Nylon, or polyamide (PA), a synthetic polymer, is a high-molecular-weight polymer that contains amide groups (-CONH-) that add tensile strength, ductility, impact resistance, and fatigue strength. It was invented in 1935 and has found many applications in textiles, industrial products, automotive parts, and medical devices. Common examples are Nylon 6 produced by caprolactam ring-opening polymerization and Nylon 6,6 produced by condensation of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid. It's used in textiles and parachutes as well as in machinery and electronics for its sturdiness and flexibility. But the environmental footprint of nylon production (water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions) has boosted demand for bio-based and recycled fibres.
Figure 1: Structure of a polyanhydride[1].
In recent years, there have been some innovative sustainable nylon manufacturing techniques:
Table 1: Mechanical properties of nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11, and nylon 12[2].
| Property | Density (kg/m3) | Young's modulus (GPa) | Yield strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Fatigue Strength (107 cycles) (MPa) | Toughness (kJ/m2) |
| Nylon 6 (toughened) | 1070–1100 | 0.782–0.976 | 33.1–41.3 | 37.2–53.5 | 40.3–44.5 | 9.72–13 |
| Nylon 6 (fiber) | 1130–1150 | 4–5 | 600–1050 | 16–19 | ||
| Nylon 66 (toughened) | 1060–1080 | 0.939–1.17 | 36.1–45.1 | 41–59 | 17.6–19.4 | 8.72–11.7 |
| Nylon 6 (30% carbon fiber) | 1260–1280 | 12.9–16.1 | 131–163 | 3.01–4.33 | 55.9–61.7 | 1.83–2.45 |
| Nylon 11 (rigid) | 1020–1040 | 1.06–1.33 | 35.4–44.1 | 280–320 | 20–22 | 8.07–10.8 |
| Nylon 11 (flexible) | 1040–1050 | 0.35–0.36 | 25–27 | 360–430 | 18–20.4 | 18.9–19.5 |
| Nylon 12 (rigid) | 1000–1020 | 1.08–1.35 | 34.8–43.4 | 41–59 | 19–21 | 8.01–10.7 |
| Nylon 12 (flexible) | 1030–1040 | 0.35–0.42 | 22–25 | 360 | 16 | 16.7–20.2 |
Its biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and durability mean nylon has a long use in sutures, catheters, and implants. This ranges from surface changes for antibacterial effects to use in drugs, healing wounds, and bone scaffolds.
There are also a number of chemical antimicrobial treatments developed in recent years. Cyclical chloramines half-fixed to nylon 66 surfaces are one method for making antimicrobial nylon 66 fabrics and fibres. It was able to create antimicrobial nylon, and it was also successful with bacterial column analysis. They demonstrated that treated nylon 66 fibres killed bacteria, which the treatment of water boosted. So nylon 66 could be made antimicrobial via chemical attachment to N-halamine functional groups.
Figure 2: Reaction scheme used to produce antimicrobial nylon samples[2].
There are now shape-memory biopolymers - thermoplastic biopolymers - that promise use in bone replacement and even in medical technology. These improvements will have lower rejection rates and better outcomes for patients.
Figure 3: The evolution of nylon biomaterials and their applications[2].
Nylon's lightweight and high-strength characteristics enable fuel efficiency improvements in vehicles. Applications include:
Nylon's evolution is marked by efforts to enhance sustainability and performance. With ongoing research into bio-based materials, recycling technologies, and novel formulations, nylon continues to be indispensable in diverse industries while aligning with environmental objectives.
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References
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