Nylon – PA
The name nylons refers to the group of plastics known as polyamides.
Nylons are available in a wide a range of types, Nylon 6,6; Nylon 6,12; Nylon 4,6; Nylon 6; Nylon 12 etc, which provide an extremely broad range of available properties. Nylon is used in the production of film and fibre, but is also available as an injection moulding compound.
The majority of nylons tend to be semi-crystalline and are generally very tough materials with good thermal and chemical resistance. The different types provide a wide range of properties with specific gravity, melting point and moisture content tending to reduce as the nylon number increases.
Most injection moulding grades and types are available with glass and fibrous fillers. These modify the plastics properties and enhance mechanical strengths for specific applications.
Nylons tend to absorb moisture from their surroundings. This absorption continues until equilibrium is reached. In general, the impact resistance and flexibility of nylon tends to increase with moisture content. The extent of moisture content is dependent on temperature, crystallinity and part thickness. Preconditioning (immersing in water or a water based environment) can be adopted to speed the equilibrium.
Nylons tend to provide good resistance to most chemicals, however can be attacked by strong acids, alcohols and alkalis.
Nylons can be used in high temperature environments. Heat stabilised additives allow sustained performance at elevated temperatures.
Nylon is easily processed by Injection Moulding, and ProPlastix can advise on all your specific applications.
