Nylon 11

Nylon 11 or Polyamide 11 (PA 11) is a polyamide, a type of polymer that is synthesized by the polycondensation of 11-aminoundecanoic acid. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, known for its high resistance to impact, abrasion, and chemicals. It is used in a variety of applications, including automotive parts, sports equipment, and medical devices.

History

Nylon 11 was first synthesized in the 1940s by the French company Rhône-Poulenc. It was initially used in the manufacture of oil and gas pipelines, due to its excellent resistance to hydrocarbons and stress cracking.

Properties

Nylon 11 is a semi-crystalline material, which means it has both amorphous (non-crystalline) and crystalline regions. This gives it a unique combination of properties, including high strength, toughness, and flexibility. It also has excellent resistance to chemicals, including oils, fuels, and many solvents.

Nylon 11 is also known for its good dimensional stability, which means it maintains its shape and size under a wide range of conditions. This makes it suitable for precision parts, such as gears and bearings.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, Nylon 11 is used in a wide range of applications. In the automotive industry, it is used in fuel lines, air brake systems, and cable sheathing. In the sports industry, it is used in ski boots, helmets, and protective gear. In the medical field, it is used in catheters, surgical sutures, and other medical devices.

Environmental Impact

Nylon 11 is considered to be more environmentally friendly than many other plastics, as it is derived from a renewable resource, the castor oil plant. However, like all plastics, it can have a negative impact on the environment if not properly disposed of or recycled.

See Also

• Polyamide
• Polymer
• Rhône-Poulenc
• Plastic recycling