6734. Nylon 6

Nomenclature

CAS number: 25038-54-4
Poly[imino(1-oxo-1,6-hexanediyl)]; poly(iminocarbonylpentamethylene); Caprolan (AlliedSignal); Enkalon (Am. Enka); Grilon (Fibron); Kapron (Klin); Mirlon; Perlon; Phrilon (Phrixwerke); Amilan (Toyo).

Description and references

Linear polymer obtained by polymerization of ε-caprolactam, q.v.: Schlack, US 2241321 (1941 to I. G. Farbenind.). The importance of this fiber increased with the discovery that caprolactam can be produced by the nitrosation of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid: Muench et al., US 3022291 and US 3108096 (1962, 1963, both to Snia Viscosa). Review: R. W. Moncrieff, Man-Made Fibres (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1963) pp 335-355; H. K. Reimschuessel, J. Polym. Sci. Macromol. Rev. 12, 65-139 (1977).

Chemical structure

Properties

Softens at 210°. mp 223°. Can withstand a temp of 100° for long periods of time. d420 1.14. Moisture regain is about 4%. Swelling is low; if steeped in water and then centrifuged its volume increases by about 13-14%. Immune to microbiological attack. Resistant to most org chemicals, but dissolved by phenol, cresol, and strong acids.

Use

Tire cord; fishing lines; tow ropes; hose manuf; woven fabrics.