The History of Development of Nylons 11 and 12

Abstract

Nylons 11 and 12 are high performance polymers which combine the flexibility and toughness of the lower carbon number nylons with the property of low moisture absorption. These nylons have been very successful in tubing, hose and piping applications as well as cable insulation and jacketing. They are used as well for the injection molding of many items where dimensional stability, toughness and insensitivity to humidity are required. Both Nylons 11 and 12 are the base polymers of formulated coatings for metal items ranging from sea water heat exchangers to building siding panels. These very useful polyamides are the products of research based upon the earlier work of Wallace H. Carothers. The paper summarizes the development, both technical and commercial, of these resins from 1938 to the present.