COMPARISON OF NYLON FIBERS FOR TIRE REINFORCEMENT.

While both nylons are composed of six carbon atom repeating polyamide chains, the orientation of the amide linkages are different to the fundamental building blocks. The difference in amide linkages creates fundamental distinctions in various physical properties. It is these differences that are addressed; both those that require attention in fabric conversion and tire building and those that contribute to the enhanced performance characteristics of tires utilizing nylon-6. On a worldwide basis, nylon-6 and 66 are used in similar quantities and have both demonstrated their suitability for bias truck and bus tires over many billions of pounds and more than 30 years. In both tire production and performance in actual use, melting point differences are of little or no consequence since temperature requirements are significantly below the melting point of both fibers. When using nylon-6 certain precautions must be used during treatment and curing operations due to the solvation affect, but these fall easily within the control of existing manufacturing technology. When processed under optimum conditions, nylon-6 offers many distinct advantages over nylon-66 that are measurable both in the laboratory and on the road. These superior physical characteristics include superior toughness, higher plunger energy, lower heat generation and higher resistance to mechanical fatigue. These attributes contribute to a more durable, impact resistant and cooler running tire.