Polycaprolactam
Description
Polycaprolactam (CAS 25038-54-4), commercially known as Nylon 6, is a synthetic polyamide produced through ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam. It is a foundational engineering polymer used across textile, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.
In textile manufacturing, Nylon 6 is extruded into continuous filament and staple fiber for apparel, hosiery, and technical fabrics where durability and elasticity are critical. Automotive suppliers compound it into under-hood components.
These structural brackets and cable management systems must perform under thermal and mechanical stress. Industrial applications include injection-molded gears, bearings, and conveyor parts where load-bearing performance is required.
Material selection is driven by the need for extended service life in demanding environments. In film and packaging, it is processed into barrier layers for food-contact flexible packaging requiring puncture resistance.
This material provides necessary oxygen impermeability for sensitive goods. Polycaprolactam is supplied as pellets or granules, the standard form for compounding and injection molding operations across the global supply chain.
Fiber-grade and film-grade variants are available, along with reinforced compounds incorporating glass fiber at defined loading levels. Material is offered to industrial specifications for various manufacturing needs.
Food-contact compliant grades are available for packaging applications requiring specific safety certifications. This ensures the polymer meets the rigorous demands of modern industrial and consumer-facing production standards.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 220 °C (approx) |
| Boiling Point | 107-108 °C @ Press: 16 Torr |
| Density | 1.157 g/cm³ (solid) |
| Appearance | crystalline powder |
| Form | pellets |
| Refractive Index | 1.542 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 39081019 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
Nylon 6
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