Nylon (Polyamide) – The generic name for all long-chain fiber-forming polyamides with recurring amide groups. Polyamides (Nylon) comprise the largest family of engineering plastics with a very wide range of applications. Polyamides (Nylons) are often formed into fibers and are used for monofilaments and yarns. Characteristically polyamides (nylons) are very resistant to wear and abrasion, have good mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures, have low permeability to gases and have good chemical resistance.
Polyamide (Nylon) polymer was first commercially introduced by DuPont as a result of the significant research work of W. H. Carothers in the 1930s, who was conducting early extensive research efforts in polyesters and polyamides. The first important polyamide was Nylon 66 produced by the reaction of adipic acid (a 6-carbon dibasic acid) and hexamethylene diamine (a 6-carbon aliphatic diamine). Several structural modifications with differing temperature capabilities have become commercially available including Nylon 46, 610, 612, 6, 11, etc.