Zytel 101L: specs and equivalent grades
Celanese polyamide 66 (nylon 66), unreinforced, lubricated. Published data, grades from other producers to ask about, and how to request a quote from one gaylord.
Updated October 2026
Request a QuoteThe short answer
Zytel 101L NC010 is Celanese's polyamide 66 (nylon 66), unreinforced, lubricated, sold for injection molding. Celanese does not publish a melt flow rate for Zytel 101L NC010; like most nylons, it is specified by viscosity number instead (150 cm³/g, ISO 307, 96% sulfuric acid). Density is 1.14 g/cm³ (1,140 kg/m³, ISO 1183). Grades from other producers to ask about include Vydyne 21SPC and Ultramid A3K. They are not identical, so compare the data sheets and run a trial before switching.
Zytel 101L specs from the data sheet
Typical values from Celanese's published data sheet. Typical values are not specifications; the lot COA shows what you actually receive. Values only compare at the same test method and condition.
| Property | Value | Test method or note |
|---|---|---|
| Producer (brand owner) | Celanese | Data sheet |
| Polymer | Polyamide 66 (nylon 66), unreinforced, lubricated | |
| Process | Injection molding | |
| Melt flow / viscosity | Not published (viscosity number 150 cm³/g) | ISO 307, 96% sulfuric acid |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ (1,140 kg/m³, ISO 1183) | |
| Tensile modulus (dry / conditioned) | 3,100 / 1,400 MPa (450,000 / 203,000 psi) | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Yield stress, 50 mm/min (dry / conditioned) | 82 / 55 MPa (11,900 / 7,980 psi) | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Flexural modulus (dry / conditioned) | 2,800 / 1,200 MPa (406,000 / 174,000 psi) | ISO 178 |
| Charpy notched impact, 23°C / 73°F (dry / conditioned) | 5.5 / 15 kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
| HDT at 0.45 MPa / 66 psi (dry) | 190°C / 374°F | ISO 75-1/-2 |
| Melting temperature | 262°C / 504°F | ISO 11357-1/-3 |
| Flammability | UL 94 V-2 at 0.71 mm and 1.5 mm | UL 94 |
| Additives | Lubricated; release agent (mold release) |
Source data sheets are listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm against the current sheet for your exact grade code and color.
Grades to ask about instead of Zytel 101L
These grades from other producers have similar published specs. None is a drop-in replacement: additive packages, flow at molding shear rates, color and approvals differ. If your part, drawing or customer approval names Zytel 101L, any change needs your approval and usually a trial.
| Grade | Producer | Melt flow | Density | Key property | How it compares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vydyne 21SPC | Ascend Performance Materials | Not published (Ascend gives no viscosity number) | 1.14 g/cm³ (ISO 1183) | Flexural modulus 421,000 psi (about 2,900 MPa) dry, ISO 178; tensile modulus 406,000 psi (about 2,800 MPa) dry, ISO 527 | Unfilled, internally and externally lubricated general purpose PA66 for injection molding. Ascend's sheet lists FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 and NSF STD-51 among agency ratings (ask Ascend for a compliance letter). Ascend gives no viscosity number, so compare viscosity on the sheets you receive. |
| Ultramid A3K | BASF | MVR 120 cm³/10 min at 275°C / 527°F, 5 kg (ISO 1133); viscosity number 150 cm³/g (ISO 307, 96% sulfuric acid) | 1.13 g/cm³ (ISO 1183) | Tensile modulus 3,000 / 1,100 MPa (435,000 / 160,000 psi) dry / conditioned, ISO 527; flexural modulus 2,900 MPa (421,000 psi) dry, ISO 178; HDT at 0.45 MPa 220°C / 428°F | Partial match. Unfilled PA66 for injection molding with the same viscosity number as Zytel 101L; BASF calls it easy flowing for fast processing (bearings, gear wheels). BASF's sheet does not state a lubricant or release agent, and it is the Asia Pacific/Europe version, so confirm the North American code and additive package. |
From each producer's published data. Brand owners and grade names change; confirm on the current data sheet.
Typical uses for Zytel 101L
From Celanese's data sheet and published listings:
- Celanese describes 101L only as a lubricated PA66 for injection molding; the Zytel family is listed for automotive, furniture, domestic appliance, sporting goods and construction parts
- Automotive specifications listed on the Prospector copy include ASTM D4066 PA0111, Ford WSK-M4D647-A and GM GMP.PA66.005
What to check before you switch
- Nylon 66 is specified by viscosity number or relative viscosity, not MFR; compare viscosity and the lubricant package, not melt flow.
- Mechanical values drop sharply after moisture conditioning (tensile modulus 3,100 MPa dry vs 1,400 MPa conditioned); compare dry-to-dry.
- 101L contains a release agent; unlubricated PA66 grades will mold and eject differently.
- No food-contact statement on the Celanese sheet we opened; ask Celanese for a regulatory letter if needed.
- Entec's listing for 101L NC010 carries the note 'E = European production' and also lists a US SDS; confirm the production site and lot origin on North American orders.
- Ultramid A3K values come from BASF's Asia Pacific/Europe product information (09/2026). Unfilled PA66 grades from Domo (Technyl) and RadiciGroup (Radilon) were not checked because no openable data sheet was found in this pass.
- Brand owner shown as Celanese on the current data sheet and distributor listings; confirm the producer name on the sheet you receive.
- Compare viscosity number (or MVR), density and impact only at the same test condition and method (ASTM vs. ISO results differ).
- Ask for the producer's food-contact or regulatory letter for the exact grade if the part needs one.
- Run a trial lot and check shrinkage, cycle time and appearance before you switch production.
Buying Zytel 101L or an equivalent
Send us the grade name, your annual volume and ship-to location. A polymer chemist checks the data sheet and we quote Zytel 101L where we can source it, or a qualified equivalent, saying clearly which one you would get. Orders start at one gaylord. For background on this resin family see Nylon grades and buying guide; for several grades at once, use the resin RFQ template.
Trade names belong to their owners. ResinBridge is not affiliated with these producers; grade names are used only to identify the material. Data reflects published sheets as of October 2026.
Sources
- quickparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zytel%C2%AE-101l-nc010-gb.pdf
- Protolabs.com/media/tcebrq5j/zytel-101l.pdf
- entecpolymers.com/es-MX/productos/103697-zytel-101l-nc010
- download.basf.com/p1/8a8082587fd4b608017fd64108ab6d3b/en/ULTRAMID%3Csup%3E%C2%AE%3Csup%3E_
Common questions
What is Zytel 101L?
Zytel 101L NC010 is Celanese's polyamide 66 (nylon 66), unreinforced, lubricated, sold for injection molding.
What is the melt flow of Zytel 101L?
Celanese does not publish a melt flow rate (MFR) for Zytel 101L. Nylon is specified by viscosity instead: the data sheet gives a viscosity number of 150 cm³/g (ISO 307, 96% sulfuric acid). Compare viscosity number, not MFR, when cross-referencing.
What is equivalent to Zytel 101L?
Grades from other producers to ask about include Vydyne 21SPC and Ultramid A3K. None is identical; compare data sheets and run a trial, and get approval if your part names Zytel 101L.
Is Zytel 101L food-contact compliant?
Celanese's data sheet does not state food-contact status for this grade; ask for the producer's regulatory letter for the exact grade.
Can ResinBridge quote Zytel 101L?
Yes. Send the grade name and volume. A polymer chemist checks it and we quote the grade where we can source it, or a qualified equivalent, and say which one. Orders start at one gaylord; U.S. and Canada only.
If your grade is not listed, tell us what you run. We source commodity, engineering and specialty resins.
Need Zytel 101L or an equivalent?
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province
Quote Zytel 101L or a qualified equivalent
A polymer chemist checks the data sheet and tells you exactly what you would get before you order.
Request a QuoteNot sure which grade fits your part?
Send the grade you run now, or describe the part. A polymer chemist reviews every request.