NYLON | PA6

Nylon 6 or polycaprolactam is a semi-crystalline polyamide. Unlike most other nylons, nylon 6 is not a condensation polymer, but is formed by ring opening polymerization.

This makes it a special case in the comparison between condensation and addition polymers. Its competition with nylon 6,6 and the example it gave have also shaped the economic aspects of the synthetic fiber industry.

Nylon 6 fibers are strong and have high tensile strength, as well as elasticity and shine. They are wrinkle proof and highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals such as acids and alkalis. Fibers can absorb up to 2.4% of water, although this reduces tensile strength. The glass transition temperature of Nylon 6 is 47 ° C.

As a synthetic fiber, Nylon 6 is generally white but can be dyed in a solution bath before production to obtain different color results.

All nylons can be reinforced with glass fibers, glass beads and carbon fibers to improve their mechanical and thermal performance. Filled materials containing PTFE and molybdenum disulfide are available for bearing materials with adequately low friction and improved wear.

Nylon 6 is used in applications where toughness, lubricity and wear are important, such as sprockets.

Nylon fibers are used in textiles, fabrics and carpets. Nylon films are used for food packaging, which offer toughness and low gas permeability, and together with their temperature resistance, for food packaging to boil in the bag.

Molding and extrusion compounds find many applications as substitutes for metal parts, for example, in automobile engine components. Nylon intake manifolds are rugged, corrosion resistant, lighter and cheaper than aluminum (once tool costs are covered) and offer better air flow due to a soft internal hole instead of rough one.

Its self-lubricating properties make it useful for gears and bearings. Electrical insulation, corrosion resistance and toughness make nylon a good choice for high load parts in electrical applications such as insulators, switch boxes and ubiquitous cable clamps. Another important application is for power tool housings.