nailon

Nailon, more commonly known in English as nylon, refers to a family of synthetic polyamide polymers used in fibers and engineering plastics. It was developed in the 1930s by researchers at DuPont, with the first commercial nylon fibers introduced in 1939. The two foundational types are nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) and nylon 6,6 (polyhexamethylene adipamide). Nylon 6 is produced by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, while nylon 6,6 is made by condensation of adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine. Other nylons include nylon 11, nylon 12, and various copolymers.

Nailon combines high tensile strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance with good chemical resistance to oils and many solvents. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can alter stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability. Thermal properties vary by grade, with melting points generally in the range of about 210 to 265°C. Nylon can be formed into fibers for textiles and carpets, as well as molded and extruded into engineering plastics for gears, bearings, housings, electrical insulation, and automotive components. Reinforced nylons with glass or carbon fibers offer higher stiffness and strength.

Processing and recycling: nailon is a thermoplastic and can be melt-processed by extrusion, injection molding, and related methods. It is recyclable through mechanical or chemical routes, though recycling options depend on grade and contamination.

Environmental and usage notes: nylon fibers are durable but not readily biodegradable. They are widely used in industrial, consumer, and specialty applications, reflecting nylon’s versatility as both a textile fiber and a engineering material.