The real, chemical name of Nylon 66 is poly(hexamethylene adipamide). It is also systematically known as poly(N,N'-hexamethyleneadipinediamide).
Understanding Nylon 66 Nomenclature
While "Nylon 66" is its widely recognized common name, particularly in industrial and commercial contexts, it refers to a specific type of synthetic polyamide. This polymer is a condensation product formed from two monomers, each containing six carbon atoms, which gives rise to the "66" designation in its common name.
Chemical Names of Nylon 66
The chemical names precisely describe the polymer's molecular structure, derived from its constituent monomers:
- Poly(hexamethylene adipamide): This name clearly indicates the two repeating units that form the polymer chain:
- Hexamethylene diamine: The diamine component, which contributes the 'hexamethylene' part (six carbon atoms).
- Adipic acid: The diacid component, which contributes the 'adipamide' part (also six carbon atoms, forming an amide linkage).
- Poly(N,N'-hexamethyleneadipinediamide): This is a more formal systematic chemical name that also highlights the specific bonding (N,N'-) within the polymer chain.
Commercial Trade Names and Brands
Beyond its chemical and common names, Nylon 66 is also marketed under various trade names by different manufacturers. These brand names are specific to the companies producing and selling the material. Some prominent examples include:
- Maranyl
- Ultramid
- Zytel
- Akromid
- Durethan
- Frianyl
- Vydyne
Summary of Nylon 66 Names
To summarize the different ways Nylon 66 is identified:
| Category | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Nylon 66 | Widely used industry and consumer term |
| Chemical Names | Poly(hexamethylene adipamide) | Scientific name based on monomers |
| Poly(N,N'-hexamethyleneadipinediamide) | More formal systematic chemical name | |
| Trade Names | Maranyl, Ultramid, Zytel, Akromid, Durethan, Frianyl, Vydyne | Brand names used by various manufacturers for their products |
Understanding these different names is crucial for identifying and working with Nylon 66 in various applications, from textiles and carpets to engineering plastics and automotive parts.
