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Nylon 6,6
Nylon 6,6 has a high molecular weight and therefore high viscosity.
What is Nylon 6,6?
Nylon 6,6 has a high molecular weight and therefore high viscosity. It has good abrasion resistance when compared to nylon 6 and more resistant to both high and low temperatures. 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. It’s relatively difficult to process because of its exceptionally low melt viscosity.
Nylon 6,6 is made of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid. The diamine and the diacid each donate six carbons to the polymer chain, giving nylon 6,6 its name.
We extrude Nylon 6,6 for single-lumen, multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded medical tubing. See how it compares with the other grades on our nylon tubing page, or ask us which nylon suits your device.
Nylon 6 vs nylon 6,6
Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are the two most common engineering nylons, and they are easy to confuse. Nylon 6 starts as a single monomer, caprolactam, with six carbon atoms. Nylon 6,6 is made from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, each donating six carbons. In tubing, the practical differences come down to temperature, moisture and toughness.
| Property | Nylon 6 | Nylon 6,6 |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 401 to 432°F (205 to 222°C) | 489 to 590°F (254 to 310°C) |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 1.3% to 1.7% | 1.2% |
| Impact resistance | Very slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Hardness | Slightly softer | Slightly harder |
| Abrasion and temperature resistance | Good | Better at high and low temperatures |
Both are more brittle than nylon 12 at low temperatures, and both absorb more moisture, which gives them better impact resistance than nylon 12 when wet. See all our nylon tubing grades.
Nylon 6,6 questions, answered
What is the melting point of nylon 6,6?
Typical melting points for nylon 6,6 grades on our datasheet are 489°F (254°C) to 590°F (310°C).
What is the tensile strength of nylon 6,6?
Tensile strength at break for nylon 6,6 runs 8,557 psi (59 MPa) to 11,200 psi (77.2 MPa), with elongation at break of 50% to 300%.
What is the density of nylon 6,6?
Nylon 6,6 has a specific gravity of 0.0412 lb./in.3 (1.14 g/cc) to 0.0488 lb./in.3 (1.35 g/cc), which corresponds to a density of about 1.14 to 1.35 g/cm³.
How can nylon 6,6 tubing be sterilized?
Depending on grade, nylon 6,6 is compatible with gamma radiation. Confirm the method for your specific grade with the resin supplier.
Does MicroSpec extrude nylon 6,6 tubing?
Yes. We extrude nylon 6,6 into custom medical tubing, including multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded designs. Send us your print or call 603.924.4300 for a quote.
Nylon 6,6 properties
| Property | Measure low | Measure high |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 0.0412 lb./in.3 (1.14 g/cc) | 0.0488 lb./in.3 (1.35 g/cc) |
| Melting point | 489°F (254°C) | 590°F (310°C) |
| Glass transition temperature | Not applicable | |
| Tensile strength at break | 8,557 psi (59 MPa) | 11,200 psi (77.2 MPa) |
| Elongation at break | 50% | 300% |
| Hardness durometer (Shore A) | 90 | 121 |
| Hardness durometer (Shore D) | 60 | 101 |
| Water absorption @ 24 hours | 1.2% | |
This material datasheet is presented for reference only. Characteristics and performance may vary for a specific application and environment. Confirm material selection and suitability against your own requirements and the resin supplier's documentation.
Sterilization
- Gamma radiation
Extruding Nylon 6,6 for your device?
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