Nylon 101: Quick Insights on Properties, Types & Applications

Explore the versatility of Nylon with our quick guide, covering essential properties, types, pros, cons, and practical applications.

Exploring Nylon 101: Discussion on This Versatile Plastic

Nylon 101 is one of the best construction materials. This polyamide form of plastic incorporates superior mechanical and electrical properties. From toughness to stiffness, in every criterion, this unmodified Nylon is one of the best construction materials. While contacting various chemicals, substances, etc., the decay of Nylon 101 is nearly zero.

This plastic material’s superiority does not end here. We know in-depth knowledge about this plastic is crucial for manufacturers, product designers, users, etc. Following this, we elaborate on Nylon 101 along with its properties, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Basics of Nylon 101

In 1935, DuPont’s Wallace Carothers invented Nylon 101. It is a polyamide. In the industrial world, it is well-known as PA 6/6. It is to be noted that this plastic type was known as Quadrant Nylon 101 in the earlier period.

How Nylon 101 Is Formed

In general, PA 6/6 is formed by the polymerization of Adipic acid and HMDA. This polymerization process also includes the removal of water. Another popular way to produce Nylon 101 for industrial use is the hydrogenation of 3-Nitrotoluene in the presence of the catalyst.

The catalyst type is determined in consideration of the desired outcome’s rigidity, toughness, and physical properties. Typically, the polymerization type is solid-state polymerization.

Properties of Nylon 101

The following are the various properties of this plastic material.

Mechanical Properties

Its tensile strength is 12,000 PSI.
The compressive strength of PA 6/6 is 12,500 PSI.
Nylon 101’s hardness is equivalent to R115, i.e., Rockwell M85.
Its dynamic coefficient of friction is 0.25.

The associated flexural strength is 15,100 PSI.

Physical Properties

Its specific gravity rating is 1.15.
The dimensional change of Nylon 101 is approximately 2%.
The hosted water content absorption percentage is 0.30.
In general, its thickness tolerance is +/- 0.005.

Thermal Properties

Nylon 101 hosts a heat deflection rate of 200 °F at 264 PSI.
Its melting point ranges from 500°F to 644°F.
The thermal conductivity of this polyamide is nearly 0.24 W/m-K or 1.7 BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F.
The respective flammability rating is UL94.

Other Important Properties

Nylon 101’s dielectric rating is 400 Vol/m and constant at 1 MHz, ranging from 0.02-3.6.
USDA, FDA, NSF, and 3-A Diary approve this plastic.

Applications of Nylon 101

In this section, we list the most common and effective applications of Nylon 101.

Due to having superior electric properties, various types of electric insulators are made of this plastic.
As several food-related agencies approve it, Nylon 101 is widely used to produce food containers, container covers, packaging, etc.
Nylon 101’s favorable rigidity, strength, and stiffness allow manufacturers to use it in the construction of bearings, rollers, pulleys, etc.
The superior machinability, melting point, chemical resistance, and so on make this plastic to use for the production of dies to produce crucial and small-size mechanical parts.
Nylon 101 is suitable to incorporate precision engineering, which allows various industrial sectors to use it for the production of prototypes with many folds and corners.
The accommodated greater amount of impact-resistance characteristics of this plastic allows manufacturers to produce wheels, sleeves, valves, wear plates, and so on.
Nylon sheet’s sheets have very smooth surfaces, which allows manufacturers to produce sliding pads, guides, and sprockets.
The hosted friction resistance enables Nylon 101’s applicability in gears and cam followers.
Nylon 101’s solid form hosts greater surface smoothness, which facilitates its use in the construction of thrust washers.
Nylon 101’s resistance to chemicals and abrasion makes it suitable for producing various fluid-handling systems and equipment.
By incorporating precision engineering, Nylon 101 is favorable for making critical parts of aircraft and mining.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Nylon 101

The following are the pros and cons of Nylon 101’s use.

Advantages of Using Nylon 101

The hosted higher tensile strength facilitates higher durability of the final outcome.
Nylon 101 exhibits good resistance to chemicals, oils, and solvents, which enables greater sustainability of the final product.
It makes the machinal parts of industrial machines and automobiles suitable to function in the harsh environment.
The superior wear resistance of this plastic material ensures less decaying of the constructed items.
Its easy machinability results in a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Nylon 101’s thermal stability and flammable rating are advantageous to make products that function is both cold and hot environments.

Disadvantages of Using Nylon 101

There are only two colors available: natural and black. The customized coloration of Nylon 101 results in increasing production costs.
The per-foot price of Nylon 6/6 ranges from $0.94 to $1.94, which is often far higher than other plastics with similar characteristics.
This plastic material, PA66, is very lightweight, which reduces the weight of the final product, affecting stability and a solid feel.