Nylon Fibers

Nylon is a common term used for a family of synthetic fibers. Chemically, these are polymers from the semi-aromatic polyamides category. As one of the most versatile polymers with extensive industrial and home applications, Nylon has created a revolution in terms of usage. In fact, it was the first textile fiber made from organic materials.

Typically, Nylon is produced through the reaction of adipic acid with hexamythelene diamine which forms a large molecule via fusion. This process is called condensation polymerisation. A common fiber form of nylon i.e. nylon 6, is prepared in this manner.

Nylon occurs in a variety of forms:

• Nylon Fibers: These are long and soft filaments which are produced by high speed melt-spinning and mostly belong to Nylon6 or Nylon-66 types. Various forms of nylon filaments may be produced depending on application – single filament or multi-filament. A unique feature of these fibers is their elasticity and varying degrees of lustre, which is used in making garments.
• Extruded Nylon Shapes: Nylon 6 is commonly used as moulded nylon for various industrial and commercial applications. Nylon is used as a reinforcing additive for imparting tenacity and heat resistance to devices such as printers and car components.
• Nylon Filaments: These slightly differ from nylon fibers on account of added tensile strength. Nylon filaments are used in brushes, parachutes, fishing lines, etc. 
• Nylon Powder: Nylon can also be reduced to a powder form which is used as powder coating for metal fittings, such as pipes.