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Moistures Effect on
Polyamide (Nylon)
Dimensional Stability
Abstract:
In academia and industry most published data on plastic materials, especially
in the case of polyamide (Nylon) water absorption is expressed in terms of
percent weight gain. While this information is significant for comparison
purposes, it really does not relate to the application and design factors
engineers use for this material. This report focuses on the two of the most
significant factors on Nylon properties and performance; moisture and
temperature.

Introduction:

The plastics industry over the years has seen a rise in demands and interests
in using thermoplastics, such as Nylon, to substitute some thermosets and
metals. Nylon being a crystalline material absorbs moisture at levels
substantially higher than most other engineering plastics. When the moisture
content of a Nylon part increases its weight and toughness, conversely its
increase in weight by moisture absorption reduces Nylons strength and stiffness.
Also, Nylons moisture absorption also alters part dimensions. This last
characteristic causes a lot of concern to design engineers when going through a
material selection process for new products.

The Effect of Water Absorption:

Even with Nylons easy processing and high performance its inclination and
capability of absorbing moisture from the surrounding air had made it a constant

challenge for engineers. The moisture in the environment is known to affect a

wide range of Nylon properties such as: mechanical, electrical, chemical,
processability and dimensional stability, so ultimately the performance of the
Nylon product is altered. The moisture in nylon acts as a plasticizer that reduces
the entanglement and bonding between molecules therefore increases their
volume and mobility [1]. Moisturized Nylons display lower glass transition
temperature, which makes it easier for additional crystallization. The increase in
moisture may cause changes in a materials behavior under load; it decreases
strength, stiffness, and natural frequency, while increasing energy absorption
and ductility in the material. Basically, the best way to reduce the moisture
uptake in is to select plastics with low absorption rate or design products in
ways to prevent excessive absorption. At room temperature and 50% relative
humidity (RH), type 6 polyamide could eventually absorb 2.75% water. Every
1% moisture increase in Nylon may result in 0.2 to 0.3% increase in its
dimension, and a maximum of 0.7% increase in dimensions. [2].

Conclusion:

The variance in Nylons properties like tensile modulus and strength, after it
has seen a change in humidity and temperature is a factor that engineers have
to contemplate if they want to design products made out of this material. The
demands of the product functionality and the environments that the Nylon parts
will be used in will determine the allowances that need to be made for moisture
absorption which can even lead to material substitution. Lastly, Nylons water
absorption properties have to be considered during the material selection
process for designing and building molds to generate parts.

References:

1. M. Kohan, Nylon Plastics Handbook, Hanser / Gardner Publications, Inc.,

New York, 631 pages, (1995).
2. Engineering Plastics, Engineering Materials Handbook, Vol.2, ASM
International, 883 pages, (1988).