A thermoplastic polymer is a plastic material that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

e.g. Acrylic, ABS, Nylon, Polyethylene, etc.

NYLON-6:

Preparation -

Nylon-6 is made only from one kind of monomer called caprolactum.

E caprolactum

Nylon-6 is made by heating caprolactum to about 250°C with about 5-10% water thrown in.

Properties:

1. Nylon-6 is a semi crystalline poly-amide.
2. Unlike most other nylons, nylon-6 is not a condensation polymer, but instead formed by ring-opening polymerization.
3. Nylon-6 fibers are tough, possessing high tensile strength as well as elasticity and luster.

Uses:

1. Nylon-6 finds application in broad range of products requiring materials of high strength.
2. It is widely used for gears, fillings and bearings, in automotive industry for under-the-hood parts, and as a materials for power tools housing.
3. It is use as thread in bristles for toothbrushes, surgical sutures and strings for acoustic and classical musical instruments.
4. It is also used in manufacture of large variety of threads, ropes, filaments, nets, etc.