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What is MC Nylon: All you Need to Know

Nylon is a common plastic that we frequently encounter in our daily lives, used in various products such as consumer goods, food packaging films, and clothing. There are different types of nylon that enhances each specific features. Engineers have also developed a new type of nylon that improves mechanical components’ performance in many environments: MC Nylon.

MC Nylon is produced using a different method compared to regular nylon. It excels in mechanical strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, chemical properties. Being sensibly lightweight, it’s highly valued as a replacement material for metals.

In this article, we will provide an overview of MC Nylon, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and highlight the differences it has when compared to other types of resins.

What is MC Nylon? Material Introduction

MC Nylon, short for Monomer Cast Nylon, is a type of polyamide resin that overcomes the weaknesses of nylon 6 and enhances its overall performance. It is also known as the “blue-colored engineering plastic.”

The fundamental structure of MC Nylon is the same as that of nylon 6. So, what makes it perform differently? The key lies in the manufacturing method, specifically in the timing of polymerization and molding.

Conventional nylon 6 has already completed its polymerization before molding. Typically, it is softened by heating pelletized nylon 6 and then shaped using methods like injection molding or extrusion.

On the other hand, MC Nylon is produced using the “casting method,” where monomers are injected into a mold and polymerized simultaneously. By employing the casting method, resin distortion can be minimized more effectively than with other molding methods, resulting in the production of strong, high-performance nylon.

MC Nylon comes in various grades, allowing it to be used according to specific applications. Here are some representative grades and their respective properties.

MC901

This is the basic grade of MC Nylon. It is a resin that excels in mechanical strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, and chemical properties compared to regular nylon 6.

MC801

MC801 is a product that improves weather resistance by adding special graphite to MC901. It is suitable for outdoor use.

MC703HL

It is infused with a carbon-based filler to impart anti-static properties. It can be used, for example, in electronic equipments.

MC501CD R2

This grade contains a special carbon blend, giving it conductivity.

Colors and Grades of MC Nylon

When we think of MC Nylon, we often associate it with the color blue, but the original color of MC Nylon is actually white. The blue color is achieved through added pigments.

MC Nylon comes in several grades, and the color of MC Nylon can vary depending on the grade. While there may be some variation between manufacturers, the following color distinctions are generally used:

Blue: General Grade (e.g., MC901)
White: General Grade (e.g., MC900)
Brown: Heat-Resistant Grade (e.g., MC602)
Black: Weather-Resistant, Conductive, etc. (e.g., MC501R2, MC501R6)
Purple, Gray, Green: Low-Friction Grade (e.g., MC703)

Blue is more common in the market, while white is less frequently encountered. However, both blue and white represent general-grade MC Nylon, so the color difference doesn’t affect their fundamental properties.

It’s important to note that the relationship between MC Nylon’s color and grade is a general trend and not a universally standardized specification across manufacturers. Therefore, when considering MC Nylon materials, consult the catalog or information provided by the manufacturer to confirm the grade and properties of the material.

Advantages of MC Nylon

High Impact Resistance

While its impact resistance at room temperature may not be exceptionally high, it improves as temperatures rise. It’s an excellent material for components subjected to friction and wear, making it suitable for use in applications like bearings and gears.

Resistance to Organic Solvents, Alkaline Agents, and Oils

MC Nylon is known for its ability to withstand organic solvents, alkaline agents, oils, and fats.

High Heat Resistance

MC Nylon has high heat resistance, allowing for continuous use at temperatures as high as 120°C. Some heat-resistant grades can even be used at temperatures up to 150°C.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Its ability to combine lightness with strength is a significant advantage, and it is widely utilized in fields where lightweighting is a priority, including the automotive industry.

Disadvantages of MC Nylon

High Water Absorption and Reduced Dimensional Precision

MC Nylon has a tendency to absorb moisture readily, leading to dimensional changes, especially in environments with high humidity or when exposed to water. When designing MC Nylon components, it’s crucial to consider potential dimensional changes during storage and after installation.

Susceptibility to Strong Acids

While MC Nylon exhibits resistance to organic solvents, alkaline agents, oils, and fats, it is notably weak against strong acids, particularly inorganic acids. Even at room temperature and low concentrations, the use of MC Nylon with inorganic acids is not recommended.

Despite these disadvantages, MC Nylon remains a valuable material with its unique set of properties, but careful consideration and proper application are necessary to mitigate its limitations in specific use cases.

Conclusion

MC Nylon is a resin that enhances the overall performance of Nylon 6. While its fundamental structure is the same as Nylon 6, it is manufactured using the Monomer Cast method, resulting in a high-performance resin with minimal deformation.

Some of the advantages of MC Nylon include its high impact resistance, excellent wear resistance, resistance to organic solvents, and heat tolerance. On the flip side, it exhibits high water absorption leading to dimensional changes and is susceptible to strong acids.

In addition to the basic grade, MC Nylon is available in various grades with added additives to enhance specific properties such as weather resistance or impact resistance. It’s essential to choose the appropriate grade based on your intended application.