What is Nylon Fibre?

Nylon is a man-made synthetic polymer, polyamide

filament or staple fibre. It is a long-chain synthetic
polyamide in which less then 85% of amide linkages are
attached to two aromatic rings. Nylon fibres are made
up of linear macromolecules whose structural units are
linked by the amide (–NH–CO–) group. Therefore,
these fibres are termed as the polyamides. The nylon
fibres are produced by the extrusion of molten polymer and no solvents are involved.

Nylon was developed by DuPont in the 1930s, and it came to market in 1938. Allegedly, the
name is derived from the letters of the cities that the chemists responsible for its creation
came from: New York and London. Nylon is now known by a more generic name,
polyamide, because it is made out of amide chemicals. Polyamides are available in many
forms, including compliant textiles and rigid, resistant materials. Nylon is one of the most
common polymers used as a fibre. There are several forms of nylon depending upon chemical
synthesis such as nylon 4, 6, 6.6, 6.10, 6.12, 8, 10, 11through to 88 etc; the number is
determined by the number of carbon atoms per molecule. The most important types are-
Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6.

Types of Nylon Fibre:

1. Nylon 6: This type of nylon is made from a single monomer, caprolactam. It has a high
melting point and good abrasion resistance.
2. Nylon 6,6: Nylon 6,6 is made from two monomers, hexamethylenediamine and adipic
acid. It has a higher melting point than Nylon 6 and is stronger and more rigid.
3. Nylon 4,6: This type of nylon is made from two different monomers, butadiene and
adipic acid. It is known for its high heat resistance, as well as its strength and durability.
4. Nylon 11: It is made from a renewable resource, castor oil. It is known for its flexibility,
chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption, and is often used in the production of
tubing and other types of fluid transfer systems.
5. Nylon 12: Nylon 12 is made from laurolactam, and is known for its low moisture
absorption and excellent chemical resistance. It is commonly used in the production of
tubing, wire coatings, and other types of industrial components.
6. Bio-based Nylon: It’s a type of nylon fibre that is made from renewable resources such
as castor oil, corn, or sugarcane. It is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional nylon
fibres, and is commonly used in the production of clothing, automotive parts, and other
industrial applications.
Properties / Characteristics of Nylon Fibre::
a) High strength: Nylon fibres are known for their high strength and excellent resistance to
wear and tear. This makes them ideal for use in heavy-duty applications such as automotive
and industrial equipment.
b) Lightweight: This fibre is relatively lightweight, making them easy to handle and use in a
variety of applications.
c) Durability: They are resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV radiation, making them a
durable choice for applications that require long-term performance.
d) Flexibility: Nylon fibres have good flexibility and can be easily molded into various
shapes and forms. This makes them suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including
textiles, carpets, and composites.
e) Moisture resistance: Nylon fibre is hydrophobic and do not absorb moisture, making
them an ideal choice for applications that require resistance to water and moisture.
f) High melting point: It has a high melting point, which makes them suitable for use in
high-temperature applications.
g) Good dyeability: Nylon fibres can be easily dyed to achieve a wide range of colors,
making them popular in the textile industry.
h) Versatility: Nylon can be produced in a range of different forms, including yarns, fabrics,
films, and molded parts. This makes it a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of
applications, from clothing and upholstery to industrial components and automotive parts.
Physical Properties of Nylon Fibre:

Property Description
Density 1.14 – 1.15 g/cm³
Melting point 215 – 265°C
Tensile strength 50 – 75 ksi (kilopounds per square inch)
2.5 – 3.5 Msi (million pounds per square
Elastic modulus
inch)
Elongation at
20 – 30%
break
Water
3 – 10%
absorption
Chemical Resistant to most chemicals, except strong
resistance acids and bases
UV resistance Low resistance to UV radiation
Melts and drips when exposed to flame;
Flammability
self-extinguishing when flame is removed
Chemical Properties of Nylon Fibre:
(i) Effect of acids: Less resistant to acids than to alkalies. Acid causes hydrolysis of amide
groups, reducing or lose of affectiveness of inter-polymer Hbonding and thus weakening
nylon.

(ii) Effect of alkalies: Prolonged exposure to alkalies will cause significant alkali hydrolysis
of nylon polymer thereby resulting in weakening 1:he nylon. It has highly resistant to micro-
organism and has high abrasion resistance.

Nylon Fibre Production Flow Chart:

Raw Materials

Polymerization
 ↓

Solidification

Pelletization

Melt Spinning

Quenching

Drawing

Heat Setting

Texturing

Finishing

Cutting

Packing

Shipping

Above steps are briefly described below:

1. Raw Materials: Adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine are the two main raw materials
required for the production of nylon fibre.

2. Polymerization: Adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine are reacted together under heat
and pressure to form nylon resin.
3. Solidification: The liquid nylon resin is cooled and solidified.

4. Pelletization: Solidified nylon resin is broken into small pellets.

5. Melt Spinning: The pellets are melted and extruded through spinnerets to form continuous
filaments.

6. Quenching: Filaments are cooled rapidly in water to solidify them.

7. Drawing: The solidified filaments are stretched to orient the molecules and increase
strength.

8. Heat Setting: Stretched filaments are heated to set the orientation and prevent shrinkage.

9. Texturing: The heat-set fibres may undergo a texturing process to create a desired texture
or appearance.

10. Finishing: Nylon fibres are finished with various treatments to improve their
performance and appearance, such as lubrication, dyeing, or flame retardant coatings.

11. Cutting: The continuous fibres are cut into shorter lengths.

12. Packing: Nylon fibres are packed into bales or boxes.

13. Shipping: Packed nylon fibres are shipped to customers for use in a wide range of
applications.

Uses / Application of Nylon Fibre:

Nylon fibre is a versatile material that can be used in many different textile and clothing
applications due to its strength, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.
 Athletic wear, including leggings, shorts, sports bras, and workout tops
 Hosiery, including stockings, pantyhose, and socks
 Swimwear, including swimsuits and swim trunks
 Jackets and outerwear, including raincoats and windbreakers
 Lingerie, including bras, panties, and shapewear
 Undergarments, including men’s underwear and undershirts
 Blouses, shirts, and tops, including dress shirts and casual shirts
 Dresses and skirts, including formal gowns and casual dresses
 Pants and trousers, including dress pants and casual pants
 Upholstery fabrics for furniture and other household items, including couches and chairs
 Accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, and belts
 Sleeping bags and outdoor gear, including tents and backpacks
 Automotive textiles, including car seats and headliners
 Military uniforms and gear, including uniforms and backpacks
 Medical textiles, including bandages and surgical gowns