The importance of polymers in the modern world is steadily increasing. However, with all the variety of valuable properties polymers have disadvantages, one of which is a partial or complete loss of performance at low temperatures, i.e. limited frost resistance.
The importance of polymers in the modern world is steadily increasing. However, with all the variety of valuable properties polymers have disadvantages, one of which is a partial or complete loss of performance at low temperatures, i.e. limited frost resistance.

Freeze-thaw resistance is the ability of polymer to retain performance at low temperatures. Quantitatively it is characterized either by the coefficient which is determined as a ratio of values of some parameter at reduced and normal temperatures (for example, ratio of sample deformation under the same load or ratio of loads required to produce the same deformation), or value of minimum temperature at which the required value of some parameter is within acceptable limits. For example, it may be the temperature at which more than 50% of identical samples do not collapse or the film rolled on the rod of a certain diameter does not collapse and does not crack, etc.

In turn, it is necessary to distinguish between technical and theoretical cold resistance. Technical cold resistance should be called the ability of polymeric materials under exposure to low temperatures for a certain period of time to maintain operational properties, namely, to develop the specified values of deformation, or to resist the destruction. Theoretical cold resistance is the lower temperature limit of the beginning of segmental mobility of macromolecular chains, when extremely small relaxation processes occur in the polymer at the given speeds of exposure and the value of deforming forces that prevent the destruction of polymer samples. That is why the frost resistance of polymeric material is often more important than the frost resistance of the product made of it.

When the temperature decreases, not only the mechanical but also dielectric, relaxation and other properties of polymers change significantly, which may also limit the use of polymeric materials at low temperatures. Frost-resistant polymeric materials, which can be used at minimum winter temperatures typical of the territory of Russia: from -40 to -60°C, are referred to.

Today there are many kinds of construction and engineering polymers. They are distinguished by the fact that they are used for manufacture of parts which bear sufficiently high thermal and mechanical loads and have high electrical insulating indices. Such types of polymers include polyamide.

Our company "Ar-bel" sells a range of polyamides for various purposes. In this list you can find frost-resistant polyamide, which is used in various spheres of production.