Understanding the different types of nylon is important for industry professionals. The right nylon can enhance product performance and longevity. This guide explores the top seven types of nylon. It details their features and applications across various industries.
Whether you are in manufacturing, automotive, electronics or textiles. Find out which nylon grade suits your needs.
What is Nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polyamide produced through polymerization of diamines and dicarboxylic acid. It is known for its high strength and abrasion resistance. This material offers good thermal stability and chemical resistance and is widely used in textiles, automotive parts and engineering plastics.
Top 7 Types of Nylon:
Several nylon variants offer unique features for different industries. Let’s explore the top seven types, their features and applications.
1. Nylon 6:
Nylon 6 is also known as polyamide 6 (PA 6). Its molecular structure features repeating units of [-NH-(CH₂)₅-CO-], forming long chains.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | Rockwell R118 |
| Tensile Strength | ~75 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 3 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~100 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 80% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 47°C |
| Melting Point | 220°C |
Features
- High impact resistance
- Good thermal conductivity
- Chemical resistance to oils and greases
- Absorbs moisture from the environment
- Moderate UV resistance
Applications
In textiles, nylon 6 is used for making fibers and fabrics. The automotive industry uses it for gears, bearings and engine covers. Electrical components like insulators and connectors also utilize nylon 6.
2. Nylon 6,6
Nylon 6,6 is more durable than Nylon 6. This nylon variant has a crystalline structure that enhances its strength.
Technical Properties:
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 120 |
| Tensile Strength | 83 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 3 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 110 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 60% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 50°C |
| Melting Point | 260°C |
Features
- Exhibits high tensile strength
- Offers excellent thermal resistance
- Provides good abrasion resistance
- Resists chemicals like hydrocarbons and solvents
- Absorbs moderate amounts of moisture
- Has moderate UV resistance
Applications
In the automotive industry, nylon 6,6 manufactures engine components, radiator end tanks and air intake manifolds. In electrical and electronics, it forms switch housings and connectors. It is used in circuit breakers as well. In the textile industry, it reinforces tire cords. It produces industrial fabrics and conveyor belts. In industrial machinery, it is used to produce gears, sprockets, bearings, bushings and machine guards.
3. Nylon 6,10
Nylon 6,10 is another widely used grade of Nylon. It differs from Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 by having longer carbon chains. This structure reduces moisture absorption and improves dimensional stability.
Technical Properties:
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.08 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 115 |
| Tensile Strength | 62 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 2.5 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 90 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 70% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 50°C |
| Melting Point | 215°C |
Features
- Exhibits lower moisture absorption than nylon 6 and 6,6
- Offers good dimensional stability
- Provides high impact resistance
- Resists chemicals like hydrocarbons and solvents
- Has excellent wear and abrasion resistance
- Maintains moderate thermal conductivity
Applications
In the electrical sector, nylon 6,10 serves in cable insulation and connectors because of its low moisture absorption. The material is also employed in consumer goods like toothbrush bristles and fishing lines for its flexibility and durability. Nylon 6,10 is also used in the automotive industry to manufacturer fuel lines and brake tubing due to its high chemical resistance.
4. Nylon 4,6:
Nylon 4,6 is a polyamide distinguished by its high thermal performance. Unlike nylon 6, nylon 6,6, and nylon 6,10, it has shorter polymer chains that leads to a higher degree of crystallinity. This structure improves its heat resistance and mechanical strength compared to other nylon types.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 125 |
| Tensile Strength | 110 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 3.5 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 150 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 40% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 80°C |
| Melting Point | 295°C |
Features
- Exhibits excellent heat resistance
- Offers high mechanical strength
- Provides good dimensional stability
- Resists wear and abrasion effectively
- Absorbs less moisture than other nylons
- Maintains properties at elevated temperatures
Applications
Industrial machinery utilizes nylon 4,6 for gears and bearings that operate under high heat and stress. In the automotive industry, it is used for engine components like air intake manifolds and throttle bodies due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Electrical industries employ it in connectors and circuit breakers where thermal stability is crucial.
5. Nylon 12
Nylon 12 comes with a 12-carbon monomer chain. Unlike other nylon grades (6 – 6,6 – 6,10 – 4,6), it has longer aliphatic chains that reduces moisture absorption. This structure enhances its flexibility and chemical resistance. Nylon 12 offers better dimensional stability and lower water uptake than other nylons.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 70 |
| Tensile Strength | 50 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 1.4 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 60 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 45°C |
| Melting Point | 178°C |
Features
- Exhibits low moisture absorption
- Offers excellent chemical resistance
- Provides good flexibility at low temperatures
- Maintains dimensional stability
- Resists impact and abrasion
- Shows good UV resistance
Applications
Nylon 12 is employed in medical devices such as catheters and tubing for its biocompatibility. In sports equipment, it is used for ski bindings and other parts requiring durability and flexibility. It is also used in the automotive industry to manufacture fuel lines and brake hoses. It serves in electrical applications like cable insulation and connectors where moisture resistance is important.
6. Nylon 11:
Nylon 11 is a polyamide with an 11-carbon chain. Unlike nylon 12 and other grades, it offers greater flexibility and lower density. Its structure reduces moisture absorption more than other nylons.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 75 |
| Tensile Strength | 50 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 1.3 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 60 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 300% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 45°C |
| Melting Point | 189°C |
Features
- Exhibits excellent impact resistance
- Offers low moisture absorption
- Provides good chemical resistance
- Maintains flexibility at low temperatures
- Resists abrasion and wear
- Shows moderate UV resistance
Applications
Electrical industries employ nylon 11 in cable insulation and connectors where moisture resistance is vital. The material is also used in medical devices like catheters and tubing for its biocompatibility. Industrial applications include pneumatic hoses and flexible tubing that require durability and low moisture absorption.
7. Nylon MXD6:
Nylon MXD6 differs from other grades by offering high gas barrier properties. Choose this material when you need strength and excellent barrier performance. It is produced from meta-xylylene diamine and adipic acid.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 125 |
| Tensile Strength | 100 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 3.5 GPa |
| Flexural Strength | 150 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 30% |
| Glass Transition Temp. | 85°C |
| Melting Point | 255°C |
Features
- Exhibits high mechanical strength
- Offers excellent gas barrier properties
- Provides good thermal resistance
- Shows low moisture absorption
- Resists chemicals and oils
- Maintains dimensional stability
Applications
In the packaging industry, Nylon MXD6 is used for bottles and films requiring gas barrier properties. Electronics manufacturers use it to produce connectors and insulating parts due to its strength and stability. It also finds applications in industrial machinery for gears and bearings that need durability.
How to Choose the Right Nylon Material?
Selecting the appropriate nylon material depends on several factors.
- First, assess the mechanical requirements of your application. Consider the needed tensile strength, flexibility and impact resistance. Next, evaluate the environmental conditions. Will the material face high temperatures, moisture, or chemical exposure? Moisture absorption can affect performance; choose a nylon with low absorption if needed.
- Nylon 6 offers good strength and impact resistance. It suits general-purpose applications. Nylon 6,6 provides higher tensile strength and thermal resistance. It works well in high-temperature environments. Nylon 6,10 absorbs less moisture and offers better dimensional stability. It is ideal for components exposed to moisture.
- For applications requiring high heat resistance, Nylon 4,6 is suitable. It maintains strength at elevated temperatures. Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 have low moisture absorption and good flexibility. They are suitable for fuel lines, flexible tubing and applications needing chemical resistance. Nylon MXD6 offers excellent gas barrier properties. Choose it for packaging applications needing barrier performance.
- Assess if UV resistance is important for outdoor applications. If so, consider nylons with higher UV stability. Evaluate chemical resistance needs based on the environment. Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 resist chemicals and oils well.
Match the nylon’s properties to your application’s needs. Consult material datasheets for detailed specifications. Also, consider working with material experts or suppliers. They can provide guidance based on your specific requirements. Remember to balance performance with cost considerations.
Conclusion:
We have explored seven types of nylon, each with unique properties and uses. Knowing the tensile strength, thermal resistance, moisture absorption and other properties of nylon helps you choose the right grade for your project.
At WeProFab, we provide top-notch machining and fabrication services for all nylon grades. Select your specific material, and we’ll manufacture the perfect part to meet your exact needs.
FAQs
Is there a bio-based type of nylon?
Yes, bio-based nylon exists as Nylon 11 and Nylon 610. They are made from renewable resources like castor oil and sebacic acid. These materials reduce environmental impact. They offer properties similar to traditional nylon.
Can nylon be recycled?
Yes, nylon is recyclable. It can undergo mechanical or chemical recycling. Recycling nylon reduces waste and conserves resources. The material retains much of its original properties after recycling. Recycled nylon is used in textiles and engineering plastics.
What are the properties of Nylon 510?
Nylon 510 has high tensile and flexural strength. Its density is about 1.05 g/cm³. The material is durable with low water absorption. It has a melting point around 220°C. Nylon 510 resists temperature well. It offers good electrical insulation and hardness.
