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Polymers can be made through two major processes: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. When hexamethylene diamine (a diamine with two –NH₂ groups) reacts with adipic acid (a dicarboxylic acid with two –COOH groups), they undergo condensation polymerization. In this reaction, the amino group (–NH₂) of diamine reacts with the carboxyl group (–COOH) of adipic acid, forming an amide linkage (–CONH–) with the elimination of a water molecule.
Repeating this process many times creates a long-chain polymer known as Nylon 6,6. The name comes from:
The diamine containing 6 carbon atoms (hexamethylene diamine).
The dicarboxylic acid containing 6 carbon atoms (adipic acid).
Thus, the polymer is called Nylon 6,6.
Key features of Nylon 6,6:
It is a strong, tough, and durable material.
It shows high tensile strength and elasticity.
It resists abrasion, heat, and wear.
It is chemically resistant to many oils and solvents.
Applications:
Textile industry (fabrics, ropes, threads, parachutes).
Carpets and upholstery.
Mechanical parts (gears, bearings, machine components).
Tire cords for vehicles.
Packaging and molded plastic goods.
Nylon 6,6 was first developed in the 1930s by Wallace Carothers at DuPont, and it became one of the first successful synthetic fibers. Its properties make it one of the most widely used engineering plastics today.
In conclusion, the combination of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid leads to the formation of Nylon 6,6, a synthetic polyamide widely used in both fabrics and industry.
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