【Polyamide: What it is, what it is used for and its uses】 – CLOTSY BRAND

Polyamide is what many of us know as “Nylon”, a synthetic polymer known for properties such as strength and elasticity. But the truth is that it is much more than that, its use is quite extensive, and all of its characteristics and properties are little known. That is why, in this post we will tell you everything about what polyamide is.

What is polyamide and why is it important in the textile world?

Polyamide is a synthetic polymer widely used in the manufacture of fabrics due to its strength, elasticity and durability. It was developed in 1935 by the DuPont company and marketed under the name nylon, becoming an innovative alternative to natural fibers such as silk.

Initially used as a replacement for silk in hosiery and lingerie, it is now an almost vital material in the manufacture of technical and high-performance clothing. Why specifically in technical and high-performance clothing? Because it is stronger and more resistant to wear and tear than many other natural fibres, making it ideal for sportswear and intensive-use garments. For this same reason, it is also used in work uniforms, protective clothing and industrial garments. Although, it does add up to a certain level of thermal and chemical resistance.

Origin and characteristics

As we mentioned, the development of polyamide began in the 1930s in the DuPont laboratories, where chemist Wallace Carothers managed to synthesize a fiber with properties similar to silk. In 1938, nylon was patented and in 1940 it was first marketed in women's stockings, immediately generating great demand. During World War II, its production was used to manufacture parachutes, ropes and military equipment, which consolidated its industrial importance. The secret behind its expansion is the following characteristics:

High mechanical resistance : Withstands tension and loads without breaking.
Elasticity and flexibility : Adapts to body movement without losing its shape.
Lightness : It is a lightweight material, ideal for comfortable and functional garments.
Moisture Absorption : Can absorb up to 8% of its weight in water, preventing sweat build-up.
Durability : Resistant to wear and abrasion.

Chemical and thermal resistance: Tolerates high temperatures and exposure to moderately aggressive chemicals.

Types of polyamide

Nowadays there are various types of polyamide that are mainly divided into synthetic polyamides and natural polyamides, the most used in the textile industry are synthetic ones.

Synthetic polyamides

They are the most common and are obtained from petroleum derivatives through chemical processes.

Polyamide 6 (PA6 or Nylon 6)

It is obtained from caprolactam.
High tensile strength and elasticity.
Used in sportswear, socks, swimwear and technical fabrics.

Polyamide 6.6 (PA66 or Nylon 6.6)

Derived from the reaction between adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
Greater thermal and mechanical resistance than PA6.
It is used in high-performance garments, industrial textiles and military equipment.

Recycled polyamide

It is obtained from textile or plastic waste (such as fishing nets).
Contributes to sustainability and waste reduction.
Used in eco-fashion and sustainable brands.

Natural polyamides

There are polyamides found in nature, although their use in the textile industry is very limited. An example is silk, a natural fibre produced by silkworms, with a chemical structure similar to synthetic polyamides.

Environmental Impact of Polyamide in the Textile Industry

Polyamide has transformed the textile industry thanks to its strength and versatility, but it has also raised environmental concerns. Its production relies on petroleum derivatives, a non-renewable resource, and requires high energy consumption, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, polyamide garments release plastic microfibres during washing, polluting aquatic ecosystems and taking decades to degrade. But the challenges associated with this material do not end here. Added to this is the difficulty of recycling it, as many garments combine polyamide with other fibres, which complicates its efficient reuse.

To reduce their environmental impact, alternatives such as recycled polyamide have emerged, promoted by companies with a sustainable approach. More sustainable production technologies are also being developed, with lower energy consumption and less pollution.

Benefits of its use

We have already told you about many of the benefits of polyamide in this post, but not all of them. These are all the benefits of using polyamide:

Withstands wear and abrasion.
It resists the action of chemical agents and humidity without deteriorating easily.
It adapts to the body without losing its shape.
Provides freedom of movement without restricting user comfort.
It is a very light material.
Some versions allow sweat to evaporate.
Easy maintenance and quick drying.
It doesn't wrinkle easily.
It can be combined with other fibers to improve its properties.
In addition to the textile sector, it can be used to create industrial, automotive and medical products.

Applications of polyamide in industry

Yes, just as you read in the last point, polyamide not only dominates the textile sector, but is also used in many other industries such as:

Automotive industry : It is used in interior coatings, seat belts, airbags and plastic components due to its mechanical and thermal resistance.
Medical industry : It is used in surgical sutures and prostheses due to its biocompatibility and wear resistance.
Aerospace industry : Its lightness and strength make it ideal for the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft parts, reducing weight without compromising safety.
Plastics and packaging industry : It is used in the manufacture of flexible and rigid packaging, such as vacuum-sealed bags and food packaging, because it serves as a barrier against moisture and oxygen.

Polyamide vs. other textile fibers

To help you better understand the difference between polyamide and other textile fibres, we provide you with a comparison table below:

Feature	Polyamide	Polyester	Cotton	Elastane
Origin	Synthetic (petroleum derived)	Synthetic	Natural (vegetable fiber)	Synthetic
Texture/Smoothness	Silky and light	More rigid and rough	Soft and breathable	Soft and elastic
Moisture absorption	Low-profile, quick-drying and water-repellent	Low, making it more water resistant	High, absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry	Does not absorb moisture
Elasticity	Moderate, maintains shape	Low	Low	Very elastic, stretches up to 5 times its size
Strength and durability	Highly resistant to abrasion and deformation	High strength, but less elastic	Less resistant, wears out with frequent washing	Less resistant, loses elasticity over time
Drying	Fast, but slower than polyester	Ultra fast	Slow	Fast
Care and maintenance	Easy to wash, does not wrinkle	Easy to wash, does not wrinkle	It wrinkles and shrinks easily	It is blended with other fibers to improve durability.
Common use	Sportswear, lingerie, tights, swimwear	Casual clothing, sportswear, jackets and upholstery	Casual wear, t-shirts, bedding	It is mixed with other fibers to provide elasticity (leggings, tight clothing)

We invite you to read our article: natural textile fibers .

What are its disadvantages?

Despite its numerous benefits, polyamide also has very specific disadvantages:

It is derived from petroleum, which implies a production process with a high carbon footprint.
It is not biodegradable.
Recycling it is complicated and expensive.
It may warp or melt if exposed to high temperatures.
Tends to generate static electricity.
Although some polyamides are designed to be breathable, in their standard form they retain moisture and create a feeling of heat or discomfort.

Examples of polyamide in fashion

It is clear that polyamide is a key material in fashion thanks to its elasticity, durability and comfort. We must continue working to find alternatives and reduce its use to a certain extent, supporting brands such as Clotsy, where we create garments mostly from organic cotton , through a sustainable, regional process. Although we also use polyamide to improve your experience when using our garments. Some examples of this are the following items of clothing:

Leggings

Our Sustainable Sportswear collection includes leggings and bikers made of 85% cotton and 8% polyamide, among others. They offer elasticity, a perfect fit and quick drying.

Underwear

Softness and adaptability make Sustainable Underwear comfortable, while maintaining its shape after multiple washes.

Don't forget to explore the rest of our collections: sustainable women's clothing and barefoot footwear .

Tips for Caring for Polyamide Clothing

To finish this post, we want to leave you with some practical tips that you should keep in mind when going out in the city and washing polyamide clothing, so that you can extend its use as long as possible:

Wash at low temperature

Polyamide is durable, but can be easily damaged by excessive heat. To prevent it from losing its shape or colour, wash your garments at a low temperature (maximum 30°C or 40°C).

You may be interested in: how to wash your underwear to avoid infections .

Avoid the use of bleaches and aggressive products

Using bleach or harsh detergents damages the fiber and affects the appearance. Always opt for a mild detergent and avoid using products containing chlorine, as they can cause the material to fray or become brittle in a very short time.

Air drying

Although polyamide dries quickly, it is best to avoid using a tumble dryer, as high heat affects the elasticity of the material. Instead, dry your clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated place.

Avoid contact with rough surfaces

Although polyamide is quite durable, it is advisable to avoid constant rubbing against rough surfaces that can cause fraying or wear. That is, do not rub your garments against rough surfaces or store them next to sharp objects.

Avoid direct sunlight during drying.

Again, although polyamide is durable, prolonged exposure to the sun fades the colours and affects its elasticity. If you air dry your garments, choose a shaded place to protect the material from UV damage.

Label Checking

Finally, since polyamide is often mixed with other fabrics that have different care and washing requirements, it is always important to read the care labels. These labels offer specific instructions on washing and drying each item, so it is the best way to avoid damage.

Conclusion

In short, polyamide remains a mainstay in many industries, especially in the textile industry, where its strength, flexibility and adaptability make it indispensable. And while it does bring with it certain environmental challenges, with the development of more sustainable alternatives and a focus on recycling, we will surely be able to overcome them.

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