Related Information

Before measuring PA12 samples with the VM-E01, you may also want to know:

Common Questions About PA12 and Plastics

WKT-A9 Karl Fischer Trace Moisture Analyzer Coulometric

Reference Value Determination

The PA12 reference moisture value was determined with the VicoMeter WKT-A9 Karl Fischer moisture analyzer and WKT-V2 Karl Fischer oven; released moisture is carried by dry nitrogen into the electrolytic cell.

Recommended Settings for Plastics Industry Samples

If you have no reference method for plastics samples on the VM-E01, VicoMeter recommends these settings from experimental experience:

• Heating mode: Standard

• Shutoff mode: Automatic (1 mg/140 s)

• Sample size: 30 g

• Resolution: High (0.1 mg/0.0001 g)

• Warm-up: standby, 100°C; at standby temperature, preheat the empty pan for 1 minute, then tare.

Selecting the Drying Temperature

Figure 1: Same Sample Heated at Different Temperatures

(Click image to enlarge)

Choose a drying temperature matching the Karl Fischer reference value. Melting or marked color change means the temperature is too high. Some samples inevitably discolor when heated (polyamide unavoidably turns brown).

Figure 1 compares samples after two heating runs. Left: correct temperature — no melting or discoloration. Right: the sample browned, so the temperature was too high.

Plastic Sample Handling

Measure samples promptly. Otherwise, fill the container completely (use a smaller one if needed) and seal it to minimize air and prevent moisture uptake during storage.

Operating Steps for PA12 (Polyamide 12) Samples

Place the VM-E01 in a suitable spot, warm up 30 min, level it (bubble centered), and perform weighing and temperature calibration. Then measure PA12 samples (installation, environment, warm-up, calibration: seePreparation Before Formal Measurement with a Halogen Moisture Analyzeras discussed in that article; click the link to learn more.).

Tare Sample Pan

1. Place the empty pan on the center holder, preheat 1 min at 135°C standby, press tare to zero.

Add Sample

2. Quickly spread about 30 g of PA12 sample evenly on the pan; wait for a stable reading.

One-Touch Start

3. Press start; the PA12 moisture result appears within minutes.

Test Data

VM-E01 Halogen Moisture Analyzer（0.1mg/0.0001g）

VM-E01 Settings Reference

• Heating mode: Standard

• Heating Temperature: 135°C

• Shutoff mode: Automatic (1 mg/140 s)

• Sample size: 30 g

• Resolution: High (0.1 mg/0.0001 g)

• Warm-up: standby, 100°C; at standby temperature, preheat the empty pan for 1 minute, then tare.

Sample Information

• Sample Description: PA12, black, 50% glass-fiber reinforced, good thermal stability and chemical resistance, UV-resistant.

• Typical Maximum Allowable Moisture Content [%]: 0.1

• Hygroscopicity (23°C/50% rH) [%]: 0.4

Moisture Chart for PA12 Samples Before and After Drying

Chart Notes

Moisture Data for PA12 Samples Before and After Drying

Sample-Specific Test Notes

Maximum allowable moisture for pellet processing must always follow supplier specifications. Values here are typical only and may not suit your material or process.

These drying parameters were obtained on common plastics and do not cover all grades or colors; optimizing them may be needed for best results on a specific material.

Dr. Wei's Classroom

PA12 (polylauryllactam, nylon 12) is polymerized from petrochemical butadiene; a semi-crystalline to crystalline thermoplastic.

Similar to PA11 but with a different crystal structure, PA12 is an excellent electrical insulator unaffected by moisture, with very good impact resistance and chemical stability and many modified grades. Versus PA6/PA66: lower melting point and density, very high moisture regain; no resistance to strong oxidizing acids. Viscosity depends on humidity, temperature, and storage time; very good flow; shrinkage 0.5%–2%. Typical uses: water meters and commercial equipment, cable jackets, cams, sliding mechanisms, photovoltaic backsheets, bearings.

Polyamide (PA, Nylon) denotes polymers whose repeat units contain amide groups — the largest-output, most varied, most widely used of the five major engineering plastics. Main types: nylon 6, 66, 11, 12, 610, 612, 46, 1010; nylon 6 and 66 exceed 90% of output. Nylon 11/12 offer low-temperature toughness; nylon 46 excels in heat resistance; castor-oil-based nylon 1010 is unique to China.

Typical Applications

Water meters and commercial equipment, cable jackets, cams, sliding mechanisms, photovoltaic backsheets, bearings

Chemical and Physical Properties

PA12 is a linear semi-crystalline to crystalline thermoplastic from butadiene, similar to PA11 but with a different crystal structure. An excellent insulator unaffected by moisture, with very good impact resistance and chemical stability and many modified grades. Versus PA6/PA66: lower melting point and density, very high moisture regain; no resistance to strong oxidizing acids. Viscosity depends on humidity, temperature, storage time; very good flow; shrinkage 0.5%–2% by grade, wall thickness, processing.