Nylon is one of the world's most versatile and useful synthetic material. It's a petroleum-based plastic polymer widely used to make fibers and textile fabrics in the fashion industry.
Since its debut in the s, nylon has conquered the whole world and is found in a multitude of applications today. It's one of the most successful synthetic fibers next to the polyester used by many apparel brands and retailers.
It's cheap to produce and has amazing properties for fashion, especially for tights and stockings. It's made from petrochemicals that can be molded to create affordable clothes and save a lot of money on raw materials.
The main advantage of synthetic nylon, also commonly named polyamide, compared to natural fibers is its very low cost.
But synthetic fabrics made of nylon fibers aren't the most environmentally friendly. Global nylon production keeps increasing and cause disastrous consequences for people, animals, and the planet.
Here is what you need to know about synthetic nylon fabrics.
Link to sft
Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!
Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum-based plastics. It's made of extremely long and heavy molecules. Nylon refers to the whole group of plastics, similar, and chemically related materials called polyamides.
Nylon was the first man-made fiber discovered before the first World War. It was first commercially produced in by American chemical company DuPont for its durability and strength to make synthetic toothbrushes. Its conception was officially declared at the World's Fair.
Nylon is often used in the textile and apparel industry. Synthetic nylon fibers are woven into fabrics to make fleece, circular knits, coats, sweaters, sportswear, swimwear, hosiery, shoes, underwear, and accessories.
Nylon is also used in umbrellas, household textiles, rugs, carpets, cooking utensils, outdoor furniture, gun parts, food packaging, and industrial materials.
Nylon is commonly found in fishing nets, tents, ropes, tires, seat belts, sleeping bags, curtains, tennis rackets, parachutes, machine gears, and more.
Nylon fiber is usually blended with other natural or synthetic fibers such as spandex or elastane to make it more elastic, even though it can be used alone.
Nylon is the name of a large family of plastics since there are many types of nylons with various properties making them useful for different applications.
The original and most common form of nylon is nylon 6,6. Once it was patented by DuPont, competitors like BASF had to find alternatives.
Other types of nylon include nylon 6. It's the second most popular form of nylon after nylon 6,6.
Nylon 6,12 is a moisture absorbing nylon. It's less strong and durable than nylon 6 and often found in cosmetics.
Nylon 4,6 is a high heat resistant yellowish thermoplastic. The only commercial supplier of this type of nylon is Dutch multinational corporation DSM. It's used in brakes and cooling systems.
Nylon 5,10 is an alternative to nylon 6,6 invented by DuPont and mostly used in scientific applications.
Nylon 12 has the lowest water absorption, heat resistance, and strength. It's often found in bath products, deodorants, and skincare products.
Nylon is also used in bulletproof vests and is known under the brand name Kevlar. It's a heat-resistant and high-strength synthetic fiber.
Nomex is another brand name of nylon used to create fireproof textiles for suits and gloves.
Similar to Nomex, Technora is a high-strength, heat, and chemical resistant nylon brand name.
Zytel is a high strength, abrasion, and impact-resistant thermoplastic. It's a nylon brand name from DuPont for high-performance nylon 6,6.
Nylon was the first man-made synthetic fiber. It's recognized as one of the most important chemical discoveries of all time. Nylons and polyamides are tough, strong, elastic, easily resist oil and grease.
Nylon became popular as a silk and hemp replacement when shortages and price fluctuations from Asia occurred in the s. Synthetic nylon fabrics have many benefits and steadily gained a more prominent market share, particularly for the production of nylon stockings and lingerie.
Today, stockings remain one of the major applications of nylon fabrics. It's also used in pants, leggings, tights, and other fitting bottoms for men and women.
Nylon production involves the condensation polymerization of a plastic solution. It's usually produced in facilities that also make other synthetic materials, including polyamides, polyesters, and acrylics.
Chemists at the DuPont chemical company first produced nylon by combining chemicals extracted from petroleum, natural gas, coal, water, air, and agricultural by-products.
Monomers of hexamethylenediamine, also known as 1,6-diamino hexane, mixed with adipic acid, also called hexane-1,6-dicarboxylic acid, create nylon 6,6.
The two molecules from which nylon 6,6 is of contains 6 carbon atoms each. Other forms of nylon are made by mixing different starting chemicals.
The condensation polymerization process eliminates water and forms a big repeating molecule to create nylon sheets or ribbons that are then shredded into chips. The process requires high temperatures (about 285°C or 545°F), consumes tons of water, energy, and chemicals.
Nylon fibers used in the textile and apparel industry are created through spinning, a process that employs a heated mechanical spinneret with tiny holes to melt solid chips of nylon.
Depending on the size and shape of the holes, the characteristics, length, and thickness of the resulting nylon fiber vary.
Denier is a unit that measures the strength of nylon yarn. It indicates how heavy a 9-kilometer long yarn is. Tights and stockings with higher denier measurements are thicker and stronger.
After being purified and extended to make long filaments, nylon fibers are ready to be spun into yarns, which are then woven into fabrics by textile manufacturers.
The making of long filaments is an important step in nylon fiber production. Fiber extension is necessary to create commercial textiles that use nylon fiber many times longer than its original length, which increases production efficiency and lowers the overall cost.
Although the popularity of synthetic fibers has been on a steady decline for a few decades, especially in the United States, the global nylon market is still growing.
The United States was the largest producer of nylon until the s. But many nylon production operations moved to East Asia and China's capacity developed rapidly over the last decades.
Today, China is the largest producer and exporter of nylon in the world with 54% of the global total, followed by the United States (25%), and Taiwan (11%), according to the Taiwan Man-Made Fiber Industries Association (TMMFA).
China's nylon demand was over 4 million tons in , which represents a 14.2% increase from the previous year.
The executive Vice President of Hengyi Formosa Petrochemical Co Wang Songlin believes that the global nylon production capacity will exceed 10 million tons annually by .
The global nylon market size was valued at USD 23.64 billion in and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from to . It's expected to reach USD 30.77 billion by , according to the report by Fortune Business Insights.
Nylon fiber is a unique material with many unique properties. It's generally used in the same applications as polyester in the apparel and footwear industry.
Nylon is strong, tough, elastic, and lightweight. It's resistant to attacks from moths, molds, insects, fungi, and some everyday chemicals.
Nylon melts in phenol, acids, and many other harsh chemicals.
Nylon fiber is fairly stiff and has excellent resiliency and tenacity.
Nylon can also be dyed easily in brilliant colors.
It's waterproof and quick-drying, unlike many natural fibers such as cotton or wool. That's why nylon is often used in activewear and swimwear.
Nylon fiber isn't resistant to sunlight or UV degradation. the physical and mechanical properties of nylon degrade quite fast when placed in the sunlight. A UV stabilizer is often added to nylons in outdoor equipment.
Nylon is also highly prone to pilling. When blended with other synthetic or natural fibers, it lowers the overall cost of the garment but also reduces its lifespan considerably.
Nylon is easily flammable. Avoid wearing nylon clothing while cooking, welding, or playing with fireworks.
Nylon is a fully synthetic material, Fabrics made of nylon aren't breathable at all. They are designed to repel water and capture heat with a low level of absorption, much like acrylic.
Nylon fiber limits airflow considerably and can lead to overly high body temperatures in hot climates. Luckily, nylon wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
Clothes made of nylon are lustrous and easy to wash. However, washing nylon fibers in hot temperatures not only consumes an unnecessarily high amount of energy but also can melt and damage the fabric.
It's best to wash nylon clothing, especially hosiery and underwear, separately by hand with moderately warm water and hang it to dry.
Here are some of the best advantages of nylon fabrics:
The main disadvantages of using nylons are:
Despite the increased environmental concerns regarding textile manufacturing and consumption, global nylon production isn't declining.
It's still largely used in cars, appliances, electronics, coatings, cables, and machines.
The biggest problem of nylon is its disastrous environmental impact. Nylon isn't biodegradable or compostable. It also increases our consumption of fossil fuels and dependency.
Nylon fibers take hundreds of years to decompose. As nylon breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment.
Synthetic fabrics like nylon destroy ecosystems and nature. They contribute to the high amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills every year.
Nylon fabrics release plastic microfibers into the environment that pollute entire food chains, kill land and marine wildlife, and endanger human health.
Every year, more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced, as reported by the United Nations. 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean annually. Less than 10% of all plastic is recycled.
If current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by . And the plastic industry could account for 20% of the world’s total oil consumption.
Additionally, a by-product of nylon production is nitrous oxide (N2O). It's a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to catalytic stratospheric ozone destruction for about 150 years, according to scientific research.
Nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) and 15 times more than methane because it traps far more infrared radiation.
Because of the high rates of global adipic acid production necessary to polymerize nylon, the amount of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is increasing by about 0,2% per year.
Large quantities of water are used to produce nylon. The textile industry is responsible for 17-20% of the world's wastewater, according to the World Bank.
Wastewater transport pollutants to rivers, water sources, and the ocean. Only 20% of the world's wastewater receives proper treatment, as reported by the United Nations.
Fortunately, more sustainable alternatives to nylon exist. Many ethical fashion brands and designers around the world avoid the use of synthetic fabrics like nylon completely.
Instead, they use environmentally friendly natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp, regenerated cellulosic fibers such as lyocell, cupro, and modal, or recycled nylon.
Nylon can be recycled, recreated, and remolded and become brand new again to create new products without having to use new resources.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are often used in clothing because they are cheap. Unfortunately, recycled nylon is much more expensive.
Recycled nylon isn't the most sustainable fiber but its environmental impact is much lower than the virgin material.
Econyl is one popular brand of recycled nylon that manufactures regenerated fibers from post-consumer plastics, carpet flooring, fishing nets, and other industrial wastes.
For every 10,000 tons of Econyl raw material, up to 70,000 barrels of crude oil and 57,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved. It reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80% compared to the raw material from oil.
Another option is Q-NOVA recycled nylon 6,6 fiber developed by Fulgar and certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Its production uses the MCS process, a locally-based mechanical regeneration system that doesn't require chemicals.
It's time to rethink how we produce and consume clothes. One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to choose eco-friendly and high-quality materials.
Here are some of the best sustainable fashion brands that create fabulous clothes out of recycled nylon to reduce plastic waste:
Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.
In the dynamic world of manufacturing and product design, material selection plays a pivotal role in determining the success of a project. Among the myriad of materials available, Nylon, a versatile and widely used polyamide, stands out for its unique properties and diverse applications. However, when it comes to machining these materials - be it cutting, drilling, or milling - a crucial question arises: How do different Nylons and their composites behave under machining conditions?
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the machinability of various Nylon types, including PA6, PA9, PA12, PA11, and their composites with glass beads, aluminum, and carbon fiber. We'll explore the unique characteristics of each material, the challenges they present during machining, and the best practices to overcome these challenges.
Whether you're an engineer, a machinist, or a product designer, understanding the intricacies of machining different Nylon types can significantly impact your project's efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall success. Let's embark on this journey through the world of Nylon machinability.
Before we dive into the specifics of machining, it's essential to understand what Nylon is and why it's so widely used in manufacturing.
Nylon is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyamide family. It was first produced by DuPont in the s and has since become one of the most versatile and widely used engineering plastics. Nylon's unique combination of strength, durability, and chemical resistance makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to consumer goods.
While there are numerous types of Nylon, we'll focus on four of the most common ones used in manufacturing:
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Nylon Chips. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Each of these types has unique properties that influence their machinability and suitability for different applications.
Nylon PA6, also known as Polyamide 6, is one of the most commonly used types of Nylon in manufacturing. It's known for its excellent mechanical properties, high impact resistance, and good chemical resistance.
When machining Nylon PA6, several factors need to be considered:
Nylon PA9, while less common than PA6, offers unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. Its flexibility and toughness present both opportunities and challenges in machining.
Machining PA9 requires a slightly different approach compared to PA6:
Nylon PA12 is prized for its excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. These properties, along with its high dimensional stability, make it a popular choice in various industries, including automotive and electrical.
PA12's properties make it relatively easier to machine compared to other Nylon types:
Nylon PA11, derived from castor oil, is a bio-based polyamide that's gaining popularity in environmentally sensitive applications. Its unique properties present both opportunities and challenges in machining.
Machining PA11 requires careful consideration of its unique properties:
While understanding the machining characteristics of pure Nylon types is crucial, many modern applications use Nylon composites. These materials, which combine Nylon with other substances like glass beads, aluminum, or carbon fiber, present unique challenges in machining.
Glass bead-filled Nylon composites offer improved dimensional stability and wear resistance compared to pure Nylon. However, they also present significant challenges in machining.
Aluminum-filled Nylon composites offer improved thermal conductivity and dimensional stability. However, the presence of aluminum particles introduces new challenges in machining.
Carbon fiber-reinforced Nylon composites offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and stiffness. However, they are among the most challenging Nylon-based materials to machine.
Machining different types of Nylon and their composites is a complex task that requires a nuanced understanding of material properties, tool selection, and machining parameters. From the relatively straightforward machining of pure Nylon PA6 to the challenges presented by carbon fiber-reinforced composites, each material demands a tailored approach.
Key takeaways for successful Nylon machining include:
As the field of materials science continues to evolve, new types of Nylon and innovative composites are likely to emerge. Staying informed about these developments and continually refining machining techniques will be essential for manufacturers and machinists alike.
Whether you're working with standard Nylon PA6 or pushing the boundaries with advanced carbon fiber composites, understanding the nuances of Nylon machinability is key to producing high-quality parts efficiently and cost-effectively. By applying the principles and best practices outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of machining Nylon in all its forms.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Polyester Chips.