Nylon 6 has high viscosity, good melt strength even at high processing temperatures, good toughness and resistance to chemical attack. Compared to nylon 6,6, it is very slightly more impact resistance, slightly softer and slightly less resistant to high temperatures (it has a lower melt temperature). Compared to nylon 12, it is more brittle at low temperatures. Its higher moisture absorption gives it better impact resistance than nylon 12 when wet.
Nylon 6 begins as pure caprolactam. It is called "nylon 6" because caprolactam has 6 carbon atoms.
Property | Measure Low | Measure High |
---|---|---|
Specific gravity | 0.0365 lb./in. 3 (1.01 g/cc) | 0.0423 lb./in.3 (1.17 g/cc) |
Melting point | 401°F (205°C) | 432°F (222°C) |
Glass transition temperature | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Tensile strength at break | 3630 psi (25 MPa) | 13000 psi (89.6 MPa) |
Elongation at break | 315% | 400% |
Hardness durometer (Shore A) | 120 | 120 |
Hardness durometer (Shore D) | 60 | 80 |
Water absorption @ 24 hours | 1.3% | 1.7% |
Sterilization | Gamma radiation |