Both nylon 6 and nylon 66 are durable polymers. Their properties differ based on how the monomers are bonded.
Monomers of caprolactam from nylon 6. The monomers have 6 carbon atoms each. On the other hand, nylon 66 has two types of monomers – hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. The repeating units have twelve carbon atoms. Nylon 6 is formed through a complex reaction called ring opening polymerization, while nylon 66 is formed through condensation polymerization.
Nylon 6 has high strength and is very flexible. So, it is used to make things like gears, ropes, bearings and other parts of cars. Nylon 66 is rigid and is also resistant to heat and chemicals. Therefore, it is used in the textile industry to make garments and carpets.
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