Nylon was invented in 1931. Nylons offer corrosion and abrasion resistance, light weight, lubricity and resistance to stress and pressure. Nylon compounds are hydroscopic and therefore absorb moisture. They aren’t as flexible as polyurethanes and don’t bond as well.

Nylons are semi-crystalline polymers. As a result, they have a sharp melting point as well as a glass transition temperature. (By way of contrast, amorphous polymers like polycarbonates and polysulfones, do not have a sharp melting point.) Nylons lose a significant amount of their mechanical properties when heated above the glass transition temperature, depending on whether they are reinforced.

Nylon tubing may be transparent or semi-opaque. The properties of nylons make them suitable for many applications, including bump tubing, co-extrusions, striped tubing, micro-extrusions, multi-layered walls, single and multi-lumen tubing and profile extrusions.

The five main classes of nylon are nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 6,12, nylon 11 and nylon 12.

Specific gravity	0.0415 lb./in.3 (1.15 g/cc)	0.0415 lb./in.3 (1.15 g/cc)
Melting point	401°F (205°C)	428°F (220°C)
Glass transition temperature	-16.6°F (-27°C)	-16.6°F (-27°C)
Tensile strength at break	Not Available	Not Available
Elongation at break	50%	400%
Hardness durometer (Shore A)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Hardness durometer (Shore D)	50	50
Water absorption @ 24 hours	Not Available	Not Available
Sterilization	Dry heat Ethylene oxide (EtO) Gamma radiation

This material data sheet is presented for reference only. For a specific application and environment, characteristics and performance may vary. Product design and suitability for use are the sole responsibility of Microspec’s customer. Microspec strongly urges customers to consult with the material manufacturer.