PA6 (Nylon 6) price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$2.45/KG, -11.6% down
- Europe:US$2.41/KG, -2.4% down
- Northeast Asia:US$2.04/KG, 0.5% up
- Southeast Asia:US$2.29/KG, -2.1% down
- Middle East:US$2/KG, 0.5% up
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Nylon PA6 price index
This post is a summary of the Nylon 6 (PA 6) price developments. The price developments of Nylon 6 (PA 6) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Nylon 6 (PA 6) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Nylon 6 (PA 6) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Nylon 6 (PA 6) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Nylon 6 (PA 6)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Nylon 6 (PA 6) prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Nylon 6 (PA 6) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the PA6 price index
Here is some further information
What is Nylon PA6
Nylon PA6 (polyamide 6) is a type of synthetic polymer that is used in a wide range of applications. It is a strong, tough, and durable material that is resistant to wear and abrasion. It is also resistant to many chemicals and has a low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent material for use in bearings and gears.
Nylon PA6 is a type of plastic that is produced by the polymerization of caprolactam, which is a six-carbon ring compound. The polymerization process involves the reaction of caprolactam monomers to form long chains of molecules known as polymers. Nylon PA6 is a semi-crystalline material, meaning that it has both crystalline and amorphous regions within its structure. This gives it a combination of high strength and flexibility, making it an ideal material for use in a wide range of applications.
Nylon PA6 is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. It is used to make a wide range of products, including automotive parts, bearings, gears, electrical components, and structural materials. It is also used in the production of textiles, such as carpets and ropes, and is used as a replacement for metal in some applications due to its strength and weight-saving properties. Nylon PA6 is a widely used material due to its versatility and excellent mechanical properties.
How is Nylon PA6 produced
Nylon PA6 is produced by the polymerization of caprolactam, which is a six-carbon ring compound. The polymerization process involves the reaction of caprolactam monomers to form long chains of molecules known as polymers. The process for producing nylon PA6 typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation of the reactants: The reactants, caprolactam and water, are prepared and measured out in the correct proportions.
- Polymerization: The polymerization reaction is carried out at a temperature of around 240-260°C in the presence of an initiator, such as a peroxide compound, which helps to start the reaction. The reaction produces nylon PA6 as the primary product and water as the by-product.
- Separation of the products: The products of the reaction, nylon PA6 and water, are separated from each other by centrifugation or filtration. The nylon PA6 is collected as a solid, while the water is removed as a liquid.
- Purification: The nylon PA6 is purified by washing and drying to remove any impurities that may have been produced during the polymerization reaction. The purified nylon PA6 is then cooled and stored for use in the production of a wide range of products.
The production of nylon PA6 requires careful handling and safety precautions due to the high temperatures and pressures involved in the polymerization process. It is important to use appropriate protective equipment and to follow proper safety procedures when working with nylon PA6.
The key feedstocks for nylon are caprolactam and hexamethylenediamine. Caprolactam is a six-carbon ring compound that is used as a feedstock for the production of nylon 6, which is also known as nylon PA6. Hexamethylenediamine is an amine compound that is used as a feedstock for the production of nylon 6,6, which is also known as nylon PA66.
What is Nylon used for
Nylon PA6 (polyamide 6) is a strong, tough, and durable material that is resistant to wear and abrasion. It is also resistant to many chemicals and has a low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent material for use in a wide range of applications.
Nylon PA6 is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. It is used to make a wide range of products, including:
Automotive parts
Nylon PA6 is used to make a variety of automotive parts, such as gears, bearings, and other mechanical components. It is also used to make fuel and brake lines, fuel tanks, and other structural components.
Bearings and gears
Nylon PA6 is used to make bearings and gears due to its low coefficient of friction and wear resistance. It is an excellent material for use in high-stress applications where these properties are important.
Electrical components
Nylon PA6 is used to make a variety of electrical components, such as connectors, insulators, and cable ties. It is an excellent material for use in electrical applications due to its insulating properties and resistance to electrical breakdown.
Structural materials
Nylon PA6 is used as a structural material in a variety of applications, including construction, automotive, and aerospace. It is a strong and durable material that is well-suited for use in these applications.
Textiles
Nylon PA6 is used in the production of textiles, such as carpets and ropes. It is a strong and durable material that is well-suited for use in these applications.
Other uses
Nylon PA6 is also used in the production of a wide range of other products, such as sporting goods, clothing, and luggage. It is a versatile material that is used in many different industries and applications due to its excellent mechanical properties.
Further reading
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
Trade and market information about Nylon in general
It is difficult to accurately estimate the size of the global nylon market as it depends on various factors such as demand for nylon in different industries and regions. However, nylon is a widely used material with a range of applications, and the demand for it is likely to continue to grow in the coming years as the global population increases and the demand for products that use nylon as a key ingredient increases.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Polyamides: nylons are the world’s 343rd most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Polyamides: nylons were Germany ($1.66B), United States ($1.51B), China ($559M), Italy ($554M), and Netherlands ($461M).
In 2020, the top importers of Polyamides: nylons were China ($1.2B), Germany ($853M), Italy ($505M), Mexico ($436M), and United States ($344M).
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