Atomic and Molecular Structure

Difference Between Nylon 6 & Nylon 66

Nylon 66

Nylon 6 and nylon 66 both refer to synthetic polymers which are known as polyamides. The numbers 6 and 66 describe the type and quantity of polymer chains. These polymer chains are in their chemical structures. Both of these nylons have good strength and durability. Explore more about nylon 6 and 66 here.

Polymers

As already mentioned, both Nylon 6 and nylon 66 are certainly polyamides. This means that they are molecules whose repeating units are linked by amide bonds. Moreover, some polyamides occur naturally but nylons are made in a lab.

nylon 66

There are many types of nylons that exist. However, nylon 6 and 66 are by far the most popular ones. This is because of their relatively lightweight, strength, and durability.

Chemical Differences Between Nylon 6 and Nylon 66

Nylon 6 and nylon 66 certainly share some physical properties. However, their chemical structures are notably different. Nylon 6 is made from caprolactam.

Caprolactam is a type of monomer. The formula of caprolactam is (CH2)5C(O)NH. There has been significant growth in the demand for caprolactam since its discovery. Almost all of this demand is for making the nylon 6.

Nylon 66 consists of two monomers. These monomers are adipoyl chloride and hexamethylene diamine. Furthermore, there is a strong chemical bond between the two of them.

This strong chemical bond gives nylon 66 a significantly crystalline structure. Consequently, this makes it stiffer and much better equipped to handle heat than nylon 6.

Practical Applications  of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66

Both nylon 6 and 66 are quite durable. This results in many practical applications of both these versions of nylon. Most noteworthy, nylon has been in commercial usage since the 1940s. In the 1940s nylon was used to make stockings for women.

Most noteworthy, nylon 6 and 66 are much more durable than nylon of women’s stockings.

The use of nylon 6 occurs in all kinds of products and objects. Furthermore, some of these products are plastic cutting boards, hammerheads, circuit breakers, and rope.

The greatest strength of nylon 6 is flexibility. This certainly makes nylon 6 an appropriate metal replacement in products.

Nylon 6 is more lustrous than the 66 version. The items which use nylon 6 include radiator grills, stadium seats, and firearm components.

Nylon 66 has a higher melting point in comparison to nylon 6. Furthermore, it is also more durable than nylon 6. This certainly makes it a very good choice for high-performance products.

High-performance products are those which are able to withstand heat and long term wear and tear. Consequently, the 66 version is a popular choice for products like battery modules, luggage, conveyor belts, and friction bearings.

There is a significant usage of nylon 6 and 66 in household items. Nylon 66 is useful in making products like durable carpeting. In contrast, nylon 6 is mostly available in places like the bristles of a cleaning brush.

Solved Question for You

Q1 Which of the following is not a property of nylons 6 and 66?

A. Solubility
B. Lightweight
C. Durability
D. Strength

A1 The correct answer is option A. which is solubility. Furthermore, nylon 6 and 66 are lightweight and involve good strength and durability.

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