Nylon (PA6, PA66): Characteristics
Why 40 degrees decide engine-bay suitability
What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.Buyers choose nylon by melting point, viscosity, moisture uptake and the glass or flame-retardant package. PA66 melts about 40 C higher than PA6. Viscosity (relative viscosity) sets whether a chip is for textile, tyre cord or moulding.
Properties that matter commercially
| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | PA6 about 220 C; PA66 about 260 C (indicative) | Decides engine-bay and airbag suitability | typical datasheet values (indicative) |
| Relative viscosity | about 2.4-2.7 textile, 3.0-3.5 industrial yarn and tyre cord (indicative) | Higher viscosity for strength | typical specifications (indicative) |
| Moisture absorption at saturation | about 8-9% (indicative) | Changes stiffness and dimensions; must be dried before moulding | typical datasheet values (indicative) |
| Tensile strength, 30% glass-filled | about 160-190 MPa dry (indicative) | Allows metal replacement | typical datasheet values (indicative) |
Commercial grades
- textile bright and semi-dull chips
- high-viscosity industrial yarn and tyre cord
- PA66 airbag yarn
- glass-filled PA6 and PA66 compounds
- flame-retardant electrical grades
- film grades
- recycled PA6 from fishing nets and carpet