Polyamides are partially crystalline plastics which offer an ideal combination of properties especially for technical applications. They combine a high mechanical strength and stiffness with good electrical insulation properties, a high resistance to heat and chemicals, low friction, good emergency running properties, wear resistance and the attenuation of noise and vibration, plus outstanding ease of processing.

Depending on the particular material and grade concerned, polyamides absorb moisture from the environment on a reversible basis. This has the same effect as a plasticizer, i.e. the tensile strain at break and toughness increase while the strength and stiffness are reduced.