NYLON 6
Nylon 6 is a versatile synthetic polymer formed through the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, resulting in a high-performance material with excellent mechanical properties such as strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion.
Nylon 6's lightweight and impact-resistant nature make Nylon 6 ideal for use in engineering plastics for automotive parts, electrical components, and industrial machinery.
Nylon 6 is a semicrystalline polyamide widely used in textiles, engineering plastics, and films due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to harsh conditions.
CAS Number: 25038-54-4
EC Number: 246-115-1
Molecular Formula: [-NH(CH2)5CO-]n
Molar Mass: 115.174
Synonyms: Nylon 6, Polyamide 6 (PA6), Perlon (Germany), Capron (Former Soviet Union, satellite states), Dederon (Former East Germany), Nylatron, Ultramid, Akulon, Rugopa (Turkey), Durethan, Grilon, Radilon, Trogamid, Vestamid, Platalon, Monylon, Promyde, Enytec, Zytel, Rilsan, Leona, Selar, Technyl, Nurel, Ultramid C, Amilan, Orgasol, Nurelon, Fibrilon, Durafide, Makrofol, Altech, Greenamide, Hycaton, Tecamid, Nylotec, Starflon, Tarnamid, Polifil, Makamid, Lubramid, Nylomold, Protex, Zeuslon, Capronco, Ultranyl, Darnel, Chemosyl, Nerlon, Camslon
Nylon 6 is a versatile synthetic polymer synthesized from caprolactam.
Nylon 6 is formed through the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, a cyclic amide.
The polymerization process involves the breaking of the lactam ring and the subsequent linking of the monomer units to form long chains.
This results in a high-performance polymer with excellent mechanical properties, including strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion.
Nylon 6 is widely used in a variety of applications due to its favorable characteristics.
In the textile industry, Nylon 6 is spun into fibers that are used in clothing, carpets, and upholstery, valued for their durability and resilience.
Nylon 6's impact-resistant and lightweight nature also makes it suitable for engineering plastics used in automotive parts, electrical components, and industrial machinery.
Additionally, Nylon 6 is employed in producing films and coatings, offering excellent barrier properties for packaging materials.
Nylon 6's ability to withstand harsh conditions and its inherent flexibility have made it a staple material in many sectors, including consumer goods, industrial applications, and high-performance engineering.
The widespread use of Nylon 6 underscores its importance as a fundamental material in modern manufacturing and technology.
Nylon 6 is a polymer, in particular semicrystalline polyamide.
Nylon 6 is not a condensation polymer, but instead is formed by ring-opening polymerization; this makes it a special case in the comparison between condensation and addition polymers.
Nylon 6's competition with nylon 66 and the example it set have also shaped the economics of the synthetic fibre industry.
Nylon 6 is sold under numerous trade names including Perlon (Germany), Dederon (former East Germany), Nylatron, Capron, Ultramid, Akulon, Kapron (former Soviet Union and satellite states), Rugopa (Turkey) and Durethan.
Caprolactum has been grafted onto polyethyleneimine.
The mechanical properties of the resulting Nylon 6 polyethyleneimine graft copolymers were studied as a function of the number average molecular weight in the Nylon 6 side chain and compared to those of linear nylon 6.
Market Overview of Nylon 6:
The Nylon 6 Market size is expected to develop revenue and exponential market growth at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period from 2023–2030.
The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for Nylon 6 owning to the Automotive, Machinery, Electronic Appliances, Chemical Building Materials, Others Applications across the global level.
The report provides insights regarding the lucrative opportunities in the Nylon 6 Market at the country level.
The report also includes a precise cost, segments, trends, region, and commercial development of the major key players globally for the projected period.
The Nylon 6 Market report represents gathered information about a market within an industry or various industries.
The Nylon 6 Market report includes analysis in terms of both quantitative and qualitative data with a forecast period of the report extending from 2023 to 2030.
The report is prepared to take into consideration various factors such as Product pricing, Product or services penetration at both country and regional levels, Country GDP, market dynamics of parent market & child markets, End application industries, major players, consumer buying behavior, economic, political, social scenarios of countries, many others.
The report is divided into various segments to offer a detailed analysis of the market from every possible aspect of the market.
The overall report focuses on primary sections such as – market segments, market outlook, competitive landscape, and company profiles.
The segments provide details in terms of various perspectives such as end-use industry, product or service type, and any other relevant segmentation as per the market’s current scenario which includes various aspects to perform further marketing activity.
The market outlook section gives a detailed analysis of market evolution, growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, Porter’s 5 Force’s Framework, macroeconomic analysis, value chain analysis and pricing analysis that directly shape the market at present and over the forecasted period.
The drivers and restraints cover the internal factors of the market whereas opportunities and challenges are the external factors that are affecting the market.
The market outlook section also gives an indication of the trends influencing new business development and investment opportunities.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
A segmentation analysis in the Nylon 6 market involves dividing the market into distinct groups based on common characteristics, such as type and application.
This allows businesses to tailor their marketing strategies and products to specific customer needs and preferences.
Market By Type:
Virgin Nylon 6:
This segment comprises Nylon 6 produced directly from caprolactam without any recycled material.
Nylon 6 offers high purity and consistent performance, making it suitable for various applications.
Recycled Nylon 6:
This segment includes Nylon 6 derived from post-consumer or post-industrial waste.
Nylon 6 provides environmental benefits and cost savings, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and industries.
Blended Nylon 6:
Blended Nylon 6 involves mixing virgin and recycled nylon 6 materials to achieve specific performance characteristics or cost-effectiveness, catering to diverse market demands.
Market By Applications:
Automotive:
Nylon 6 finds extensive use in automotive components due to its lightweight, high strength, and durability.
Applications include engine parts, fuel systems, and interior components.
Textile:
In the textile industry, Nylon 6 is utilized for producing fibers and fabrics known for their strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance, suitable for activewear, outerwear, and industrial textiles.
Electrical & Electronics:
Nylon 6 is employed in electrical and electronic applications due to its insulating properties and resistance to heat and chemicals, used in connectors, switches, and housings.
Packaging:
Nylon 6 is used in packaging materials such as films and containers due to its barrier properties, flexibility, and resistance to puncture, extending the shelf life of packaged goods.
Industrial:
Industrial applications of Nylon 6 include bearings, gears, and other mechanical components due to its self-lubricating properties, wear resistance, and ability to withstand harsh environments.
Uses of Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 is used for the production of a variety of high-load mechanical parts, electrical and electronic switches and equipment, construction and structural materials, transportation parts.
Nylon 6 is used for the manufacture of automotive parts, electrical and electronic equipment and mechanical parts with special requirements for high strength and high temperature resistance.
Nylon 6 is used for the production of various high load mechanical parts, electrical and electronic switches and equipment, construction and structural materials, transportation parts, etc.
Nylon 6 is used a large number of fiber for the textile industry, widely used in the manufacture of mechanical parts, gears, shells, oil-resistant containers, cable sheaths, etc
Nylon 6 is used in glass fiber reinforced nylon resin is widely used to replace a variety of non-ferrous metals, manufacturing machinery industry in various parts such as gears, transmission parts, etc., and even for large force parts.
Nylon reinforced with ultra-fine glass fibers can also be used in the military sector to manufacture satellite components and gun components.
Nylon 6 is used in carbon fiber composite nylon materials have a wide range of applications in space equipment, aircraft components, electronic instruments, electronic computers, automobiles, machinery, chemical equipment, sports equipment and so on.
Nylon 6 has a broad range of applications across various industries due to its remarkable properties, including strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion.
Here are some of Nylon 6's key uses:
Textiles and Apparel:
Nylon 6 is extensively used in the textile industry to produce fibers for clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
Nylon 6's durability, elasticity, and resistance to wear and tear make it ideal for high-performance fabrics in sportswear, hosiery, and outerwear.
Automotive Parts:
In the automotive industry, Nylon 6 is used for manufacturing a variety of components, including air intake manifolds, radiator end tanks, and fuel system parts.
Nylon 6's lightweight and strength contribute to improved fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.
Industrial Applications:
Nylon 6 is utilized in the production of mechanical parts such as gears, bearings, and bushings.
Nylon 6's high tensile strength and low friction properties enhance the performance and longevity of these components in machinery and equipment.
Consumer Goods:
The polymer is also used in a range of consumer products, including luggage, sports equipment (such as skis and climbing gear), and household items.
Nylon 6's versatility and durability make it suitable for various applications where strength and flexibility are required.
Packaging:
Nylon 6 films and coatings are employed in packaging materials due to their excellent barrier properties, which help to preserve food and other products by preventing moisture and oxygen infiltration.
Medical Devices:
Nylon 6 is used in some medical devices and surgical instruments due to its biocompatibility and ability to be sterilized.
Applications include sutures, catheters, and various prosthetics.
Electrical Insulation:
The polymer’s insulating properties are useful in electrical and electronic applications, including wire insulation and connectors, where Nylon 6's resistance to electrical currents and thermal stability are beneficial.
Properties of Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 fibres are tough, possessing high tensile strength, elasticity and lustre.
They are wrinkleproof and highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals such as acids and alkalis.
The fibres can absorb up to 2.4% of water, although this lowers tensile strength.
The glass transition temperature of Nylon 6 is 47 °C.
As a synthetic fibre, Nylon 6 is generally white but can be dyed in a solution bath prior to production for different color results.
Nylon 6's tenacity is 6–8.5 gf/D with a density of 1.14 g/cm3.
Nylon 6's melting point is at 215 °C and can protect heat up to 150 °C on average.
Chemical Properties:
Chemical Resistance:
Generally resistant to oils, greases, and many solvents.
However, Nylon 6 may degrade in strong acids and bases.
Thermal Stability:
Stable up to Nylon 6's melting point, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to degradation.
Nylon 6 has good thermal stability for most industrial applications.
Hydrolysis:
Sensitive to hydrolysis, especially in the presence of heat and moisture.
This can lead to a gradual degradation of mechanical properties over time.
Mechanical Properties:
Elasticity:
High elasticity and resilience, making Nylon 6 suitable for applications requiring materials that can return to their original shape after deformation.
Flexural Strength:
Good flexural strength, allowing Nylon 6 to withstand bending stresses without cracking or breaking.
Fatigue Resistance:
Excellent fatigue resistance, meaning Nylon 6 can withstand repeated stress cycles without significant degradation.
Thermal Properties:
Heat Deflection Temperature:
Approximately 150°C (302°F), indicating Nylon 6's ability to retain mechanical properties under elevated temperatures.
Glass Transition Temperature:
Around 50-70°C (122-158°F), where the polymer transitions from a hard, glassy state to a more flexible, rubbery state.
Electrical Properties:
Electrical Insulation:
Good electrical insulating properties, making Nylon 6 suitable for use in electrical and electronic components.
Nature of Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 is a kind of engineering plastic with early development and large dosage.
Nylon 6 has high impact strength and tensile strength, and excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and solvent resistance.
However, due to Nylon 6's great hygroscopicity, the dimensional stability of the product is poor.
In addition, although the melting points of nylon -6 and nylon -66 are higher (215 ℃ and 225 ℃ respectively), however, there is a glass transition point around 120 °c, thus allowing a continuous use temperature of only 105 °c.
Glass fiber reinforced nylon resin, can overcome the above two shortcomings, the water absorption rate down to 1%, the heat distortion temperature increased to 205 degrees Celsius (reinforced Nylon 6) and 250 ℃ (reinforced nylon -66)(both in 1. 86MPa load).
Products with good dimensional stability, and further improve the surface hardness, tensile strength, bending strength and wear resistance.
30% glass fiber reinforced nylon 6 and nylon -66, the tensile strength is about 170MPa, the specific strength has been more than the general light metals, such as zinc, magnesium, etc., and aluminum is close.
Carbon fiber composite nylon material has the characteristics of small density, high strength, good rigidity, fatigue resistance, creep resistance, antistatic, anti-electromagnetic interference, small coefficient of thermal expansion, good dimensional stability, etc, extrusion molding and other methods of processing.
Biodegradation of Nylon 6:
Flavobacterium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. (NK87) degrade oligomers of Nylon 6, but not polymers.
Certain white rot fungal strains can also degrade Nylon 6 through oxidation.
Compared to aliphatic polyesters, Nylon 6 has been said to have poor biodegradability.
Strong interchain interactions from hydrogen bonds between molecular nylon chains is said to be the cause by some sources.
However, in 2023 a catalyst that rapidly breaks Nylon 6 down was reported.
Synthesis of Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 can be modified using comonomers or stabilizers during polymerization to introduce new chain end or functional groups, which changes the reactivity and chemical properties.
Nylon 6 is often done to change its dyeability or flame retardance.
Nylon 6 is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam.
Caprolactam has 6 carbons, hence Nylon 6.
When caprolactam is heated at about 533 K in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen for about 4–5 hours, the ring breaks and undergoes polymerization.
Then the molten mass is passed through spinnerets to form fibres of Nylon 6.
During polymerization, the amide bond within each caprolactam molecule is broken, with the active groups on each side re-forming two new bonds as the monomer becomes part of the polymer backbone.
Production in Europe of Nylon 6:
At present, polyamide 6 is a significant construction material used in many industries, for instance in the automotive industry, aircraft industry, electronic and electrotechnical industry, clothing industry and medicine.
Annual demand for polyamides in Europe amounts to a million tonnes.
They are produced by all leading chemical companies.
History of Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 was developed by Paul Schlack at IG Farben in late 1930s (first synthesized in 1938) to reproduce the properties of Nylon 66 without violating the patent on its production. (Around the same time, Kohei Hoshino at Toray also succeeded in synthesizing Nylon 6.)
Nylon 6 was marketed as Perlon, and industrial production with a capacity of 3,500 tons per year was established in Nazi Germany in 1943, using phenol as a feedstock.
At first, the polymer was used to produce coarse fiber for artificial bristle, then the fiber quality was improved, and Germans started making parachutes, cord for aircraft tires and towing cables for gliders.
The Soviet Union began Nylon 6's development of an analog in the 1940s, while negotiating with Germany on building an IG Farben plant in Ukraine, basic scientific work was ongoing in 1942.
The production only started in 1948 in Klin, after USSR got Nylon 6's hands on the 2000 volumes of IG Farben, and 10,000 volumes of AEG technical documentation, as a result of victory in the World War II.
Handling and Storage of Nylon 6:
Handling:
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Use appropriate protective equipment.
Ensure good ventilation in the workspace to avoid inhaling dust or fumes.
Avoid the formation of dust or aerosols that could be inhaled or lead to contamination.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the vicinity of the material.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Keep in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption.
Ensure proper ventilation in storage areas to minimize dust accumulation.
Avoid storage near incompatible materials, such as strong acids or bases.
Stability and Reactivity of Nylon 6:
Stability:
Nylon 6 is generally stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
Nylon 6 is sensitive to moisture and may absorb water, which can affect its properties.
Reactivity:
Reacts with strong acids and bases, which can lead to degradation or hydrolysis.
Avoid exposure to strong oxidizing agents, which may cause degradation or hazardous reactions.
Thermal Degradation:
At high temperatures, Nylon 6 may decompose, releasing toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and ammonia.
First Aid Measures of Nylon 6:
Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air immediately.
If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing and seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Exposure:
May include respiratory irritation, skin irritation, or eye discomfort.
In severe cases, symptoms may require medical evaluation.
Firefighting Measures of Nylon 6:
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂) to extinguish fires.
Specific Hazards:
Combustion can produce toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides and ammonia.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to avoid inhalation of fumes.
Fire and Explosion Hazards:
Nylon 6 is combustible.
Keep away from heat, flames, and sparks.
Additional Information:
Cool containers exposed to fire with water.
Accidental Release Measures of Nylon 6:
Personal Precautions:
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust masks.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent the material from entering waterways or sewers.
Contain spills to prevent environmental contamination.
Containment and Clean-Up:
For spills of solid material, collect with suitable tools and place in an appropriate container for disposal.
For large spills, cover with an inert material (e.g., sand or vermiculite) and collect for disposal.
Ensure thorough cleanup and ventilate the area.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Nylon 6:
Exposure Limits:
There are no specific occupational exposure limits for Nylon 6 itself, but general dust control measures should be applied.
Engineering Controls:
Provide adequate ventilation in the work area to reduce dust accumulation.
Use local exhaust ventilation where necessary.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Eye Protection:
Wear safety goggles or face shields to protect against dust and particulate matter.
Skin Protection:
Use gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene) and protective clothing to avoid skin contact.
Respiratory Protection:
Use a dust mask or respirator if dust levels exceed recommended limits.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling the material and before eating or drinking.
Identifiers of Nylon 6:
Synonym(s): Nylon 6
Linear Formula: [-NH(CH2)5CO-]n
CAS Number: 25038-54-4
CAS Number: 25038-54-4
ChemSpider: None
ECHA InfoCard: 100.124.824
PubChem CID: 32775
UNII: 14GUK8I73Z
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID6049694
IUPAC Name: Poly(ε-caprolactam)
Common Name: Nylon 6
CAS Number: 25038-54-4
EC Number: 246-115-1
PubChem CID: 9054 (for caprolactam, which is the monomer)
ChemSpider ID: 8759 (for caprolactam)
SMILES: C1CC(C(=O)NCC1)CCCCCC
InChI: InChI=1S/C6H11NO/c8-6-4-2-1-3-5-7-6/h1-5H2,(H,7,8)
InChI Key: GHOKWGTUZJEAQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Properties of Nylon 6:
Chemical formula: (C6H11NO)n
Density: 1.084 g/mL
Melting point: 218.3 °C (493 K)
Molecular Formula: [-NH(CH2)5CO-]n
Molar Mass: 115.174
Density: 0.897g/cm3
Melting Point: 220 °C
Boling Point: 255°C at 760 mmHg
Flash Point: 102.2°C
Vapor Presure: 0.0167mmHg at 25°C
Appearance: Crystalline powder
Storage Condition: Room Temprature
Refractive Index: 1.433
MDL: MFCD00133998
Specifications of Nylon 6:
State of solution(transmittance): Clear 98.0% min.
Chloride[cl]: 0.020% max.
Ammonium [NH4]: 0.02% max.
Sulfate[SO4]: 0.020% max
Iron[Fe]: 10ppm max.
Heavy metals [Pb]: 10ppm max
As[As2O3]: 1ppm max
Other amino acids: Chromatographically not detectable
Loss on drying: 0.20% max.
Residue on ignition[sulfated]: 0.10% max.
Assay: 99.0% min
Names of Nylon 6:
IUPAC names:
Poly(azepan-2-one)
poly(hexano-6-lactam)
Systematic IUPAC name:
Poly[azanediyl(1-oxohexane-1,6-diyl)]
Other names:
Polycaprolactam
polyamide 6
PA6
poly-ε-caproamide
Perlon
Dederon
Capron
Ultramid
Akulon
Nylatron
Kapron
Alphalon
Tarnamid
Akromid
Frianyl
Schulamid
Durethan
Technyl
Nyorbits
Winmark Polymers
