Nylon Staple Fiber: Comprehensive Guide

1. What is Nylon Staple Fiber?

Nylon staple fiber is a short-length fiber (typically 30-150mm) made from polyamide (PA) through melt spinning and cutting. With a fineness range of 1-20 denier (D), it offers better bulkiness and blending adaptability compared to filament yarn, making it widely used in textiles, nonwovens, and other fields.

2. Who Invented It?

Nylon was invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers, a chemist at DuPont (USA), and commercialized in 1938. Nylon staple fiber emerged later as an extension of nylon filament technology, gaining popularity in the 1950s due to growing textile demands.

3. Development Timeline

• 1930s: DuPont invented nylon, initially used for stockings (replacing silk).

• 1950s: Nylon staple fiber technology matured, applied in carpets and garment linings.

• 1980s: High-strength nylon (e.g., PA66) staple fibers entered industrial uses (tire cords, etc.).

• 2000s–Present: Bio-based and recycled nylon staple fibers emerged, driven by sustainability needs.

4. Physical Properties

5. Chemical Properties

• Alkali Resistance: Poor (degrades in strong alkalis)

• Acid Resistance: Resists weak acids; decomposes in strong acids

• Solvent Resistance: Stable in most organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol)

• Light Resistance: Prone to UV degradation; requires UV stabilizers

6. Future Trends

• Sustainability: Growth of bio-based (e.g., PA56) and recycled nylon.

• High Performance: Demand for flame-retardant, conductive, and antibacterial fibers.

• New Applications: EV battery separators, smart textiles, etc.

7. Key Applications

Additional Notes

• PA6 vs. PA66: PA6 is cheaper with a lower melting point; PA66 offers higher strength and heat resistance.

• Major Producers: DuPont (USA), BASF (Germany), Shenma (China), Toray (Japan).