nylon-6

fibre

Also known as: polycaprolactam

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July 1, 2026

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Nylon-6 is a synthetic plastic material, specifically a polyamide, known for its use as a fiber. It is created through chemical synthesis from readily available compounds. Developed in the 1930s by Wallace H. Carothers at DuPont, nylon was the first entirely synthetic fiber.12

Nylon-6 is produced from a starting material called caprolactam. This material is characterized by recurring amide groups (-CONH-) within its molecular structure. Nylon can be processed into fibers, filaments, bristles, sheets, yarn, and fabric, and is also used for molded plastic products. It is valued for its high resistance to wear, heat, and chemicals, as well as its toughness, elasticity, and strength.12

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major industrial polymers
Nylon
…the DuPont fibre was marketed, nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) was produced in Europe based on the polymerization of caprolactam. Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 have almost the same structure and similar properties and are still the most important polyamide fibres worldwide. Their repeating units have the following structure:
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…the DuPont fibre was marketed, nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) was produced in Europe based on the polymerization of caprolactam. Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 have almost the same structure and similar properties and are still the most important polyamide fibres worldwide. Their repeating units have the following structure:
Read More