Alexei Volkov
Nylon is a synthetic plastic material composed of polyamide, which is a thermoplastic. It is a versatile material with different molecular structures based on its application and is used in everything from clothing to manufacturing. One of the challenges of using nylon is the difficulty in bonding it with adhesives because it is chemically inert and hygroscopic. To increase reactivity and strengthen the bond, extensive surface preparation is often required. While there are many adhesives available for bonding nylon, one option is to use epoxy adhesives. A softer, more flexible epoxy is recommended for bonding nylon due to its soft material composition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nylon | A synthetic plastic material composed of polyamide |
| Nylon's Properties | Strength, elasticity, lightweight, resistant to heat, water, mildew, organic solvents, and more |
| Bonding Nylon | Nylon polymers tend to be difficult to bond with adhesives because they are chemically inert and hygroscopic (absorb water from the air) |
| Best Adhesives for Nylon | Cyanoacrylate adhesives, two-part polyurethane adhesives, structural acrylic adhesives, high-performance methacrylate adhesive |
| Epoxy Adhesives | Softer, more flexible epoxies are recommended for bonding nylon |
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What You'll Learn
Nylon's chemical properties
Nylon, also known as polyamide, is a thermoplastic polymer that was first produced by DuPont in 1935. It is a synthetic material with a wide range of applications, from daily life to various industries. Nylon is known for its chemical resistance, durability, flexibility, and strength.
One of the key chemical properties of nylon is its ability to resist oils and chemicals. This makes it suitable for use in a variety of products, including machine parts, screws, nuts, and bolts. Nylon is also used in the medical industry for items like catheters, bandages, and syringes, as it can withstand sterilization.
The chemical structure of nylon contributes to its strength and damage resistance. It has a chain of alternating chemicals, with repeating units of (-NH-[CH2]n-CO-)x, where n can vary, giving rise to different types of nylon such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. The commercial production of nylon 6 involves open-ring polymerization starting with caprolactam. Nylon 6,6, on the other hand, was patented by Wallace Carothers and involves the use of amide.
Nylon can be melted and shaped into various fibres, fabrics, films, and shapes, making it a versatile material for different applications. It is often used in clothing, ropes, and injection-moulded parts for vehicles and mechanical equipment. The nylon production process involves high-pressure chemistry, and the final product has a silky appearance and a high melting point, making it popular for engineering applications.
DuPont's marketing campaign for nylon emphasised its revolutionary nature, derived from coal, air, and water. However, the synthetic nature of nylon initially caused some consumer distrust, and DuPont had to shift its focus to the personal and aesthetic aspects of the material.
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Nylon's use cases
Nylon, a synthetic thermoplastic linear polyamide, has a wide range of applications across various industries due to its strength, flexibility, and heat and chemical resistance. Here are some common use cases for nylon:
Mechanical Construction and Maintenance:
Nylon, particularly Nylon 6, is widely used in mechanical construction and maintenance. It offers a combination of mechanical strength, stiffness, and damping properties, along with good electrical insulation. For example, it is used in vehicle track plates, reducing ground pressure and providing benefits such as noise reduction and vibration absorption.
Bearings and Bushings:
Nylon is commonly used to replace metal bearings and bushings. It offers advantages such as reduced weight, decreased need for external lubrication, quieter operation, and less wear on mating parts.
Fabric and Textiles:
Nylon can be melted and shaped into fibres, making it suitable for fabric applications. Its shiny and lustrous appearance, along with its flexibility and durability, make it popular for clothing and textiles. It is often used in the military for tents, uniforms, bags, and ropes due to its heat and chemical resistance.
Packaging:
Nylon's flexibility and strength make it useful for packaging applications. It can be moulded into films and sheets, providing protection and preservation for various products.
Engineering and Industrial Applications:
Nylon's strength, stiffness, and bearing properties make it ideal for engineering and industrial uses. It is used for screws, nuts, bolts, safety nets, plumbing fittings, gears, wear pads, and machinery parts. Its ability to be moulded into custom shapes and its resistance to abrasion and chemicals further enhance its versatility in these industries.
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Epoxy adhesives
There are one-component and two-component epoxy systems. One-component epoxies are cured at high temperatures, resulting in high strength and excellent adhesion to metals. They are often used as an alternative to welding and rivets. Two-component epoxies, on the other hand, cure at ambient temperatures and can be accelerated by heat. They are highly stable and resistant to physical and chemical influences, making them suitable for bonding most surfaces.
When bonding nylon, a softer and more flexible epoxy is recommended due to the relatively soft nature of nylon. Two-part polyurethane adhesives are also mentioned as a good option for bonding nylon, as they are flexible and have high peel strength.
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Cyanoacrylate adhesives
The Infinity Bond line of cyanoacrylates, for example, covers a wide range of applications, from product assembly and manufacturing to general repairs and consumer use. Some of the world's largest manufacturers use Infinity Bond adhesives.
The viscosity of a cyanoacrylate super glue refers to the thickness of the adhesive and is usually measured in centipoise (cps). Thinner super glues are good for getting into tight places and covering substrates, while thicker super glues can help with gap filling.
Cyanoacrylate accelerators can be applied before or after super glue to make it cure faster. They are especially useful for substrates that are hard to hold in place, high-volume applications, or slower set times.
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Two-part polyurethane adhesives
These adhesives are composed of a resin and a hardener, such as polyols and poly-isocyanate polymers, that must be mixed together before application. The ratio of each component can vary, but proper mixing is crucial to ensure a chemical reaction and achieve the desired properties for the specific application. 2KPU adhesives offer advantages similar to those of single-component polyurethane adhesives but with enhanced curing capabilities. They can cure quickly through larger gaps and do not rely on moisture.
One example of a two-part polyurethane adhesive is Herberts 2K-LF 520 with Hardener 107, which is used in the flexible packaging market. It is designed for medium-performance applications and exhibits a high bond strength on aluminium foil and metallized films. Another variation is Herberts 2K-LF 760, which is an aliphatic, solvent-free adhesive system that is also free of primary aromatic amines (PAA).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, epoxy adhesives can be used to bond nylon plastic. However, it is recommended to use a softer, more flexible epoxy as nylon is a fairly soft material.
Nylon plastic, also known as polyamide, is a synthetic plastic material with a range of applications due to its strength, elasticity, and lightweight nature. It is also resistant to heat, water, mildew, and organic solvents.
Other adhesives that can be used for bonding nylon include cyanoacrylate adhesives, two-part polyurethane adhesives, structural acrylic adhesives, and high-performance methacrylate adhesives. Each of these adhesives has different properties and strengths, so the choice depends on the specific application and requirements.
