How Nylon Is Made

A stylized graphic depicting molecular structures interacting within a flow system. The image features hexagonal shapes and smiling faces representing molecules, surrounded by arrows pointing downward. Wavy lines in orange, yellow, and red suggest dynamic movement or flow. The design is minimalistic and uses a soft color palette.

1. What is Nylon 6,6?

Nylon 6,6 (also known as polyamide 66, or PA66) is the resulting combination of two starting materials that, under pressure and heat, join to form a chain called a polymer that INVISTA’s customers use to manufacture goods.

A playful illustration showing two chemical processes labeled as AA and HMD. The AA process features a yellow hexagon releasing particles into a container with yellow powder, while the HMD process shows a blue circle releasing droplets into a container with blue liquid. The setting is minimalistic with a flat surface and light blue background.

2. INVISTA’S role in Nylon 6,6

At INVISTA, we make nylon 6,6, from these two starting materials: adipic acid (AA) and hexamethylene diamine (HMD), which INVISTA specializes in making.

Illustration of a green cartoon character with a yellow 'ADN' badge flexing its arms. The setting includes icons representing energy and CO2 emissions. The visuals are playful and stylized, with a soft green and gray palette.

3. Making ADN - our process

In order to make HMD, we first need to make a critical ingredient called adiponitrile (ADN). Our proprietary ADN process creates better product yields utilizing less energy than today’s competing technologies.

A playful illustration featuring molecule-like characters in a circular arrangement. The setting includes a light, textured background with floating particles. Visible text includes 'HMD!' and 'H2' on the characters, adding a scientific and whimsical touch. The design uses soft, muted colors with green and blue tones.

4. Making HMD

Next, we have a process for creating HMD by utilizing catalysts to hydrogenate ADN into HMD - the first six-carbon molecule in nylon 6,6.

Two illustrated characters, a blue circle and a yellow hexagon, interact joyfully in a whimsical abstract setting. The background features soft gradients and dotted patterns, evoking a playful and lighthearted mood. The design uses a pastel palette with blue and yellow as dominant colors.

5. Creating salt

We then take our HMD and mix it with adipic acid, or the next six-carbon molecule in nylon 6,6. This creates a salt solution in water.

A colorful illustration depicting a molecular filtration process with smiling molecules. The setting shows a cross-section of a filtration system with hexagonal and circular molecules interacting. Vibrant waves and geometric shapes add visual interest, emphasizing the scientific concept.

6. Applying pressure

The salt is then subjected to high heat and pressure, and we vent the water, which allows the molten polyamide chains to lengthen and strengthen.

Illustration of cheerful marshmallow characters in a candy production setting. One marshmallow uses scissors to cut a conveyor belt of candies, while others observe. The scene is playful and uses a bright, minimalistic style with yellow and white tones.

7. Making pellets

Finally, we extrude these molten polyamides into a cool water trough, where they solidify and are then sent to a cutter to be processed into nylon 6,6 pellets.

How Nylon is Made