Polyamide Resin

Polyamide resins are synthetic polymers containing an amide group.  -CONH- , as a recurring part of the chain. This polymer was first commercially introduced by DuPont as a result of the significant research work of W. H. Carothers in the 1930s, who was conducting early extensive research efforts in polyesters and polyamides. The first important polyamide was Nylon 6/6 produced by the reaction of adipic acid (a 6-carbon dibasic acid) and hexamethylene diamine (a 6-carbon aliphatic diamine). Several structural modifications with differing temperature capabilities have become commercially available including Nylon 6/10 , Nylon 6, and Nylon 11. The latter two are so designated because of their formation from six and eleven carton amino acids. The attractive tensile strength or tenacity has, of course, led to its significant use in fiber.

Advantages

• Tough and impact resistant
• Abrasion resistant
• Processed by thermoplastic methods
• Good solvent resistance
• Resistant to bases

Disadvantages and Limitations

• Various degrees of moisture pick-up with related dimensional instability
• Requires UV stabilization
• High shrinkage in molded sections
• Electrical and mechanical properties are greatly influenced by moisture content
• Susceptible to acids and oxidizing agents

Typical Applications: Gears, rollers, slides, electrical plugs and cams. High usage in fiber form.