properties and uses of nylon
Properties and Uses of Nylon
Nylon is a man-made fibrous material that finds many applications in households as well as industries. This Buzzle article provides some information about the properties and uses of nylon.
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- Molecular Formula: (C12H22N2O2)n
- Density: 1.14 g/mL
- Melting Point: 542 K
- Molecular Formula: (C6H11NO)n
- Density: 1.084 g/mL
- Melting Point: 493 K
- Nylons are known to have a high tensile strength. Its tensile strength value being 90 - 185 N/mm2
- The density value is 1.13 - 1.35 g/cm3
- The specific gravity is very less with a value of 1.14.
- The melting point value is given as 190 - 350 °C (374 - 662 °F).
- The value for thermal coefficient of expansion is 80 x 10-6.
- It has an electrical conductivity value of 10-12 S/m and thermal conductivity value of 0.25 W/(m. K)
- It is known that nylons can be used in a high temperature environment. The maximum continued use of temperature value is 150 - 185°C (302 - 365°F).
- Nylons are mostly semi-crystalline in nature and are usually very tough with good thermal and chemical resistance.
- It has great resistance to abrasion and flexing.
- They provide good resistance to formaldehyde, solvents, alcohols, and most chemicals, however, they can be attacked by phenols, iodine, alkalis, and acids.
- They are believed to have limited resistance to dilute acids and excellent resistance to oils and bases.
- As a fabric, it is best-suited and used for making swimwear and athletic gear.
- It is also used in making dresses, tops, linings, hosiery, lingerie, women's underwear, raincoats, etc.
- The fabric is also used in making handbags, backpacks, umbrellas, sewing threads, etc.
- For interior designing, it is used in carpets, curtains, upholstery, and bedspreads.
- It is used in the making of a wide range of items such as hoses, tire cords, conveyor and seat belts, sleeping bags, dental floss, computer ribbons, automotive airbags, tarpaulins, ropes and nets, tents, parachutes, industrial threads, fishing line and nets, footwear, etc.
- It is used to make gears, machine screws, and machinery components in its solid form.
- It is suitable for processing by rotational moulding, injection moulding, and casting or extrusion into film or fiber. These compounds have many applications as replacements for metal parts, like in car engine constituents.
- Their films are used in food packaging. That is, they are used in boil-in-the-bag food packaging, due to the toughness, low gas permeability, and temperature resistance that they provide.