Material Compatibility Report: PA12-CF
Project: Fluid System Component Validation
Environment: Jet A-1 Fuel & Mineral-Based Hydraulic Fluids
Material: Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber (35% CF by weight)
1. Executive Summary
Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber (PA12-CF) demonstrates Excellent compatibility with Jet A-1 fuel and common hydraulic fluids (e.g., MIL-H-5606, Skydrol). Unlike standard polyamides (Nylon 6/66), the PA12 matrix is highly resistant to hydrocarbon-induced swelling and hydrolysis. The addition of carbon fiber further enhances dimensional stability by providing a rigid internal skeleton that resists the minor volume changes typical of polymer exposure to saturated fluids.
| Fluid Type | Compatibility | Observations |
| Jet A-1 / Kerosene | Excellent | No significant change in mass or tensile properties after long-term immersion. |
| Mineral Hydraulic Oil | Excellent | Inert; serves as a protective barrier against oxidative degradation. |
| Skydrol (Phosphate Ester) | Good/Excellent | Highly resistant to stress-cracking compared to amorphous plastics (PC/ABS). |
| Brake Fluids (DOT 4/5) | Excellent | Compatible with glycol and silicone-based systems. |
3. Physical Property Retention
When exposed to Jet Fuel at ambient temperatures (23°C), PA12-CF typically retains:
- Tensile Strength: >98% of original value.
- Dimensional Change: <0.2% (swelling).
- Mass Increase: <0.5% (saturation limit).
Critical Note on Moisture: PA12-CF has a moisture absorption rate significantly lower than standard Nylon. This ensures that the part maintains its “as-printed” tolerances even in the high-humidity environments typical of Brisbane and coastal aerospace operations.
4. Engineering Safety Factors
For industrial components in fluid environments, we recommend the following safety factors (Sf) to ensure long-term structural integrity:
Static Load Applications (Sf:2.0−2.5)
For brackets and housings where loads are constant and fluid exposure is intermittent or continuous at temperatures below 80°C.
Dynamic / Pressurized Applications (Sf:3.0−4.0)
For components subject to vibration, pressure cycling, or fluid temperatures exceeding 100°C. This higher factor accounts for potential “creep” and fatigue over the life of the component.
5. Implementation Recommendations
- Fiber Orientation: To maximize resistance to fluid pressure, orient the part so that the carbon fiber “grain” (the toolpath) is perpendicular to the primary stress vector.
- Seal Surfaces: For fluid-tight interfaces, use a high-nitrile (Buna-N) or Viton O-ring. While the PA12-CF is resistant, the 3D-printed surface texture requires a secondary seal to prevent “weeping” between layers under high pressure.
- Avoid Oxidizing Acids: Ensure the system is not flushed with aggressive acidic cleaners, which will degrade the polymer matrix.
Authorized by: Partmade3D Engineering Team
Precision Additive Manufacturing | Brisbane, QLD