Applications of Nylon 66

Areas of applications are very similar to Nylon 6.

•Appliances
•Automotive
•Business equipment
•Consumer Products
•Electrical
•Hardware
•Machinery and packaging
 Applications of Nylon 66

Hammer handles of glass reinforced nylon are superior to

wood they replaced (Application related to hardware)

Fig. 9. Hammer Handles

 Applications of Nylon 66

Textile shuttle of glass reinforced nylon 66 with stand frictional

heat and millions of impacts (Application related to machinery)

Fig. 10. Textile Shuttle

 Applications of Nylon 66

Gide shoes for the hand rail of moving stairway are made of nylon
66 with molybdemum disulfide added for lubricity (Machinery)

Fig. 11. Gide shoes

 Applications of Nylon 66

Nylon elevators gibs slide thousand of miles against steel

rails with minimum lubrication (Example of good abrasion
resistance, application of machinery)

Fig. 12. Elevators Gibs

 Applications of Nylon 66

Trimming sprocket for automobile cam shaft has nylon 66 teeth for
long wear and noise reduction (Automotive)

Fig. 13. Trimming Sprocket

 Applications of Nylon 66

Countless electrical coils are wound on nylon 66 (Electrical)

Fig. 14 Electrical coils

 Applications of Nylon 66

Self -Extinguishing nylon 66 used for television tuner parts

Fig. 15. Television Tuner Parts

 Applications of Nylon 66

Spatula blades and spoons of nylon 66 (consumer products, kitchen)

Fig. 16. Spoons

 Preparation of PET

•The PET polymers is produced by the reaction of ethylene glycol and

Terephthalic acid or Dimethyl terephthalate in the presence of metal acetate
catalyst. This process is called ester exchange process.

•In this process, a low molecular weight diester, known as the monomer is first
produced by reacting 1 mol. or dimethyle terephthalate with about 2.1 – 2.2
mol ethylene glycol at 150°C in the presence of catalysts, such as antimony
trioxide and cobaltous acetate.

HO-(CH2)2 – OOC - O - COO (CH2)2 – OH

 Preparation of PET

•In addition to this diester, di-2-hydroxyethyl terephathalte, some oligomers of

following general structure, are also produced.
HO-(CH2 ) 2 -O[O-C- O -COO-(CH2 ) 2 -O] n-H
When n = 1, 2, 3

•Methanol formed during the condensation is removed using a distillation

column. The monomer is then heated to 270° - 280°C with removal of volatiles
under reduced pressure down to 1 mm Hg. Heat and vaccum are employed to
increase the molecular weight with concurrent removal of volatile products
such as water /alcohol and glycol.

n CH3OOC - O - COO CH3 + n HO - CH2 - CH2 - OH

O O
- [C - O - C - O -CH2- CH2 - O -] n + 2n CH3 OH
 Manufacturing of PET

•PET Polymers are manufactured by a stage-wise melt polymerization

process consists of transesterification, pre-polymerization and finishing
polymerization steps.

Fig. 17. Manufacturing of PET By Hitachi (Continuous Process)

 Manufacturing of PET

•In the transesterification stage dimethyl temphthalate (DMT) or

terephthalic acid (TPA) is converted into bishydroxy ethyl terephthalate
in the presence of metal acetate catalyst.
•Ethylene glycol (EG) DMT, and catalyst are fed at a molar ratio of 1.7
to 2.0:1 (with TPA this ratio is 1-3 to 1.5:1) and a temperature of 100-
180°C. This stage takes 3-4 hr. The reaction byproduct methanol
(Water When TPA) is used) is separated from EG vapors in a reflux
column.
 Manufacturing of PET

•After adding stabilizer and additives, the prepolymer is forced through a

superfine fitter to the second (pre-poly condensation) stage.

•The poly condensation reaction is performed under vacuum (15-25 torr)

and elevated temperature. (280 – 300°C).

•The resulting EG is removed by a vacuum pump while the prepoly

condensation product – a low molecular weight (DP= 30) relatively non-
viscosity material (40 poise) is pumped to the finishing poly condensation
stage after a residence time of about 2 hrs.
 Manufacturing of PET

•The finishing polymerization stage, which is operated at 0.5 – 1 torr,

requires special wiped film or extruder type reactor in order to handle the
high viscosity of the polymer ((DP = 100), few thousand poise).

•Many manufacturer have devised their own proprietary agitation systems

to minimize the build-up of the solidifying polymer layers.

•Many manufacturer have devised their own proprietary agitation systems

to minimize the build-up of the solidifying polymer layers.
 Manufacturing of PET

•The EG vapours contaminated with oligomers are drawn off

through a special condensing system and sent to a recovery unit

•The polymers melt can be sent to a direct spinning plant or

transformed into pellets.
 Properties of PET

•Engineering grade PET resins have superior strength and stiffness,

excellent dimensional stability, outstanding chemical and heat resistance
and inherently good electrical properties.
• PET is a versatile plastic because of its excellent physical properties
and it can be converted into amorphous or semicrystalline product.
• When properly processed, it can be made into oriented and crystallized
articles and still posses excellent clarity.
•When held for a period of time in a given temperature range above the
Tg (80°C), they will crystallise spontaneously. The maximum rate of
crystallisation occur in the temperature range of 140-190°C, the melting
point of PET is 245°C.
 Properties of PET

•Engineering grade PET resin are highly crystalline, while film and
bottle grades are amorphous. When the resin is heated above 80°C
crystallisation can occur and they show considerable distortion,
shrinkage and clouding.

•Because of its high transition temperature of about 80°C only a limited

amount of crystallization can occur during cooling after moulding of
PET.

•Reinforcement of PET improve strength and dimensional stability,

particularly tensile strength, flexural strength and warp resistance.
Engineering grade PET resin are glass fibre and mineral reinforced
usually with 30-45% by weight.
 Properties of PET

•Fibre reinforcements to PET enhance service temperature levels and chemical

resistance. Flame retardant grades are widely used for electrical applications such
as electrical connectors.

•Fibre reinforced PET grades are having excellent resistance to automotive fluids
including gasoline and oils. These resins are also resistant to commonly used
alcohols, organic solvent and weak acid and bases.

•Injection moulding is also difficult because of the sensitively of the melt to traces
of moisture.

•The casted PET material has a high hardness creep resistance and rigidity, with a
water absorption similar to that of acetal resin.

•The molding grade also shows high gloss, hard and scratch resistance surface and
a high rigidity.
 Properties of PET
Properties Units Values
Specific gravity ---- 1.40
Tensile strength MPa 51
Tensile modulus MPa 175
Flexural modulus Mpa 204
Elongation at break % 7
Impact strength izod, Notched, kg.cm/cm 9.25
Hardness R 105
Deflection temperature under load C
0
205-210
(1.82 Mpa)
Vicat softening point °C 75
Coefficient of linear expansion mm/mm/ 0
C 6.0 x 10-5
Water absorption, 24hrs % < 0.1
Refractive index 1.62
Dielectric strength KV/mm 26
Dielectric constant 10-6 Hz 3.3
Power factor 0.03
Volume resistivity Ohm.m 1013
Melting point 0
C 245
Glass transition temperature °C 67
 Characteristics of PET

Characteristics
Outstanding chemical resistance to organic and inorganic liquids
Water repellent
Sterilizable by ethylene oxide and X-rays
Inherent good electrical property
Ability to orient
Good tensile strength
Superior strength and stiffness
Excellent dimensional stability
Excellent melt strength with slower crystallization rate
Good impact strength even at low temperature
Excellent formability
High tear strength
Heat resistant
Flame retardant
Outstanding clarity
High gloss
 Processing of PET

PET can be processed by the following techniques :

•Injection moulding
•Stretch blow moulding
•Thermoforming
•Extrusion
 Processing of PET
•PET resins are primarily for injection moulding.

•PET is hygroscopic and in its melt state the resin hydrolyzes.

•PET resin supplied in moisture porof containers can have a moisture content upto
0.04%, but hydrolysis can occur at a moisture level above 0.02%.

•Therefore, even virgin PET directly from suppliers containers, as well as regrind,
should be dried to level of less than 0.02% and maintained at that level.

•The reaction of moisture with PET is rapid.

•Dehumidifier hopper is recommended with injection moulded PET.

•Drying time values from 4 hrs. for wet resin to 2 hrs. for virgin resin at 135°C.

•Extended drying time should be carried out at lower temperature (about 107°C) to
avoid possible loss of volatile additives in the PET compound.
 Processing of PET

•The moulding must be carried out with dried material and because of the
free flowing nature of the melt, restricted nozzles should be used and a back
flow valve fitted to screw injection moulding machine.

•Cylinder temperature are about 260°C and mould temperature as high as

140°C to promote a controlled crystallization. A significant degree of
crystallinity occurs in the mould. Therefore, mould temperature should be
selected carefully in order to enhance crystalline formation. Mould
temperature also influence cycle time and products quality, particularly
warpage shrinkage, surface gloss depth or colour and chemical resistance.
The selection of mould temperature is related to wall thickness.
 Processing of PET

•Although resin grades from the same supplier show the same melt temperature,
PET from different suppliers shows different melt temperature ranging from
260 – 370°C .The recommended typical injection moulding cylinder
temperature also differ between suppliers.

•An interesting feature of PET is that according to the moulding conditions two
quite dissimilar products one amorphous, the other transparent, may be
obtained, this beings a consequence of having a Tg of about 80°C.

Because of the low melt viscosity injection moulding screw for PET should be
fitted with back flow valves and the barrel nozzles should have shut-off-valves.
 Processing of PET

To produce amorphous transparent moulding, mould temperature should

be kept well below the Tg, a temperature at less than 50°C generally
being recommended. Providing that wall thickness do not exceed 5-6
mm the melt cools very rapidly and there is not enough time for
significant crystallization to occur in the short terms internal that the
material is between Tm and Tg. With thicker section it may not be
possible to extract the heat out of the melt at a sufficient rate and some
crystallization may occur. It is also important to use grades which do not
contain additives that accelerate crystallization. Amorphous moulding
should not be used above Tg.
 Processing of PET

•Crystalline, opaque, mouldings are produced by using a mould

temperature of about 130°C and grades containing crystallization
accelerators. The crystalline grades retain their shape upto temperature
near to Tm and therefore for many applications may be used above Tm.

•Since biaxial stretching of PET is possible the benefits has been

extended from film to bottle manufacturing.

•PET is also processed to make a thermoformed PET sheet for menu

trays for using in traditional and microwave ovens.
 Processing of PET

The PET is available in the following grades :

•Glass filled grade

•Injection moulding grade
•Extrusion grade
•Stretch blow moulding grade
 Serviceability of PET

•PET’s broad range of mechanical and electrical properties make them

ideal replacements in certain applications for such metal as die-cast
aluminium or zinc also in thermoset switches, relay sensors etc.

•To meet specific product requirements such as increased toughness,

decreased warpage or flame retardance, they are specially formulated.

•PET is used in packaging particularly in stretched injection blow

moulded beverage bottles.
Recycling of all types of PET materials has been easily accomplished.
 Applications of PET

•Appliances
•Automotive
•Electrical/Electronics
•Films
•Furniture
•Packaging
•Miscellaneous
 Applications of PET

Appliances :
Oven and appliance handles, coil forms for
microwave oven transformers, small appliance
structural framers, panels, chassis and housing and
instrument covers.
 Applications of PET

Automotive:
Structural parts such as luggage racks and grills,
fuctional housing such as windshield, wiper motor
housing , fuel filters, blade supports and bells, sensor,
lamp sockets, relays, switches and solenoids
 Applications of PET

Electrical/Electronics:
Lamps sockets , coil forms for audio/video
transformers, terminal blocks, electrical. Electronic
connectors and thrust washers.

Fig.18 Electricals Connectors

 Applications of PET

Films:
X-ray films, photographic films, magnetic
tapes and printing sheets.
 Applications of PET

Furniture:

Pedestal bases, sent pans, chair arms and

castes.
 Applications of PET

Packaging :
Carbonated soft drink containers, distilled
spirits, toiletries, food products, mustard, pickle foods,
peanut butter, spices, edible oil cocktail mixer and
syrups.

Fig. 19 Containers
 Applications of PET

Miscellaneous:
General purpose pumps housing , mirror
housings three dimensional circui boards and
structural components in office automation
equipment, computer housing and structural
components, containers, trays, blisters and drinking
cups.
 Preparation of PBT

Polybutylene Terephthelate (PBT) also called

polytetramethylene terephthalate (PTMT) resin is a semicrystalline
polyester resin. It is produced by the catalytic polycondensation of 1,4
butanediol and dimethyl terephthelate.

n HO-CH2 -CH2 -CH2 CH2 -OH +n CH3 OOC - O COOCH3

o o
-[O-C- 0 -C-O CH2 -CH2 -CH2 -CH2- 0]+ 2n CH3 OH
 Manufacturing of PBT

It is manufactured using similar principles of

PET manufacturing. At first step PBT is produced
by the catalytic polycondensation of 1,4 butanediol
and dimethyl terephthalate, Subsequent post
condensation raises transerterified product to the
desired molecular weight.
 Properties of PBT

•Unmodified PBT is a semi crystalline thermoplastic resin with a

density of 1.2 gm/cc. It exhibit good tensile strength, toughness
and excellent dimensional stability. The smooth hard resin
results in low co-efficient of friction. It is notch-sensitive. Sharp
corner in parts can result in stress concentration sites, which
lead to premature part fracture with applied stress. Un-
reinforced grade exhibit this sensitively more than the
reinforced products.

•PBT has a sharp melting point of 220°C. The ability of PBT to

perform in high temperature environments is illustrated by the
heat deflection temperature of 154°C of 0.5 Mpa.
 Properties of PBT

•Apart from improving strength and stiffness glass

reinforcements also enhance normal properties. Its heat
deflection temperature increases to 217°C.

•The low mean values of co-efficient of linear thermal expansion

for PBT resin ensure excellent dimensional stability in a variable
temperature range.

•PBT resins exhibit good electrical insulation properties, which

are nearly independent of the environment (temperature and
humidity).
 Properties of PBT

Properties Units Values

Specific gravity ---- 1.31
Tensile strength MPa 55
Tensile modulus MPa 2551
Flexural modulus Mpa 2275
Elongation at break % 200
Impact strength izod, Notched, J/m 53
Hardness R -72
Deflection temperature under load C
0
205-210
(1.82 Mpa)
Coefficient of linear expansion mm/mm/0C 7.4 x 10-
5
Water absorption, 24hrs % 0.1
Dielectric strength KV/mm 15.8
Dielectric constant 10-6 Hz 3.24
Power factor 0.019
Volume resistivity Ohm.m 4 x 1017
Melting point 0
C 225
Glass transition temperature °C 40
 Processing of PBT

PBT can be processed by the following techniques

•Injection Moulding
•Extrusion
•Blow Moulding
 Processing of PBT

This resin must be dried to a moisture of 0.02%

or less before processing to ensure desired quality
performance. The drying condition should be 120°C for
2-4 hours. The injection moulding machine should be
cleaned thoroughly with polyolefin or polystyrene to
remove any residual material in the cylinder. The
cylinder temperature should be maintained at 230-
260°C. The recommended mould temperature should be
60-120°C. The maximum recommended regrind /
reclaimed material which can be mixed without adverse
affect on resin properties is 25%.
 Processing of PBT

PBT is available in the following grades:

•Unmodified grade
•Glass reinforced grade
•Mineral filled grade
•Flame retardant grade
•Impact modified grade
 Serviceability

PBT is the class of Thermoplastic which is most

popularly used in production of many automobile, electrical
and electronic items. PBT can crystallize much faster than
PET and PBT is not normally encountered in amorphous
solid form. The properties of the highly crystalline PBT (as
much as 60%) are fairly similar to those of unreinforced
crystalline PET. PBT is not as conveniently oriented as PET.
It is primarily used in injection moulding where fast cycle can
be achieved with minimal precautions other than a thorough
drying of this hygroscopic plastic (less than 0.005% water).
Suitable grades tend to have a rather sharp melting
transition, with a relatively low melt viscosity allowing for the
moulding of intricate shapes.
 Serviceability

The crystalline nature of PBT make it resistant to

most chemicals. The low moisture absorption ensures
consistent mechanical performance and dimensional stability
underwriters laboratory (UL) endorsed its exceptional
thermal stability by assigning continuous use temperature
ratings for electrical and mechanical properties ranging from
105 – 140°C. Unreinforced flame retardant grade is rated by
UL as 94V-0, glass reinforced flame retardant grade resin is
rated by UL as 94V-0 . The part can be painted, printed and
ultrasonically welded due to its first rate of crystallization
(Tg=40°C, Tm = 227°C)
 Serviceability

•The resin is a good insulators, volume resistivity is greater

than 1016 ohm-cm. Arc resistance and dielectric strength are
high. The dissipation factor is low.

•PBT has water absorption <0.1% but is not recommended

for extended use in water and acid or alkaline solution above
52°C.

•The resin is resistant to detergents, weak acid and bases,

aliphatic hydrocarbon, fluorinated hydrocarbons, alcohols,
ketones, ethylene glycol, carbon tetra chloride, oils and fats,
to motor oil, gasoline, transmission and brake fluids at
temperature to 60°C.
 Characteristics of PBT
•High strength & rigidity
•Excellent dimensional stability
•Low co-efficient of friction
•Good abrasion resistance
•Good resistance to creep at ambient & elevated temperature
•Low moisture absorption
•Resistance to weak acid, bases, alcohols, ketones, oils, fats and
aliphatic hydrocarbons
•Good resistance to motor oil, gasoline and brake fluids
•High temperature resistance
•Excellent flame resistance
•Good electrical resistance
•High arc resistance & dielectric strength
•Low dissipation factor
 Application of PBT

•Electrical and electronic applications

•Automobile applications

•Others
 Application of PBT

•Electrical and electronic applications:

Connector, IC Sockets, Terminal blocks,

bobbins, push-buttons of telephone set, micro
switch, TV parts, hair dryer parts, micro motor
housing, glue gums etc.
 Application of PBT

Automobile applications:
Wiper gear case, outer handle, distributor, coupler, Ignition system
parts, bumper, valve of exhaust, gas treating system etc.

Fig. 20. Application of PBT

in various areas