Intro
Polymer formation occurs in PA 6.6 through polycondensation and in PA 6 through polymerisation. The fibre is obtained through the melt spinning process.
Properties
- Very high tear and abrasion resistance
- High elasticity, low crease sensitivity
- Seawater and rot bacteria resistance
- Easy care (easy to wash and quick drying)
- Good moisture absorption
- Thermoplastic
- High light sensitivity
Temperatures
- Melting point: PA 6.6 approx. 255°C to 260°C depending on type
- Melting point: PA 6 approx. 215°C to 220°C depending on type
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Synthetic fibre |
| Abbreviation | PA |
| Important types | PA 6, PA 6.6 |
| Common market term | Nylon |
| Tear resistance | Very high |
| Abrasion resistance | Very high |
| Elasticity | High |
| Moisture absorption | Good |
| UV behaviour | Light-sensitive |
| Melting point PA 6 | Approx. 215–220°C |
| Melting point PA 6.6 | Approx. 255–260°C |
| Typical applications | Footwear, leather goods, upholstery, automotive, heavy-duty technical applications |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Polyamide
- Polyamide fibre
- Polyamide sewing thread
- PA
- PA 6
- PA 6.6
- Polyamide filament
- Polyamide multifilament
Common descriptions
- PA thread
- Polyamide thread
- Elastic sewing thread
- What is PA 6.6?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Polyamide, PA, Nylon, Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6, Polyamide sewing thread |
| German | Polyamid, PA, Nylon, Polyamidfaser, Polyamidnähgarn |
| French | Polyamide, PA, Nylon, Fibre polyamide, Fil à coudre polyamide |
| Italian | Poliammide, PA, Nylon, Fibra poliammidica, Filo in poliammide |
| Spanish | Poliamida, PA, Nylon, Fibra de poliamida, Hilo de poliamida |
| Chinese | 聚酰胺, 锦纶, 尼龙, 聚酰胺缝纫线 |
| Vietnamese | Polyamide, PA, Nylon, Xơ polyamide, Chỉ may nylon |
FAQ
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Polyamide 6.6 is produced by polycondensation, while polyamide 6 is produced by polymerisation. The fibres are formed using the melt spinning process.
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Both are polyamides but differ in their chemical structure and melting point. PA 6.6 has a higher melting point (approx. 255–260°C), while PA 6 melts at approx. 215–220°C.
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Yes. Polyamide offers very high tear strength and excellent abrasion resistance, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
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Polyamide has high elasticity and good recovery properties, allowing seams to withstand dynamic loads.
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Yes. Compared to polyester, polyamide has good moisture absorption, which can influence dimensional stability and handling characteristics.
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Polyamide is resistant to seawater and rot bacteria, making it suitable for marine and outdoor applications. However, it is sensitive to prolonged UV exposure.
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Polyamide has relatively high light sensitivity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can reduce strength over time.
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Yes. Polyamide is thermoplastic and softens or melts when exposed to high temperatures.
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PA 6.6 melts at approximately 255–260°C, depending on type. PA 6 melts at approximately 215–220°C.
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Polyamide threads are commonly used in footwear, leather goods, upholstery, automotive interiors and heavy-duty technical applications where high strength and elasticity are required.