#polyamides

How plastics grip metals at the atomic scale: Molecular insights pave way for better transportation materials

What makes some plastics stick to metal without any glue? Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have peered into the invisible adhesive zone that forms between certain plastics and metals—one atom at a time—to uncover how chemistry and molecular structure determine whether such bonds bend or break. Their insights clarify metal–plastic bonding mechanisms and offer guidelines for designing durable, lightweight, and more sustainable hybrid materials for use in transportation. Combining the strength of metal with the lightness and flexibility of plastic, polymer–metal hybrid structures are emerging as key elements for building lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The technology relies on bonding metals with plastics directly, without adhesives. The success of these hybrids, however, hinges on how well the two materials stick together.

Research team develops process for bio-based nylon

In T-shirts, stockings, shirts, and ropes—or as a component of parachutes and car tires—polyamides are used everywhere as synthetic fibers. At the end of the 1930s, the name Nylon was coined for such synthetic polyamides. Nylon-6 and Nylon-6.6 are two polyamides that account for around 95% of the global nylon market. Until now, they have been produced from fossil-based raw materials. However, this petrochemical process is harmful to the environment because it emits around 10% of the climate-damaging nitrous oxide (laughing gas) worldwide and requires a great deal of energy. "Our goal is to make the entire nylon production chain environmentally friendly. This is possible if we access bio-based waste as feedstock and make the synthesis process sustainable," says Dr. Falk Harnisch, head of the Electrobiotechnology working group at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ). The Leipzig researchers led by Falk Harnisch and Dr. Rohan Karande (University of Leipzig/Research and Transfer Center for bioactive Matter b-ACTmatter) have described how this can be achieved in an article published in Green Chemistry. For example, nylon consists of about 50% adipic acid, which has so far been industrially extracted from petroleum.

A Sustainable Alternative to Crude Oil: Bio-Based High-Performance Polyamide

The synthesis of bio-based high-performance polyamide from biogenic residues.

A research team from the Fraunhofer Society and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) led by chemist Volker Sieber has developed a new polyamide family which can be produced from a byproduct of cellulose production – a successful example for a more sustainable economy with bio-based materials.

Polyamides are important plastics. They can be found in ski bindings and in cars or items of clothing. Commercially, they have been made predominantly from crude oil up until now; there are just a few “green” alternatives, such as polyamides based on castor oil.

Bio-based compounds are often significantly more expensive to produce and have therefore only been able to penetrate the market before now if they have had particular properties.

A team led by Volker Sieber, Professor of the Chemistry of Biogenic Raw Materials at TU Munich, has now developed a completely new polyamide family which can be produced from a byproduct of cellulose production.

100 percent biobased, transparent, and thermally stable polyamide

The natural substance 3-carene is a component of turpentine oil, a waste stream of the production of cellulose from wood. Up to now, this by-product has been incinerated for the most part. Fraunhofer researchers are using new catalytic processes to convert 3-carene into building blocks for biobased plastics. The new polyamides are not only transparent, but also have a high thermal stability.

Plastics are a useful alternative to glass or metal for a wide range of applications. Polyamides play an important role in the manufacture of high-quality structural components, as they are not only impact- and abrasion-resistant, but also resistant to many chemicals and solvents. Today, polyamides are mainly produced from crude oil.

A sustainable alternative: monomers from wood waste

The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB is investigating a sustainable alternative for the production of new high-performance plastics from terpenes found in resin-rich wood. The natural substances are available from conifers such as pine, larch or spruce. In the production of pulp, in which wood is broken down to separate the cellulose fibers, the terpenes are isolated in large quantities as a by-product, turpentine oil.

Graphene laminated pipes could reduce corrosion in the oil and gas industry

Researchers at The University of Manchester and TWI have discovered ways of using graphene to prolong the lifetime of pipes used in the oil and gas industry.

Published in Advanced Materials Interfaces, the team have found a way of incorporating graphene into a polymer liner used in pipes that transport crude oil and gas from the sea floor.

The pipes are generally made of internal layers of polymer or composite and external strengthening steel. Within these pipes, fluids may be at very high pressure and elevated temperature.

In situations where carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and water permeate through the protective barrier layer of the pipe, the steel may corrode causing the pipe to lose strength over time, leading to a risk of catastrophic failure.

The researchers found that if the graphene was mechanically mixed with the plastic, or if a single layer of graphene were applied, gases were still able to pass through.

Polymers: Nylon

Polyamides are polymers that contain amide bonds, while aliphatic polyamides are those that do not contain stable rings of atoms (such as in benzene). While there are different forms of nylon, all of them are aliphatic polyamides - chains of atoms which contain the functional group that contains a nitrogen atom next to a carbon atom double bonded with oxygen.

Nylon is named based on the number of carbon atoms present in the monomers, and the two most common varieties are nylon 6 (with six carbons between each nitrogen) and nylon 6,6 (which is a copolymer, hence the separation between the numbers). Both varieties are shown in the bottom image above. 

These polymers are thermoplastics, semicrystalline, and capable of being made in the form of fibers, films, or solid objects. All forms of nylon are condensation polymers, composed of the combination of several molecules. Generally speaking, nylon is a strong material, elastic, and resistant to chemicals, with low friction properties and a relatively high melting temperature. Flame retardants are sometimes added, however, because nylon is flammable, and the properties in question vary based on the specific nylon composition. 

Because of its properties, nylon is often used as a substitute for low strength metals, in addition to its more well known applications, such as clothing, rope, or thread. 

High performance polyamides Market stand out as premium engineering thermoplastics, delivering superior heat resistance, mechanical toughness, and dimensional stability compared to conventional nylons. Types like PA 11, PA 12, PA 46, and PA 9T cater to rigorous demands in transportation, medical, and industrial sectors. This market report dissects global, regional, and country-level dynamics, with market sizes and forecasts in USD from 2025 to 2031. Stakeholders gain actionable insights into current status, leading players, trends, and untapped potential.

Segmentation Breakdown and Driving Forces

By type, PA 12 captures significant share thanks to its elasticity and hydrolysis resistance, ideal for fuel lines and cables. PA 11 shines in renewable applications, derived from castor oil for lower carbon footprints. PA 46 handles temperatures up to 280°C, suiting electronics, while PA 9T offers high crystallinity for metal replacement. End-use splits show transportation at 45% share, driven by electric vehicles; medical grows fastest with implants and catheters; industrial covers gears and bearings.

Growth stems from innovative applications expanding usage. Sustainability pushes bio-sourced and recyclable polyamides. Automotive evolution worldwide amplifies needs for lightweight parts, cutting emissions.

Regional Dynamics and Emerging Trends

Asia-Pacific commands over 40% market share, fueled by China's manufacturing boom, India's auto sector, and Japan's precision engineering. Europe prioritizes green chemistry in Germany and the UK, North America leverages aerospace in the US. Latin America and MEA emerge via infrastructure investments.

Trends spotlight 2025 sustainable breakthroughs, like polyamides in circular economies. Smart textiles embed polyamides for wearable tech. Aerospace demands ultralight composites for fuel savings.

Download PDF Copy- https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00009977 

Strategic Opportunities Ahead

Textiles transform with polyamides in performance activewear, blending comfort and strength. Eco-variants meet regulations, capturing premium pricing. Aviation redesigns with polyamides slash weight, enhancing efficiency.

Key Players

Arkema SA: Pioneers PA 11 for green mobility solutions.

BASF SE: Innovates PA 46 for heat-intensive industrial uses.

E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company: Leads PA 9T in high-modulus applications.

Evonik Industries AG: Excels in PA 12 for healthcare and additive manufacturing.

Kuraray Co., Ltd.: Advances specialty grades for Asia-focused growth.

Lanxess: Delivers durable polyamides for transportation safety.

Mitsui Chemicals: Targets electronics with custom formulations.

Royal DSM N.V.: Dominates with Stanyl PA 46 in engines.

SABIC: Expands in energy and sustainable plastics.

Solvay S.A.: Focuses on aerospace-grade high performers.

Rising demand from tech progress and consumer shifts intensifies competition, spurring innovation.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the high performance polyamides market eyes a strong CAGR above 7%, propelled by EV adoption, medtech miniaturization, and Industry 4.0. Bio-based shifts will dominate, with 30% market penetration. Geopolitical supply chains favor regional hubs like Asia-Pacific. Players investing in R&D for flame-retardant and conductive grades will lead, navigating raw material costs through partnerships. This positions the sector for resilient, value-driven expansion amid global decarbonization.

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Bio-Polyamide Specialty Polyamide and Precursors Market