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Polyamide fibre (PA)
2.5-8.5 usd/kg
As well as being utilised in 100% polyamide (PA) nylon fabrics, it is blended with cotton and viscose, for example, to take advantage of its properties at a lower price point. It also is blended with wool to enhance strength, resilience and wear resistance. These blends are used a great deal in fashion textiles, such as to make outdoor wear, sportswear, swimwear, dresses, suits and lingerie.
As well as being available as a conventional petrochemical product, PA6, PA66 and PA11 fibres are available as bioplastics, derived from castor oil (bio-PA). Sourced responsibly, these bio-based plastics provide a renewable alternative to conventional synthetic fibres. In addition, grades exist that are designed to biodegrade in landfill and marine environments. For example, Nurel Neride Bio PA6 and Solvay Amni Soul Eco PA66. While they are not compostable and decompose much slower than biodegradable polyesters, they reduce the impact of microplastics because they breakdown more quickly than a regular synthetic. However, methane is produced as a result of its decomposition, as with all biological matter, which must be managed properly to avoid it negative impacts as a potent greenhouse gas (GHG).
As with moulded nylon, and other thermoplastic fibres, it can be welded, and formed into 3D shapes with heat and pressure (such as embossing patterns, or heat setting to improve the fit of a garment). A huge range of finishes and colours are possible. Nylon is produced as glossy, or dull, and in a range of cross-sections, which may be solid or hollow. For example, trilobal nylon, produced with a triangular cross-section, produces a more lustrous finish (silk-like) and changes the handle (feel) of a fabric.
Metal coatings are used to enhance surface properties by improving reflectivity, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. For example, nylon is coated with antimicrobial silver, or highly conductive copper or nickel for shielding or wearable electronics. Alternatively, it is laminated with aluminium metallised film, such as to create metallic stretch fabric.
As well as textiles for fashion and sports, nylon fibre is used in the production of thermoplastic composites. Reinforced with glass fibre or carbon fibre, they combine the advantages of both as high impact and high strength materials. Applications span automotive, engineering and sports equipment.
Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Microplastics
Nylon fibres are most often polyamide 6, or 66 (PA6 or PA66). Produced as both filament yarns and staple fibre, it is a high strength fibre with very good stretch and recovery (more than most), and resistance to weathering, chemicals and abrasion. However, it does not have such good wrinkle resistance, and like the moulded polymer is prone to water absorption – when wet it loses up to 20% of its strength. While these two nylons are very similar, PA6 tends to be less expensive, has a more lustrous surface and takes bright colours better.
PA11 is used to make fibres with improved flexibility and dimensional-stability (lower moisture absorption). It is more expensive and used for more demanding applications, such as in automotive and oil and gas, where durability and strength are critical requirements.
Applications are limited to some extent by the relatively high price compared to other synthetic fibres. Therefore, nylon tends to be used for demanding and hardwearing applications in carpets, cords, clothes, hosiery, upholstery, straps, luggage, accessories, footwear, seat belts, parachutes, ropes, and other technical textiles.
Short nylon fibres are used in flocking, to provide a soft pile, fabric-like finish to a range of materials. This technique is used in automotive interiors (parcel shelves and panels), packaging, toys (teddies), accessories, fashion and interior decoration (wall paper).
