Nylon vs. Polyamide — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 2, 2023
Nylon is a type of synthetic polymer, specifically a polyamide, whereas Polyamide is a macromolecule with repeating units linked by amide bonds.
Difference Between Nylon and Polyamide
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nylon and Polyamide are terms that can often be used interchangeably, particularly in the textile industry. However, while Nylon is a specific type of polyamide, not all polyamides are nylon. It's the distinction between a brand and a generic term.
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Sep 02, 2023
In terms of chemical composition, nylon is always a polyamide, but not every polyamide is nylon. For instance, while Nylon 6 or Nylon 6,6 are specific types of polyamides, there are other polyamides which don't fall under the nylon category.
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Sep 02, 2023
When shopping for clothing or textiles, consumers might notice labels with "nylon", signifying the use of this specific polyamide. In contrast, polyamide might be used as a term when discussing the broader category of polymers in a scientific or technical setting.
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Sep 02, 2023
Nylon was the first synthetic fiber to be commercially produced, and it garnered significant attention due to its strength and elasticity. Polyamide, on the other hand, encompasses a broader category of synthetic polymers, of which nylon is a member.
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Sep 02, 2023
Durability, moisture absorption, and elasticity are some characteristics associated with nylon. Polyamide, being a broader category, can exhibit a range of properties, though they all have the amide bond in common.
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Sep 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific type of synthetic polymer.
A macromolecule with repeating amide bonds.
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Primary Use
Textiles, brushes, parachutes.
Various based on specific polyamide type.
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Origins
Commercially produced synthetic fiber.
Describes any polymer with amide bonds.
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Sep 02, 2023
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Definitions
Polyamide
A chemical structure present in proteins.
Proteins have polyamide bonds, similar to synthetic polymers.
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Polyamide
A category including many synthetic fibers.
Kevlar is a well-known polyamide.
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Sep 02, 2023
Nylon
A material used in stockings.
She opted for nylon stockings due to their smooth feel.
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Polyamide
A polymer containing amide bonds.
The plastic is a type of polyamide.
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Polyamide
Materials known for strength and elasticity.
Polyamides are often used in active wear.
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Nylon
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides (repeating units linked by amide links). Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from petroleum, that can be melt-processed into fibers, films, or shapes.
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Nov 12, 2018
Polyamide
Any polymer of a type including nylons.
Several polyamides are used in textile manufacturing.
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Nylon
Any of a family of high-strength, resilient synthetic polymers, the molecules of which contain the recurring amide group CONH.
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Polyamide
A polyamide is a polymer with repeating units linked by amide bonds.Polyamides occur both naturally and artificially. Examples of naturally occurring polyamides are proteins, such as wool and silk.
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Polyamide
A synthetic polymer of a type made by the linkage of an amino group of one molecule and a carboxylic acid group of another, including many synthetic fibres such as nylon.
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Polyamide
A polymer containing repeated amide groups, as in various kinds of nylon.
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Nylon
Originally, the DuPont company trade name for polyamide, a copolymer whose molecules consist of alternating diamine and dicarboxylic acid monomers bonded together; now generically used for this type of polymer.
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Polyamide
(chemistry) Any of a range of polymers containing amide (or peptide) repeat units; examples include proteins and nylon.
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Nylon
(in the plural) A stocking originally fabricated from nylon; also used generically for any long, sheer stocking worn on a woman's legs.
I tore a hole in my nylons while walking home through the woods.
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Nov 12, 2018
Nylon
(perjoratively, by comparison to silk) A Queen's Counsel, King's Counsel or Senior Counsel who was appointed as a courtesy, rather than on merit.
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Nylon
Any of several thermoplastic polyamide plastics, comprising a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials, used mostly in fibers.
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Nylon
Stockings made of a thin form of nylon{2}, especially full-length stockings either sheer of of varying shades.
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Nylon
A thermoplastic polyamide; a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials
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Nylon
A thermoplastic silky material.
The toothbrush bristles are made of nylon.
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Sep 02, 2023
FAQs
Was nylon the first synthetic fiber?
Yes, nylon was the first commercially produced synthetic fiber.
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Sep 02, 2023
Is Kevlar a type of nylon?
No, Kevlar is a type of polyamide, but it's not categorized as nylon.
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Are nylon and polyamide resistant to heat?
They have moderate heat resistance but can melt under high temperatures.
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Is nylon biodegradable?
Traditional nylon isn't readily biodegradable, but there are bio-nylons now available.
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Is nylon the same as polyamide?
Nylon is a type of polyamide, but not all polyamides are nylon.
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Do all polyamides have the same properties?
No, different polyamides have varied properties, but all contain amide bonds.
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Why is nylon used in clothing?
Due to its strength, elasticity, and resistance to moisture.
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Does the term "polyamide" refer only to synthetic polymers?
No, it refers to any polymer with amide bonds, including those in nature like proteins.
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How do the properties of nylon compare to natural fibers?
Nylon typically has greater strength, elasticity, and moisture resistance than many natural fibers.
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Why are polyamides used in plastics?
Polyamides have a good balance of strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
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Do polyamides absorb water?
Polyamides can absorb moisture but to varying degrees based on their type.
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Are all nylons made from petroleum?
Most traditional nylons are derived from petroleum, but bio-based alternatives are emerging.
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Can nylon be recycled?
Yes, nylon can be recycled, though the process is specific.
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Are polyamide materials used in safety equipment?
Yes, some polyamides like Kevlar are used in bulletproof vests due to their strength.
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Sep 02, 2023
Are nylons used outside the textile industry?
Yes, nylons are used in various products like ropes, brushes, and car parts.
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Sep 02, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
