Understanding the Differences: Acetal Vs Nylon

Acetal is a popular engineering thermoplastic in a wide range of industries. Its scientific name is Polyoxymethylene, and it is considered a versatile and high-performance construction material. On the other hand, Nylon is a commercially produced synthetic polymer. It is also known as Polyamide and is globally used for numerous applications in various industries.

Knowing the differential context between Acetal and Nylon assists engineers, designers, and manufacturers in selecting the right material for a product. Also, with an in-depth understanding of the unique properties of these materials, industries can continue to innovate and deliver high-quality products. In this article, we detail Acetal vs. Nylon while informing you of the associated advantages and disadvantages.

Acetal: Everything You Need to Know

Acetal was invented in 1950, but its commercial production started in the 1960s by DuPont chemists. Since then, Acetal has undergone continuous advancements. And at present, this construction material exhibits excellent resistance to wear, moisture, and chemicals.

The associated unique combination of properties has directed the manufacturers to use Acetal in applications like automotive, electronics, etc. Acetals are chemical compounds derived from aldehydes or ketones. Here, the chemical reaction happens between two equivalents or an excess of alcohol. And to get the final Acetal substance, the respective water content is extracted from the reaction output.

Common Characteristics of Acetal

To know more about Acetal, you must understand its base characteristics. Below is a comprehensive list.

Acetal is identified as a semi-crystalline material.
This material exhibits remarkable resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents.
It has mechanical properties like a low coefficient of friction, enhanced strength, higher stiffness, etc.
Acetal has a high melting point that ranges between 160°F and 185°F.
It has excellent insulating properties.

Common Applications of Acetal

Earlier, we mentioned that Acetal is used in various industries to produce a wide variety of products. Here, we point out some of the familiar products that contain Acetals.

Acetal’s suitability for producing food-safe items benefits the food industry. It is commonly used in the manufacture of milk pumps, food conveyors, and related products.
Its combination of strength, durability, and low friction makes it highly suitable for various sports products, like accessories for paintball games, etc.
Acetal is also used in the construction of various automotive components. For instance, Acetal is used to produce vehicle fuel sender units, power windows, door locks, and vehicle tanks.
Its resistance to moisture and chemicals directs kitchenware manufacturers to use this material in knife handles, etc.
The associated biocompatibility and ease of sterilization make it a reliable material for medical applications. You will be amazed to know that Acetal is used to manufacture inhalers, pens for insulin, etc.

Advantages of Acetal

Below are the must-mention advantages of Acetal.

It triggers ultimate dimensional stability.
It has a low value in the case of water absorption, friction, and thermal expansion.
Acetal provides a remarkable creep resistance facility.
Can be recycled.
The manufactured items containing Acetal do not break down easily.

Disadvantages of Acetal

Like every other thing on the planet, Acetal also has some disadvantages. Here is a list of its issues.

Degraded resistance capability against strong acids.
It is a quick burning material in case the surrounding consists of an excessive level of oxygen.
Mold shrinkage is very high.

Nylon: Everything You Need to Know

Nylon was discovered by Wallace Hume Carothers in 1935. Since then, it has revolutionized various industries in terms of producing indispensable materials for our daily use. Nylon is a synthetic polymer used in almost every industry in the business world.

To produce Nylon, the producer first collects carbon-based chemicals from coal and petroleum. Later, these carbon-based chemicals are placed in a high-pressure and heated enclosure triggering chemical reactions. This condensation polymerisation process creates strong bonds between individual molecules, producing liquid Nylon.

Common Characteristics of Nylon

Nylon is a member of the polyamide family, hosting some common properties. Below is a list of those properties.

Nylon is capable of withstanding an extensive amount of mechanical stress facilitating longevity to its applications.
The top-most unique characteristics of Nylon are its flexibility and resilience. Nylon can bend and return to its original shape without permanent deformation.
Nylon is lightweight.
It has low water absorption characteristics.
It is empowered by a higher degree of chemical and wear resistance characteristics.

Common Applications of Nylon

Below is a comprehensive list of Nylon’s applications.

Nylon is widely used in the textile industry. It is used to produce shirts, lingerie, raincoats, underwear, swimwear, etc.
Safety items like airbags, parachutes, seatbelts, etc., are made of Nylon.
Tents, fishnets, trampolines, ropes, etc., are made of Nylon.
Nylon is used to manufacture various mechanical parts.
Nylon is now replacing the metal bearings.

Advantages of Nylon

Below are the advantages of the use of Nylon in products.

The first important positive point about Nylon is that it is very cheap.
Higher heat and fading resistance capabilities.
Facilitates durability.
Suitable material to accommodate the custom finish of the final products.
Naylon allows the final product’s bending.

Disadvantages of Nylon

The following points inform you of the disadvantages of Nylon.

Poor fire resistance capability.
Harmful to environmental sustainability.
It can cause skin infections.

Comparison Between Acetal Vs Nylon

Type	Acetal	Nylon
Short description	Acetal is a thermoplastic	Nylon is a synthetic polymer
What ingredients used to make this	Aldehyde or ketone, alcohol, and acid	Carbon-based chemicals from coal and petroleum
Applications	Acetal is used to manufacture sports items, automobile parts, kitchenware, etc.	Nylon is used to produce nets, shirts, safety belts, airbags, swim wares, tents, etc.
Characteristics	It provides a higher-degree of strength, stiffness, and durability. It has a low coefficient of friction.	A higher degree of chemical and wear resistance, no deformation upon bending, flexibility and resilience, durability, etc.
Trade Name	It is known as Celcon in the market	It is commonly known as polyamide (PA)
Price	Per Ton price is $750 to $1,250	Per Ton price is $2,395 to $2,505