Polyamide belongs to the group of chemical fibres of synthetic origin.
Almost simultaneously in the 30s, polyamide was developed in the USA and Germany. In the USA it was marketed under the name nylon and in Germany under the name perlon.
Polyamide is produced through the process of polycondensation or the process of polymerisation. Similar to polyester, polyamide works with the process of melt spinning, in which the material is melted and then pressed through a nozzle that creates a filament fibre. Often the fibres are coloured during this process as well, which creates a good durability of the colour.
Properties of polyamide:
- Doesn’t absorb much moisture (but more than polyester)
- Electrostatic
- Highest shape stability of all synthetic fibres
- Dries very quickly
- Good to colour
- Very elastic (more than polyester) which makes it great for stockings
- Good tear-resistance when wet and dry
- Scrub-resistant
- Not very pilling-resistant
- Fibre can be smooth or crinkled when produced (good/bad insulation)
- Doesn’t crinkle easily
- Sensitive to acids
- Doesn’t rot
- Not very resistant to light (polyester is more light-resistant)
- Heat-sensitive (polyester is more heat-resistant in comparison)
Abbreviation on care tag: PA
