NYLON RESINS

Nylon resins are important engineering thermoplastics. Nylons are produced by a condensation reaction of amino acids, a diacid and a diammine, or by ring opening lactams such as caprolactam. The polymers, however, are more important for producing synthetic fibers.

Important properties of nylons are toughness, abrasion and wear resistance, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. Reinforced nylons have higher tensile and impact strengths and lower expansion coefficients than metals. They are replacing metals in many of their applications. Objects made from nylons vary from extruded films used for pharmaceutical packaging to bearings and bushings, to cable and wire insulation.