Akulon(R); nylons

One of the first engineering thermoplastics, polyamide, also known as nylon, has been available for more than 50 years. DSM has been active in the development of nylon and its uses for nearly the entire 50 year period. An inherently tough, semi-crystalline material, which is white in color, nylon is the most common engineering thermoplastic in use today. The Akulon® product line from DSM Engineering Plastics encompasses a full range of individual grades based on nylon 6, and 6/6. Our unique role as both resin producer and specialty compounder is the source of expertise at DSM. From unreinforced Akulon K222-D (nylon 6, general purpose) to the enhanced mechanical strength and toughness of a glass fiber reinforced, impact modified grade such as S224-HPG6U (nylon 6, 33% glass toughened), DSM combines the science behind the polyamide molecule with compounding innovation to deliver unparalleled quality and value.

Akulon Properties
The multi-functional application of nylon is due to its extensive combination of properties including:

• Toughness at high and low temperatures
• Abrasion and wear resistance
• Chemical resistance to may oils, organic solvents, and gasoline impact and fatigue resistance
• Impact and fatigue resistance
• Stiffness and retention of properties at elevated temperatures
• Excellent tensile strength
• Outstanding weatherability
• Exceptional heat resistance
• Excellent flow properties
• Good impact properties

Nylons come in a variety of types, each having its own unique combination of properties. These properties can be enhanced by the use of additives such as glass fiber, mineral fillers, flame retardants, toughening agents, and other chemicals.

Akulon Components
Nylon is used in a wide range of industries including consumer goods, electrical/ electronics, mechanical/industrial, automotive and lawn & garden. DSM manufactures and markets a family of nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 6/12 and nylon alloys in both reinforced and unreinforced grades, including flame retardant products. Akulon products offer a full spectrum of price-performance materials that can be custom-tailored to meet your needs.

NYLON 6
Akulon nylon 6 is produced by the polycondensation of caprolactam. DSM is a global leader in caprolactam process technology and has used this solid foundation to build a strong and growing position in nylon 6. DSM currently produces nylon 6 polymer in both the United States and Europe, with efforts under way to establish a position in Asia.

DSM has produced glass fiber reinforced and mineral filled grades of nylon 6 in the United States for over 35 years and pioneered many applications as metals converted to nylons. The Akulon nylon 6 product range includes:

• unreinforced grades for injection molding and extrusion
• glass fiber reinforced
• hybrid glass/mineral
• mineral filled
• flame retardant
• impact modified (glass reinforced and unreinforced).

This wide assortment of grades means that a standard grade already exists for most applications.

Nylon 6 materials offer the excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties inherent to nylons, along with improved toughness, elongation, and optimal surface appearance. These properties have helped establish nylon 6 as a proven performer in the following application areas:

AUTOMOTIVE
engine covers, air cleaner housings, door handles, radiator fans & end tanks, reservoirs, gears, bobbins, fuel injectors, HVAC valves

ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONICS
bobbins, gears, cams, levers, knobs & handles, frames & chassis

MECHANICAL / INDUSTRIAL
gears, bearings & bushings, handles, levers

CONSUMER
housings & handles, chair bases and arms, casters, wheels & rollers, pulleys and gears, racquets

NYLON 6/6
Adipic Acid and Hexamethylene-diamine are polycondensated to produce Akulon nylon 6/6 polymer.Nylon 6/6 is well established in the automotive and electrical/electronics markets and has been in use for over 50 years. The material maintains high thermal and mechanical properties in combination with good toughness and processability. In comparison to nylon 6, nylon 6/6 offers higher short and long term temperature resistance, improved electrical properties, and slightly higher mechanical properties. It does not demonstrate the impact resistance of nylon 6 or the surface appearance, in most applications.

DSM offers nylon 6/6 in a wide variety of compounded forms, with glass fiber, mineral, flame retardants, and impact modifiers. Examples of nylon 6/6 applications include:

AUTOMOTIVE
intake manifolds, engine covers, reservoirs, vapor canisters

ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONICS
connectors, bobbins, laminates, frames

CONSUMER
caster wheels, rollers, gears

MECHANICAL / INDUSTRIAL
gears, bearings, brackets, levers

Akulon ReCap post-consumer recylced nylon 6.
Akulon® Recap™, an exciting new family of nylon 6 products from DSM Engineering Plastics, is helping automotive manufacturers meet environmental requirements along with increasing performance and quality demands. Akulon® Recap™ products:

• are based on virgin quality recycled caprolactam
• can be compounded in all colors and formulations
• will reduce carpet waste from landfills
• reduce petroleum plant energy consumption
• meet government regulations for recycled content
• support closed loop recycling.

DSM Engineering Plastics, 2267 West Mill Road, PO Box 3333. Tel: 800-333-4237; Fax: 812-435-7702 .