Polyamide 6

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Structure of PA6

-[ HN (CH2)5 CO ]-n

Polyamide 6 is prepared from caprolactam in the presence of water (which acts as a catalysts) and acetic acid as a molecular weight regulator.

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Polyamide 6,6

Structure of PA 6,6

-[ HN (CH2)6 NH-CO (CH2)4 CO]-n

The Polyamide 66 is prepared from Polyamide salt, which is prepared by reacting the hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid in boiling methanol.

POLYAMIDE 6

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Monomer Structure

caprolactam

POLYAMIDE 6,6

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Monomer Structure

Nylon Salt

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Monomer Preparation:1. caprolactam Cyclohexanone

2. Nylon Salt Adipic Acid & Hexamethylenediamine

Preparation of Polyamide 6

Polyamide 6 is prepared from caprolactam in the presence of water (which acts as a catalysts) and acetic acid as a molecular weight regulator.

The typical combination is charged into the vessel and reacted under a nitrogen blanket at 250°C for about 12 hours.

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Manufacturing of Polyamide 6

The schematic diagrams of the continuous polymerization of caprolactam to produce Polyamide 6

Flow diagram of continuous production of Polyamide 6

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Manufacturing of Polyamide6

The VK tube is used in the polyamide process. A lactam melt with a relatively high water content (~15%) is fed to the

top of the VK tube equipped with a stirrer and heating coil. The water vaporises at the top, when viscosity is still low, to give a

residue of the desired composition. In the lower part of the tube, the equilibrium degree of polymerisation

is reached with an increasing viscosity of the melt. The polymer is drawn off at the bottom and granulated. Its equilibrium

content of caprolactam and oligomers is about 10% at a final

temperature of 270°C. The monomer and oligomers are extracted from the chips with hot water,

and the polymer is subsequently dried with hot gas in a ventricle cylinder hot dryer.

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Preparation of Polyamide 6,6

The Polyamide 66 is prepared from Polyamide salt, which is prepared by reacting the hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid in boiling methanol.

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The polymerization of Polyamide 66 is carried out in several different reactors connected in series

Manufacturing of Polyamide 6,6

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Manufacturing of Polyamide 6,6

The starting material is an aqueous solution of polyamide salt containing equivalent quantities of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid

The solution with about 60% solid content is fed into the first horizontal cylindrical reactor then divided into several components where the water is drawn off as vapor and precondensate of low mol. wt. is formed.

This is pumped into the second reactor, which is a heated tube reactor with a gradually increasing diameter.

The Polycondensation proceeds here and vapor forms at falling pressure.

The next step is the removal of water in a steam separator followed by feeding the polymer melt by means of a screw conveyor into the last reactor, which consists of a heated screw conveyor where water vapor is again withdrawn and the final poly-condensation equilibrium is attained.

Relations of Structure and properties of Polyamide 6

The following structural variables affect the properties.

The distance between the repeating –CONH- group

The number of methylene groups in the intermediates

The molecular weight

N- substitution

Co-polymerization

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Characteristics of Polyamide 6 & 6,6 (For identification)

The material is semicrystalline and having high water absorption capacity.

It is milky white - yellow colour

It is identified by the smell of burnt horn when burned, yellow

flame with a blue halo, can be formed into a filament.

Its melting point is 215°C (PA6) & 264°C(PA66)

Its short term and long term service temperature are respectively

140 - 160°C(For PA6,6 10°C more) and 80 - 100°C.

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Characteristics of Polyamide 6 & 6,6

The general characteristics of Polyamide 6 & 6,6 is summarized below

Hard and tough thermoplasticGood abrasion resistanceLow co-efficient of frictionHigh tensile strength Good dimensional stability Low tendency to work Smooth appearance of surface Average to high surface gloss Resistance to lubricants, engine fuels, grease etc.

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Characteristics of Polyamide 6 & 6,6

Good resistance to coolants, refrigerants, paints, solvent cements.Resistant to aqueous solution of many inorganic chemicals.Posses high HDTAttached by strong acids, phenols, cresol at devoted temperature High temperature resistance Low co-efficient of linear thermal expansionHigh water absorption

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Polyamide 6 Polyamide 66

processing  easy easy

Strength good better

Abrasion resistance Low High

Toughness Low higher

Water absorption high high

cost less Little High

Comparison between different polyamides

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Comparison Performance Properties

Grades of Polyamide 6

Injection molding grade

Extrusion grade

Rotational Molding grade

Fluidized bed coating grade

The Polyamide 6 is available in various grades

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Processing considerations for Polyamide 6

The material has to be predried at 80°C for 2 - 4 hours

While molding Polyamide attention on the following points is

essential.

High Injection speed of the molding machine

Control of shot or size

Minimizing drooling by nozzle of reverse tapper type.

Shrinkage of the part

Annealing at 130° to 149°C for 10 - 20 hrs.

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Processing considerations for Polyamide 66

The Polyamide 66 is also processed with much precautions as like

Polyamide 6.

The annealing temperature of Polyamide 66 part is 149 – 177°C.

The Polyamide 66 is processed in the temperature range of 260-

320°C.

The material has to be predried at 80°C for 2 - 4 hours

Injection moulding, Extrusion techniques, Compression moulding,

Foam moulding and Rotomoulding techniques are used for

processing the materials.

While moulding Polyamide 66, the precautions what are taken for

Polyamides 6 the some should be taken for Polyamide 66.CORPORATE TRAINING AND PLANNING

Applications of Polyamide 6(Areas of Applications)

Appliances

Automotive

Business equipment

Consumer products

Electrical

Hardware

Machinery

Packaging

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Appliances

Laundry equipment Cooking equipment Dishwashers and disposers Cooling equipment Consumer electronics Housecleaning equipment Small kitchen appliances Sewing machine Personal care and grooming

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Automotive

Chassis parts

Power plant

Decorative body parts

Functional body parts

Electrical parts

Fuel system

Instrumentation

Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning

Accessories

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Business equipment

Business machines

Vending machines

Office equipment

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Consumer products

Kitchen utensilsToysSporting goodsApparel fitmentsPersonal accessories Photographic equipment

Musical instrumentsBrush bristlesPackaging Film for cooking Fishing line

Football face guards are made of Nylon 6 because of its great toughness

Tennis racquet

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Electrical

Industrial controlsWiring and associated devicesIndustrial connectorsBatteriesTelephone partsSwitches

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Hardware

Furniture fittingsDoor and window fittings ToolsLawn and garden implementsBoat fittings

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Machinery Agricultural

Mining and oil drillingFood processing

PrintingTextile processingEngine partsPumps, valves, meters, filtersAir blowers Material handling equipmentStandard components

GearsCamsSprockets

BearingsGasketsPulleysBrushes

Caster Wheels

Spur and Pinion gears

Bushing and Bearing

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Applications of Polyamide 6

Packaging

Film and coated substrates

Polyamide 6 film for meat packaging

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Applications of Polyamide 66

Areas of applications are very similar to Polyamide 6.

Appliances

Automotive

Business equipment

Consumer Products

Electrical

Hardware

Machinery and packaging

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Applications of Polyamide 66

Hammer handles of glass reinforced Polyamide are superior to wood they replaced (Application related to hardware)

Hammer Handles

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List of Manufacturers/ Suppliers of Polyamide 6

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