New Polyamide Additives Extend Heat Resistance to 3,000 Hours
The BYK-MAX HS stabilization systems provide enhanced thermal endurance for fibre-reinforced plastics in industrial applications.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Materials Science
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BYK has debuted two new additives, BYK-MAX HS 4316 and BYK-MAX HS 4317, designed to enhance the long-term thermal durability of polyamide compounds. The additives are now available for industrial use, having been introduced at the Fakuma 2026 trade fair.
Why it matters
These additives address critical material degradation challenges in automotive and industrial sectors by extending the operational lifespan of fibre-reinforced plastics at high temperatures. By stabilizing polyamide structures, they enable more reliable performance in heat-exposed environments.
The materials achieve heat-ageing resistance exceeding 3,000 hours at 150°C. This performance provides a quantifiable benchmark for stability in polyamide compounds compared to standard thermal protection systems.
The players
BYK
A global specialty chemical manufacturer specializing in additives and measuring instruments for the coatings, inks, and plastics industries.
The details
BYK-MAX HS 4316 functions as an organic stabiliser, while BYK-MAX HS 4317 utilizes an inorganic stabilisation system to protect polymer matrices. These additives work by mitigating oxidative degradation within the polyamide compound, a process that normally accelerates at high temperatures. By reinforcing the chemical bond structure against heat-induced breakdown, they allow fibre-reinforced plastics to maintain mechanical integrity over extended thermal exposure cycles.
Timeline
October 12-16, 2026: BYK unveiled the new additives at the Fakuma 2026 trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
The Tech Race
This development follows industry efforts to push polyamide durability past standard thermal limits observed in current engineering plastic applications. It marks a significant advancement in chemical stabilization technology compared to existing systems used in demanding high-heat environments.
Manufacturers utilizing fibre-reinforced polyamide compounds in high-temperature applications can now integrate these additives into their existing production workflows to improve thermal performance. The additives are ready for commercial implementation following their debut at the Fakuma 2026 trade fair.
The takeaway
These additives allow engineers to push the operational boundaries of heat-resistant plastics in critical industrial applications. Watch for updated technical data sheets from BYK to see how these stabilizers perform under specific industrial load conditions in upcoming quarters.
Further reading
For broader context on developments in polymer science, visit the Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Plasteurope.
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