Nylon Manufactured in India at present is of this type. This is made from Caprolactum which is made by a series of reactions using products obtained from coal tar
Caprolectum is a white flaky solid, melting at 68 deg C and is soluble in water. the polymerisation is carried out in stainless steel cylinders.
Hot Caprolectum is mixed with a suspension of pigment, acid promotor and acid chain stopper. The extent of polymerisation depends upon the temperature of polymerisation. The purpose of acid chain stopper is to stop furthur polymerisation so that a desired density of molten polymer may be obtained.
The molten polymer is extruded into ribbons and cut into chips. These chips are used for the production of continuous filaments.
Melt Spinning
Continuous filaments are made by melt spinning. Dry polymer chips are fed to a melt spinning apparatus, wherein one section of the chips fall, into a melting region where they are heated electrically to 250-260 deg C. The molten polymer flows into a conical section to form a pool, which feeds a spinning pump and spinnerette. The pool is kept under an atmosphere of nitrogen to prevent decomposition by air.
The molten polymer leaving the pump is filtered before entering the spinnerette which is a stainless steel disc having a number of holes, the number and diameter of which determine the type of yarn formed. Before reaching the machine in which cheese is build up, the filaments are moistened with water to ensure dimensional stability of the final packages.
The yarn thus formed is not strong enough and has a very high extensibility. the yarn contains a large number of macro molecules which are unoriented and these must be oriented so as to lie parallel to the length of the fibre to develop full strength. This is done by stretching the yarn to 3-4 times its original length.
Properties of Nylon 6
Nylon 6 has certain advantages over Nylon 6,6,. Firstly the systheisi fo caprolectum is easier than that of Hexamethylene Diamine and Adipic Acid. Therefore it is cheaper to make Nylon 6 than Nylon6,6. Secondly Nylon 6 has greater affinity for acid dyes than Nylon6,6,
Mechanical Properties
Density: 1.14 g/cc Tenacity: Dry= 4.2-5.8 gpd, Wet=4.0-5.3 gpd Elongation at Break--> Dry = 24-40, Wet=28-43 Elastic Recovery at 4% extension= 100% Moisture Regain= 4% Because of low MR, wet nylon dries quickly. Melting Point= 215 deg C ( Nylon 66-250 deg C) It is weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Chemical Properties
1. It is resistant to most organic acids such as benzene, chloroform, acetone, esters ethers etc.
2. It dissolves in phenol, cresol and strong mineral acids.
3. good resistant towards alkalies.
4. Resistant to inorganic acids
These fibres are cylinderical in shape, with smooth surfaces and without having any markings. The fibres are unifrom in diameter and appear round in cross section.
Uses
a. Tyre Cord Manufacturing b. Fishing Lines c. Luxury Yachts d. Stockings with good fit, sheerness, quick washing and drying properties.