrial transformation, advances in materials science have become a key cornerstone supporting the implementation of electrification technology. Among numerous engineering materials, polyamide 6 (PA6, commonly known as nylon 6) plastic is quietly becoming an indispensable "unsung hero" in electric products, thanks to its excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, electrical insulation, and lightweight advantages.
The Core of Lightweighting: Boosting Range
In the electric mobility sector, driving range remains a key concern for consumers. One of the most direct ways to improve range is to lightweight the entire vehicle. PA6 plastic, with its low density, high strength, and ability to be injection molded into complex structures, is an ideal choice for replacing metal components.
In electric vehicles, PA6 is widely used in key components such as battery pack brackets, motor end caps, electronic control unit housings, and cooling system piping. PA6's vibration and noise reduction properties also contribute to enhanced ride comfort.
In electric two-wheelers and electric scooters, PA6 is extensively used in structural components such as frame connectors, pedals, hubcaps, and instrument panels. Through structural optimization and material substitution, vehicle weight has been significantly reduced, directly improving energy efficiency and range.
A Guardian of Electrical Insulation and Safety
The core of electric devices is the high-voltage, high-current electrical system, which places extremely high demands on the material's electrical insulation properties. PA6 plastic exhibits excellent dielectric strength, volume resistivity, and arc resistance, ensuring stability in long-term high-voltage environments and preventing safety hazards such as leakage and short circuits.
Furthermore, by adding flame retardants, it meets the stringent flame-retardant material requirements for new energy vehicles. Even in extreme situations such as battery thermal runaway, flame-retardant PA6 effectively slows the spread of flame, buying passengers valuable time to escape.
A reliable barrier against high temperatures and chemical corrosion
Electric equipment often operates in extremely harsh environments. Motors and electronic control systems generate significant heat during operation, with local temperatures exceeding 100°C. Furthermore, the equipment is subject to corrosion from a variety of chemical media, including coolants, electrolytes, antifreeze, and lubricants.
PA6 plastic has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 60-80°C and a melting point between 215-225°C. With glass fiber reinforcement, its heat deflection temperature can be raised to over 200°C, fully meeting the heat resistance requirements of electric systems. The amide bonds in its molecular structure impart excellent oil and solvent resistance, providing long-term resistance to corrosion from engine oil, gear oil, and glycol-based coolants.
Inside electric motors, PA6 is used to manufacture components such as winding end insulation, slot wedges, and commutator segments. It not only withstands high temperatures but also effectively isolates the electric field and prevents inter-turn short circuits. In battery cooling systems, PA6 piping and connectors withstand long-term contact with glycol-water solutions, preventing aging or embrittlement and ensuring the cooling system's tightness and stability.
Intelligent and Integrated Structural Support
With the deep integration of electrification and intelligence, the degree of electronicization in vehicles and equipment is increasing, and the number of sensors, actuators, and control modules is growing exponentially. These precision electronic components require lightweight, high-strength, and easily machined structural components for securing, protecting, and integrating them.
PA6 plastic's excellent flowability and dimensional stability make it ideal for manufacturing high-precision, thin-walled, and complex injection molded parts. For example, in autonomous driving systems, PA6 is used to manufacture lidar brackets, camera housings, and millimeter-wave radar covers, providing sufficient mechanical support without interfering with signal transmission.
In power tools, PA6 is used to manufacture components such as gearboxes, housings, and handles, not only reducing overall weight but also enabling compact integration of motors, transmission systems, and batteries through structural optimization, improving product ergonomics.
A Practitioner of Sustainability and the Circular Economy
The ultimate goal of electrification is to achieve green and low-carbon development. PA6 plastic also demonstrates significant potential for sustainable development. First, its lightweight properties directly reduce energy consumption during operation, reducing carbon emissions. Secondly, PA6 is recyclable and can be regenerated into high-performance materials through physical or chemical methods, extending its lifecycle.
In the wave of electrification, batteries, motors, and electronic controls—referred to as the "three-electric system"—have captured public attention. However, it is fundamental materials like PA6 plastic that silently underpin the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the entire system. While it may not directly generate power, it pervasively optimizes structure, enhances performance, and ensures safety.
From lightweight vehicle bodies to high-voltage electrical connections, from heat-resistant insulation to intelligent integration, PA6 plastic, with its comprehensive performance advantages and mature industrial ecosystem, has become one of the most trusted engineering materials in the electrification era. As electrification continues to advance, the application scenarios of PA6 plastic will expand, and its technology will continue to evolve.