NYLON 66
NYLON 66
Polyamide 66 (PA66)
Polyamide 66 (PA66)
Nylon 66 (often written as Nylon 6.6 or Nylon 6,6) is one of the most versatile and widely utilised engineering thermoplastics. It is formed by the polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, with its name deriving from these two 6-carbon monomers. Its molecular structure provides a superior balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance
A high-performance, semi-crystalline thermoplastic, Nylon 66 is known for superior strength, stiffness, heat resistance, and wear resistance compared to Nylon 6. It excels in high-stress environments where durability and heat resistance are required, and is widely used for automotive, industrial, and electrical components like gears and bearings.
Key Properties
Mechanical & Physical
- High Mechanical Strength
Excellent tensile strength and stiffness, maintaining structural integrity under load. - Thermal Resilience
A high melting point (260°C) allows Nylon 66 to perform in high-heat environments. - Wear Resistance
Low coefficient of friction and high abrasion resistance, ideal for moving parts.
Chemical & Thermal
- Chemical Resistance
Robust against most hydrocarbons, fuels, and oils. - Damping Capacity
Effectively absorbs vibrations and mechanical noise. - Hydroscopic Nature
Nylon 66 absorbs moisture which acts as a plasticiser, increasing impact strength and flexibility while slightly reducing stiffness.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | VALUE (IMPERIAL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.14 g/cm³ | 0.0412 lb/in³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 1.1-1.5% | 1.1-1.5% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 8-9% | 8-9% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 80-85 MPa | 11,600-12,300 psi |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 3,100 MPa | 450 ksi |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 5% | 5% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | 20-50% | 20-50% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 110 MPa | 16,000 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,800 MPa | 406 ksi |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 5-6 kJ/m² | 2.4-2.8 ft-lb/in² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 118 | R 118 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Melting Temperature | ISO 11357 | 260°C | 500°F |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 75-90°C | 167-194°F |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | UL 746B | 80-95°C | 176-203°F |
| Min. Service Temp | -30°C | -22°F | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 80 x 10⁻⁶/K | 4.4 x 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | ISO 22007 | 0.25 W/(m·K) | 1.73 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | V-2 | V-2 |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 25-30 kV/mm | |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ Ω·cm | |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ Ω | |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 3.5 | |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.02 |
Values are representative of standard injection-moulded Nylon 66.
They are typical average values and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 1.1-1.5% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 8-9% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 80-85 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 3,100 MPa |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 5% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | 20-50% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 110 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,800 MPa |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 5-6 kJ/m² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 118 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Melting Temperature | 260°C | |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 75-90°C |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | UL 746B | 80-95°C |
| Min. Service Temp | -30°C | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 80 x 10⁻⁶/K |
| Thermal Conductivity | ISO 22007 | 0.25 W/(m·K) |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | V-2 |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 25-30 kV/mm |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ Ω |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 3.5 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.02 |
Values are representative of standard injection-moulded Nylon 66. They are typical average values and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | REPRESENTATIVE SUBSTANCE | RATING | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid (10%) | B | Slight swelling/discolouration over time. |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric Acid | C | Rapid decomposition and hydrolysis. |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | A | Generally resistant at room temperature. |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A/B | Resistant to dilute bases; sensitive at high concentrations. |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | A | Excellent resistance. |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | B/C | Can cause significant swelling or softening. |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel | A | Highly resistant; standard for automotive use. |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | A | Excellent resistance. |
| Oxidizing Agents | Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine | C | Susceptible to oxidative degradation. |
| Water / Steam | Hot water, Steam | B | Absorbs water; steam causes hydrolytic ageing. |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | EXAMPLE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid (10%) | B |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric Acid | C |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | A |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A/B |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | A |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | B/C |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel | A |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | A |
| Oxidizing Agents | Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine | C |
| Water / Steam | Hot water, Steam | B |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
FAQ
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SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
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