Comparative Study of

Nylon 11 (Polyamide)
And
PCDT (Polyester)

Name : Sayak Nandi

2nd Year 3rd semester
U.Roll NO: 11001417015
Govt. College of Engineering and Textile
Technology,Serampore
 Nylon 11
Introduction
Nylon is a tough, lightweight, elastic synthetic polymer with a protein like chemical
structure ,able to be produced as filaments, sheets, or molded objects.
Nylon is expressed by writing two numbers next two each other
First number indicates number of carbon atoms in diamine
Second number indicates number of carbon atoms in dicarboxylic acid or
dicarboxylic acid compounds
Nylon can also be expressed as PA(Polyamide) for eg : Nylon 11 is also referred to
as PA 11 ( polyamide 11)
Nylon 11 fibre is spun from polyundecanamide, made by the
self-condensation of 11-amino-undecanoic acid
 Origin of Nylon 11

Nylon 11 fibre is spun from polyundecanamide, made by the

self-condensation of 11-amino-undecanoic acid
The 11-amino-undecanoic acid used in production of nylon
11 may be made by three commercially-important routes; (a)
from castor oil, from castor beans under the trade
name Rilsan( Ricinus communis), (b) from ethylene and
carbon tetrachloride, and (c) from dodecane.
 
 Preparation of Nylon 11

Polymerization of 11-undecanoic acid is carried out in three stages, the monomer being
fed as an aqueous suspension into the reaction vessel.

• . Water is removed, and the 11-undecanoic acid is melted. The temperature is raised to
215°C, and polycondensation begins.
Stage 1

• Polycondensation is allowed to proceed until the desired degree of polymerization has been
reached.
Stage 2

• The molten polymer is held for a time at 215°C. to allow the molecular weight distribution to
attain a satisfactory state. The molten polymer is passed to a storage tank, from which is fed
Stage 3 directly to the spinnerets. Thus the process of spinning is called melt spinning
Properties of Nylon 11

There is a gradual loss of strength when exposed to light for a prolonged period.
 End use of Nylon 11
• The initial modulus of nylon 11 is higher than those of the other nylons, resulting in
increased stiffness and rigidity. This is advantageous in applications such as brush
bristles, and it also makes for easier processing.

• The high initial modulus of nylon 11 suggests that this is a

useful nylon for the huge tire cord market.

• The low moisture absorption of nylon 11 enables it to retain

its excellent insulation properties at high humilities; this is a
useful characteristic in electrical applications.
 PCDT
Introduction

Polyester is a specific category of polymers containing ester group in their main chain. It
is formed by polycondensation of dicarboxylic acid and a diol
Poly-1,4-cyclo hexylene dimethyl Terephthalate(PCDT) a new type of polyester fibre
was introduced in 1954, under the trade mark Kodel. It is spun from the polymer made by
condensing terephthalic acid with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol

Poly-1,4-cyclo hexylene-dimethyl Terephthalate(PCDT)

 Origin of PCDT
PCDT polyester fibres are spun from
poly-l,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene
terephthalate made by condensing
terephthalic acid with 1,4-
cyclohexanedimethanol

Reactant Synthesis
Terephthalic Acid
• This is produced from p.xylene
1,4-Cyclohexane Dimethanol
• The material used in producing PCDT polymer is mixture of the two
isomers cis and trans .
 Preparation and Processing of PCDT
• Dimethyl terephthalate, made by esterification of terephthalic acid, is mixed with 1,4-
cyclohexane dimethanol, and the two reactants are heated to 200°C, in the presence of an
ester interchange catalyst. heating is continued until the polymer has attained the desired
molecular weight
Polymerization

• The polymer is melt spun in the usual way, the filaments solidifying as they meet the
cold air. They are drawn to 4 i to 5 times their original length at a temperature of about
120°C.
Spinning
Properties of PCDT
 End use of PCDT
Apparel Fabrics
Blends with wool and acrylic or modacrylic fibres are particularly suitable for
knitted goods.
Floor Coverings
Rugs, mats and broadloom carpets are made from 100 per cent PCDT polyester
fibre. They are soft, luxurious and hard wearing, with good resistance to matting
and clumpipg.
Fiberfill
PCDT polyester fibres is is used in the form of a fiberfill .PCDT polyester fibre has
outstanding resiliance that permits it to support the voids within the fiberfill batt.
Comparative study between PCDT and Nylon 11
Property Nylon 11 PCDT
Composition Being a poly-amide it is linked by amide-linkage Being a poly-ester it is linked by ester-linkage

Weather-Resistance more less

Heat resistance More heat and flame resistance Less heat resistance
Wrinkle resistance good Very high and is used for making carpets for
that reason
Elasticity More(100% at 6% elongation) less
Moisture absorbency More less
burning Melts then burns rapidly Melting and burning at the same time
Effect of sunlight There is a gradual loss of strength when Resistant to sunlight
exposed to light for a prolonged period.
Feel Smooth Rough so Scouring, Shearing is carried out
to make the surface smooth
Effect of microorganisms Almost immune to insects, and other Good resistant against insects but not
microorganisms immune to bacteria and fungi
UV resistance A little resistance to UV rays Strong resistance to UV rays
Source of the initial From natural sources such as castor Man made sources
compound seed( Rilsan) and also man made source
Durability More durable Comparatively less durable
Usage Mainly used for making tyres and brushes usage mainly used in making curtains,
carpets
Cost More because of production being more less
expensive
 My Opinion

In todays world man made fibres are spun and woven into a huge number of consumer and industrial
products, including garments which is primary usage of textile fibres
polyamide fibres have better elastic properties and polyesters for good care properties.
Textile fibres like Nylon 11 ,Kevlar, Nomax ( some polyamids) are examples of some heaby duty polymers
which are used for racing purposes (mainly for making tyres) more then garments and clothing. Nylon 11 can
also be used after blending with other fibres to increase its durability
Polyesters, mainly PET is the prime used polyester in todays world but accordingly PCDT has also become
an important fibre for its versatility. Polyesters are mainly used after blending with other fibres like cotton to
increase the performance limits of fibres, but fibres like PCDT is also used in pure form in making carpets,
curtains and it is wrinkle free.
Man made fibres have a significant impact in textile world now with mixing of natural fibres with synthetic
fibres desired characteristics in any particular fibre can be achieved as well as improving its performance and
characteristics at the same time.
Any Questions?
Thank You