Question

1) How are the atoms arranged within nylon 6 molecular structure that leads to its strength, and explain the significance of the intermolecular forces which give it its high melting point ?

2) Why is nylon 6 not a condensation polymer unlike most nylons ?

Answer 1

1) In the crystalline regions of the macromolecule nylons have flat zigzag conformation with neighboring molecules to form hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl oxygen atoms and the hydrogen atoms of the neighboring amide groups. Thus nylons compared to polyalkyl polyethers have better physico-mechanical properties, higher degree of crystallinity, glass transition and melting temperatures.

2) Nylon 6 can be considered as either condensation or chain growth polymer. Reaction of its preparation is the same with condensation reactions, but the by-product does not occur.