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Glass fiber reinforcement is one of the most common and effective modification methods in engineering plastics. Nylon, as a high-performance resin, is often reinforced with glass fibers to improve strength, rigidity, and heat resistance. The differences between long glass fiber (LGF) and short glass fiber (SGF) reinforcement go beyond mechanical properties, influencing processing, dimensional stability, surface quality, and long-term performance. From a mechanical standpoint, LGF-reinforced nylon outperforms SGF in strength and toughness. Long fibers form a skeleton-like structure within the resin matrix, allowing better stress transfer and dispersion. As a result, flexural strength, impact resistance, and fatigue performance are significantly enhanced. In contrast, SGF reinforcement, while beneficial, is limited due to shorter fibers, which are more prone to breakage under heavy loads. Therefore, LGF nylon is widely used in structural components requiring durability and impact resistance, such as automotive parts, power tool housings, and industrial machinery. In terms of dimensional stability, SGF-reinforced nylon shows more uniform shrinkage. LGF tends to orient during injection molding due to its longer fibers, which can lead to anisotropic shrinkage, warpage, and internal stresses. This makes SGF materials more suitable for applications demanding precise dimensions and smooth surface quality, such as electronic connectors, appliance housings, and precision components. Processing behavior also differs significantly. SGF-reinforced nylon behaves more like conventional injection-molding resins, with better flowability and lower wear on molds. LGF, however, poses challenges: its longer fibers can break during processing, requiring specialized wear-resistant equipment such as hardened screws and nozzles. While this raises production costs, the resulting parts exhibit superior mechanical stability and longer performance retention. Regarding long-term properties, LGF-reinforced nylon is clearly superior. With fibers approaching critical length, a three-dimensional interlocking network is formed within the matrix, granting better creep resistance and fatigue endurance. Components exposed to high loads, elevated temperatures, or harsh environments retain their properties longer with LGF. SGF-reinforced nylon, on the other hand, shows faster degradation under prolonged stress or in humid conditions. From a cost perspective, SGF nylon is more economical due to mature production processes and easier processing, making it suitable for large-scale applications. LGF nylon, while more expensive, delivers performance levels that justify its use in high-value and demanding applications. The choice ultimately depends on balancing cost with performance requirements. All in All,LGF and SGF reinforced nylons are not competitors but complementary solutions. LGF provides superior strength and durability for structural applications, while SGF offers better processability and dimensional accuracy for precision and aesthetic applications. Selecting the right material depends on the specific demands of the end product.

Nylon, known for its excellent strength, toughness, and wear resistance, has long been a cornerstone in the field of engineering plastics. However, its drawbacks—such as high moisture absorption, limited dimensional stability, and relatively high processing energy consumption—cannot be ignored. To overcome these limitations, researchers have focused on blending nylon with other resins to enhance its performance. Among various systems, PA/PP and PA/ABS alloys are the most representative, achieving performance complementarity in strength, toughness, chemical resistance, and cost-efficiency. In PA/PP blends, nylon contributes strength and heat resistance, while polypropylene offers low moisture absorption, superior chemical stability, and cost advantages. The main challenge lies in the poor compatibility due to polarity differences. To resolve this, compatibilizers such as maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) are introduced. These compatibilizers enable finer phase dispersion, improving impact resistance and dimensional stability while reducing water absorption. As a result, PA/PP alloys are widely used in automotive interiors, bumpers, and appliance housings, combining strength with cost reduction. In contrast, PA/ABS blends focus more on toughness improvement. Nylon provides high strength, while ABS delivers outstanding impact resistance, making the combination ideal for parts requiring both properties. Compatibilizers such as styrene–maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA) or maleic anhydride-grafted ABS play a critical role in strengthening interfacial bonding, which enhances energy absorption under stress. Applications range from sports equipment to electronic components and structural parts, where balanced mechanical performance is essential. Processing advantages are another benefit of nylon alloys. Pure nylon often suffers from shrinkage, warpage, and dimensional instability due to moisture absorption during injection molding. Blending with PP or ABS reduces these issues significantly, improving molding stability and production efficiency. For manufacturers, this translates into lower scrap rates and higher economic returns. Looking forward, the development of nylon alloys will emphasize sustainability and multifunctionality. Bio-based polypropylene or renewable ABS may replace traditional resins to meet environmental goals, while flame retardants, conductive fillers, or reinforcing fibers can be introduced to expand applications. This evolution aligns with global trends toward eco-friendly, high-performance materials for electric vehicles, 5G communication devices, and intelligent manufacturing. In conclusion, PA/PP and PA/ABS alloys represent more than a compromise; they embody true performance complementarity enabled by compatibilizers and advanced processing. By combining nylon’s strength with improved toughness, reduced moisture absorption, and enhanced processing stability, these alloys secure their irreplaceable role in modern industry.  

Nylon as a high-performance engineering plastic, is widely used in automotive, electronics, electrical, and mechanical industries due to its excellent comprehensive properties. However, the presence of numerous amide groups in its molecular chain imparts strong polarity, making nylon prone to moisture absorption through hydrogen bonding. This inherent hygroscopicity affects not only dimensional stability but also alters mechanical properties and even degrades electrical performance, posing a potential risk for precision and long-term applications. Therefore, strict drying before processing is critical to ensuring product quality. Moisture influences nylon in two ways. First, water acts as a plasticizer, lowering the glass transition temperature, softening the material, accelerating creep, and reducing dimensional accuracy. Second, under high-temperature melt conditions, residual moisture causes hydrolysis, breaking polymer chains, reducing molecular weight, and significantly weakening mechanical performance. For injection molding, excessive moisture results in splay marks, bubbles, and poor surface gloss; for extrusion and fiber spinning, moisture compromises tensile strength and long-term reliability. Industry standards generally require moisture content below 0.12% before processing, and for precision parts, under 0.08%. Common drying technologies include hot-air ovens, desiccant dryers, vacuum dryers, and infrared drying, each with its own advantages and limitations. Traditional hot-air ovens heat the surrounding air to reduce humidity and evaporate moisture, offering low cost but slow drying speed and inconsistent results in humid environments, often causing reabsorption. Desiccant dryers use adsorbents or rotor systems to lower air dew point below -30°C, providing efficient and consistent drying, making them the most common industrial choice. Vacuum drying reduces pressure to lower the boiling point of water, enabling rapid moisture removal with thorough results, but higher equipment cost and limited suitability to small batches. Infrared drying uses high-energy radiation to penetrate and heat resin granules internally, offering the fastest drying speed and low energy consumption, though it requires careful process control to prevent local overheating or thermal degradation. The choice of drying process depends on production scale, cost, energy consumption, and product requirements. For large-scale injection molding, desiccant dryers are preferred for their stability and automation, while vacuum or infrared drying suits R&D, small batches, or time-critical operations. Regardless of method, strict moisture verification with infrared analyzers or Karl Fischer titration is essential. Additionally, dried nylon must be stored and transported in sealed containers and closed systems to prevent reabsorption. Controlling nylon moisture content is not only key to ensuring dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength but also critical for long-term stability and electrical performance. With the rise of smart manufacturing, future drying systems will incorporate real-time monitoring and closed-loop control, achieving higher precision and energy efficiency to meet stringent performance requirements of advanced engineering plastics.

Glass fiber-reinforced nylon is a key category in high-performance engineering plastics, where fiber reinforcement significantly improves mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and heat resistance. However, the choice between long glass fiber (LGF) and short glass fiber (SGF) is not trivial, as their differences extend beyond strength enhancement to include processing behavior, surface quality, and long-term durability. Long glass fiber reinforced nylon stands out for its superior mechanical properties. With fiber lengths generally exceeding 10 mm and sometimes reaching 25 mm, these fibers partially retain their original length during molding, creating a three-dimensional skeleton effect. This structure greatly enhances impact resistance, flexural strength, and fatigue life. In contrast, short glass fibers typically measure 0.2–0.4 mm and are more prone to breakage during melt flow, resulting in higher stiffness but limited toughness improvement. Therefore, LGF nylon is widely used in automotive structural components, power tool housings, and sporting goods, especially where lightweight yet strong materials are critical. Processing characteristics present another significant difference. Due to longer fiber length, LGF compounds exhibit lower flowability, requiring careful gate and wall thickness design to avoid short shots or fiber orientation defects. Mold wear is more severe with LGF, necessitating hardened screws and barrels, and lower screw speeds to minimize fiber breakage. Conversely, SGF nylon offers better flow characteristics, making it suitable for thin-wall complex geometries and enabling higher production efficiency with reduced mold wear. Surface quality is often a decisive factor. LGF-reinforced parts tend to exhibit fiber exposure, causing a rough surface appearance, which is undesirable for aesthetic components. SGF-reinforced nylon achieves better surface finish and can undergo secondary finishing processes like painting or electroplating. Thus, LGF solutions are best for hidden structural or functional parts, while SGF is preferred for visible components. Regarding fatigue and creep performance, LGF nylon maintains strength and toughness under cyclic loading due to its continuous fiber network, outperforming SGF materials in fatigue life and creep resistance. This makes LGF suitable for suspension brackets and load-bearing connections, whereas SGF under long-term static loads may experience stress relaxation and dimensional inaccuracies. In summary, both LGF and SGF reinforced nylons have unique benefits. For applications demanding superior strength, impact performance, and fatigue resistance, LGF should be prioritized. For components with complex geometry, high surface quality requirements, or where manufacturing efficiency is key, SGF remains the cost-effective option. Optimal material selection depends on balancing design requirements, processing capabilities, and end-use conditions.

Nylon as a representative engineering plastic, is widely used in automotive components, electrical devices, and construction materials. However, due to its hydrocarbon backbone and amide groups, nylon is inherently flammable. Once ignited, it burns rapidly and may produce molten drips. For applications demanding high fire safety—such as electrical connectors, appliance housings, and automotive under-hood parts—pure nylon alone is insufficient. Flame-retardant nylon capable of self-extinguishing once the flame source is removed, provides a critical solution. But how is this self-extinguishing property achieved? The fundamental mechanism lies in disrupting the chain reactions of combustion. Burning is essentially a process involving heat, free radicals, and oxygen. When the polymer decomposes, flammable volatiles react with oxygen to sustain the flame. Flame retardants act by interfering with this cycle. Some absorb heat, lowering the temperature; others release inert gases to dilute oxygen concentration; still others form a char layer that shields the polymer from oxygen and heat. In nylon, the main flame retardant systems include halogenated, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, and inorganic fillers. Halogenated retardants, such as brominated and chlorinated compounds, release hydrogen halides during combustion, scavenging free radicals and terminating the chain reaction. Although effective, their toxicity and environmental concerns have led to restrictions in many industries. Phosphorus-based flame retardants are now widely adopted. Upon decomposition, they produce phosphoric or polyphosphoric acids that promote char formation on the surface. The char layer blocks oxygen and heat transfer while reducing volatile release. Some phosphorus retardants also act in the gas phase, capturing free radicals for a dual effect. Nitrogen-based retardants, such as melamine and its derivatives, work by releasing inert gases like nitrogen or ammonia during combustion. This dilutes oxygen in the flame zone and slows burning. Phosphorus-nitrogen synergistic systems are particularly effective, delivering strong flame retardancy at relatively low loading levels. Inorganic flame retardants such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide decompose endothermically at high temperatures, releasing water vapor to cool and dilute the system. Though they require high loading, they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making them suitable for green flame-retardant nylon. In practice, engineers often use tailored combinations. For electrical insulation, low-smoke halogen-free systems are preferred, typically phosphorus-nitrogen blends. In automotive components, balancing flame resistance with mechanical strength often requires glass fiber reinforcement with phosphorus-based retardants. The self-extinguishing performance of flame-retardant nylon is commonly evaluated through standard tests such as UL94. Depending on whether the sample extinguishes quickly and avoids igniting cotton with dripping, materials are rated from HB to V-2, V-1, or the highest rating, V-0. These classifications are essential for product acceptance in safety-critical applications. Looking ahead, stricter environmental regulations are driving halogen-free and low-smoke flame-retardant systems. Advanced phosphorus-nitrogen synergistic formulations, nano-scale retardants, and self-charring additives are emerging as next-generation solutions. They not only enhance safety but also expand nylon’s role in electric vehicles, 5G communication devices, and smart home applications. Thus, flame-retardant nylon’s ability to self-extinguish arises from the combined physical and chemical effects of flame retardants. Understanding these mechanisms allows engineers to optimize formulations that balance flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and environmental performance, ensuring nylon’s continued relevance in safety-critical fields.

Nylon is one of the most widely used engineering plastics, valued for its strength, toughness, and wear resistance in industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. However, its molecular structure contains a large number of amide groups, which have a strong affinity for water molecules. This intrinsic feature makes nylon highly hygroscopic, and when exposed to humid environments, it readily absorbs moisture. Such moisture absorption significantly affects both mechanical properties and dimensional stability, often leading to unexpected failures. When nylon absorbs moisture, water molecules penetrate the intermolecular spaces and form hydrogen bonds. This process weakens the original hydrogen bonding between chains and increases molecular mobility. In the short term, toughness and impact resistance may improve, but tensile strength decreases over time. In structural components, repeated cycles of swelling and shrinkage during humidity changes introduce residual stresses that can cause warpage, deformation, and cracking. In electronics, moisture-induced dimensional changes may compromise precision, disrupt assembly tolerances, and even cause electrical contact failure. In automotive applications, nylon parts such as gears and connectors may lose strength due to water absorption, resulting in reduced fatigue life or sudden failure. Under alternating hot and cold conditions, the freezing or evaporation of absorbed water further amplifies these destructive effects. Moisture absorption also lowers the glass transition temperature of nylon, causing it to shift from a rigid state to a softer, unstable one. For applications requiring long-term stiffness, this is highly detrimental. When the absorbed water eventually evaporates, the material becomes brittle again, concentrating stresses and promoting cracking. This alternating cycle of embrittlement and deformation makes nylon components prone to unpredictable failure in real-world conditions. Several solutions have been developed to address nylon’s hygroscopicity. Copolymerization, such as PA6/66 copolymers or the introduction of hydrophobic monomers, can reduce the number of polar groups. Reinforcement with glass or carbon fibers helps limit swelling and improve dimensional stability. Surface coatings or barrier layers can reduce water penetration. In manufacturing, thorough drying before molding is essential to maintain low moisture content. For demanding environments, high-performance modified nylons such as PA6T or PA9T offer significantly lower water absorption due to their denser molecular structures. Nylon’s moisture absorption issue is the combined result of its molecular structure and environmental factors. It may increase toughness in the short term but compromises strength and dimensional stability in the long run. Engineers must account for the dynamic impact of moisture and adopt suitable modification and design strategies. Only by understanding the mechanisms thoroughly can nylon components maintain reliable performance under complex operating conditions.

Nylon reinforcement technology is one of the most important modification methods in the field of engineering plastics. By incorporating different types of reinforcing materials into the nylon matrix, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and environmental resistance can be significantly improved. Among all reinforcement methods, glass fiber reinforcement, carbon fiber reinforcement, and mineral filling are the three most representative forms, each with unique differences in performance enhancement, processing characteristics, and application scenarios. Glass fiber reinforcement is the most widely used method. Glass fibers offer high strength, high modulus, and good heat resistance. When combined with PA6 or PA66, they significantly improve tensile strength, flexural strength, and heat resistance. The strength of glass fiber-reinforced nylon can be more than doubled compared to virgin material, and it maintains high rigidity even at elevated temperatures. This makes it widely used in automotive engine compartment components, power tool housings, and mechanical structural parts. However, the addition of glass fibers reduces surface smoothness and increases brittleness, so a balance between appearance and performance must be considered in design. Carbon fiber reinforcement excels in applications where lightweight and high performance are equally important. Carbon fiber has a lower density than glass fiber but higher strength, along with excellent fatigue resistance and dimensional stability. Adding carbon fiber to nylon significantly reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion, making it ideal for parts requiring extreme dimensional accuracy. Moreover, carbon fiber-reinforced nylon has higher electrical conductivity, which is advantageous in anti-static or electromagnetic shielding applications. The downside is the high cost of carbon fiber and increased equipment wear during processing, which limits its use mainly to aerospace, high-end automotive parts, and precision electronics. Mineral filling involves adding inorganic minerals such as talc, kaolin, or mica to improve nylon’s dimensional stability, rigidity, and heat resistance. Unlike fiber reinforcement, mineral filling provides limited strength improvement but offers unique advantages in reducing molding shrinkage and enhancing surface smoothness. Mineral-filled nylon is widely used in home appliance housings, office equipment parts, and industrial products with high aesthetic requirements. Due to the low cost of minerals, this method is also highly competitive in cost control. These three reinforcement methods are not mutually exclusive but are selected or combined according to application needs. For example, in automotive parts, glass fiber reinforcement suits load-bearing structural components, carbon fiber reinforcement is ideal for lightweight and high-strength functional parts, and mineral filling is used for appearance components with high dimensional accuracy. In the future, with the advancement of hybrid reinforcement technology, combining multiple reinforcement materials within a single nylon matrix may achieve comprehensive performance optimization to meet the most demanding industrial applications.

Nylon, as a key engineering plastic, has evolved from a general-purpose material to a variety of performance-adjustable modified products since its invention in the last century. Among them, PA6 and PA66 are the most common base types. Although their molecular structures are similar, their performance differs slightly. PA66 has advantages in crystallinity, heat resistance, and rigidity, while PA6 offers better toughness and different moisture absorption characteristics. In the early stage of industrialization, these materials were mainly used in their virgin form for fibers, gears, and bearings. However, as industrial demands increased, single-property nylon materials could no longer meet complex application requirements, leading to the emergence of modified nylon. Modified nylon is produced by physically or chemically adjusting the performance of base PA6 or PA66. Common modification methods include reinforcement, toughening, flame retardancy, wear resistance, and weather resistance. Reinforcement often involves adding glass fibers, carbon fibers, or mineral fillers to improve mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Toughening typically uses elastomeric rubbers to enhance low-temperature impact resistance. Flame retardant modification introduces phosphorus- or nitrogen-based systems into the polymer structure to meet safety standards in the electrical and electronics industries. These modifications not only alter physical properties but also expand nylon’s application boundaries in automotive, home appliances, electronics, and industrial machinery. The evolution of these materials is driven by application requirements. For example, components in automotive engine compartments must operate for long periods under high temperatures and exposure to oil, demanding excellent heat stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. Traditional PA6 or PA66 would degrade under such conditions, while glass fiber-reinforced and heat-stabilized nylon maintains its performance. In the electronics sector, components such as sockets and switches require flame retardancy while maintaining electrical insulation and dimensional accuracy, which has driven the widespread adoption of flame-retardant reinforced nylon. The development of modified nylon is also closely tied to advances in processing technology. Modern modification processes go beyond traditional twin-screw compounding to include nano-filler dispersion technology, reactive extrusion, and intelligent formulation design, enabling balanced performance while maintaining uniformity and processability. This synergy between materials and processing allows modified nylon to be tailored precisely for specific applications rather than serving as a simple universal replacement. From the virgin forms of PA6 and PA66 to the wide variety of modification options available today, the evolution of these materials reflects the broader trend in the engineering plastics industry toward diversified performance and specialized applications. In the future, with the deepening focus on sustainability and the circular economy, modification technologies based on recycled nylon will become a research hotspot, achieving a balance between material performance and environmental requirements. This represents not only scientific progress in materials but also a shift of the entire value chain toward higher added value.

     As one of the core technologies in additive manufacturing, 3D printing has experienced rapid development in the past decade. Its applications continue to expand across aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors. High-performance materials have emerged as the key driver behind these advancements. Among them, nylon—especially PA6 and PA12—has become one of the most representative engineering plastics in 3D printing due to its mechanical strength, toughness, thermal resistance, and chemical stability. However, traditional nylon still suffers from high moisture absorption, weak interlayer bonding, and poor dimensional stability, which limit its use in high-precision or load-bearing parts. Therefore, modification of nylon materials has become a major focus in the industry. Common modification strategies include glass fiber reinforcement, carbon fiber filling, copolymerization, polymer blending, and nano-filler techniques. Incorporating glass or carbon fibers significantly improves the material’s modulus and strength, enabling the production of large or functional parts with better structural integrity. For example, 30% glass fiber-reinforced PA6 can reach injection molding–level mechanical strength in 3D printing while maintaining adequate flexibility, making it suitable for jigs, enclosures, and structural frames. Another breakthrough lies in developing low-hygroscopic nylon. Due to the polar amide groups, conventional nylons easily absorb moisture from the air, resulting in dimensional changes and mechanical degradation. Through structural design, such as replacing hydrophilic monomers or introducing cross-linking agents, the moisture uptake can be substantially reduced. Commercial grades like PA12-L are now widely used in industrial 3D printing systems for high-precision and long-term stability applications. Improving interlayer adhesion is also critical in 3D printing, where layer-by-layer deposition leads to potential delamination. Developers introduce polar functional groups or thermally activated adhesives to enhance interlayer fusion without compromising mechanical properties. By adding reactive copolymers or functional elastomers, the molecular chains achieve better diffusion during melting, thereby enhancing overall structural consistency and impact resistance. In addition to mechanical improvements, multifunctional properties such as conductivity, flame retardancy, and anti-static performance are also being explored. Incorporating carbon nanotubes, graphene, or phosphorus-based flame retardants allows modified nylon to meet the needs of electronic housings, aerospace components, and hazardous environments. These functional additives require precise dispersion and advanced blending techniques to ensure print quality. The future of modified nylon in 3D printing lies in its integration with smart manufacturing systems. By combining AI-controlled printing parameters with material design, a holistic optimization of the material-process-equipment triangle can be realized. Simultaneously, sustainability is becoming a priority, with bio-based nylons and recyclable reinforcements being developed to reduce environmental impact and support a low-carbon manufacturing ecosystem. Breakthroughs in nylon modification not only accelerate 3D printing’s adoption in advanced industries but also reshape materials science paradigms. As multifunctional, intelligent, and sustainable development trends continue to rise, modified nylon is set to play an increasingly vital role in the additive manufacturing value chain.

The rapid advancement of electric vehicle (EV) technology is reshaping the landscape of material applications in the automotive industry. Nylon, a key engineering plastic, has been widely used in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles for components such as engine bay parts, electrical connectors, and structural supports. However, the widespread adoption of EVs has brought about more stringent and diversified performance requirements for materials, creating new challenges and opportunities for modified nylon solutions. One of the most significant differences in EVs lies in the structure of the power system. Compared to combustion engines, electric drivetrains generate heat more centrally and operate at higher voltages, demanding materials with both high thermal resistance and excellent electrical insulation. Modified PA66, PA6T, and aromatic nylons such as PA10T and PA9T are widely applied in battery module housings, power control units, and thermal management pipelines due to their high heat deflection temperatures, low moisture absorption, and dielectric strength. Furthermore, the push for vehicle lightweighting drives the need for high-strength, low-density alternatives to metal components. Glass-fiber or mineral-reinforced nylons offer a favorable balance of weight reduction, dimensional stability, and impact resistance, making them ideal for high-voltage connectors, motor end caps, and HVAC components. Carbon fiber-reinforced nylons are also being adopted in load-bearing parts such as chassis supports and seat structures, contributing to enhanced mechanical performance with reduced mass. EV manufacturers are also placing greater emphasis on sustainability. In line with environmental regulations and carbon neutrality commitments, OEMs are increasing the use of recycled and bio-based materials. Recycled PA66 with verified performance is already integrated into the supply chains of several automakers. Bio-based nylons such as PA410 and PA1010, known for their excellent thermal stability and low carbon footprint, are gaining traction in interior and exterior trim applications. Lifecycle carbon emissions, reprocessability, and material traceability are becoming key selection criteria. Another emerging demand is for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and high-voltage safety. The high-voltage systems and intelligent control modules in EVs require materials that can offer shielding effectiveness and corona discharge resistance. In response, some manufacturers are developing conductive nylon compounds with fillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes to achieve anti-static and EMI-shielding properties, enhancing the safety and reliability of future electric vehicles. Lastly, the precision assembly required in EV production increases the importance of dimensional accuracy and consistency in injection-molded parts. Modified nylons with improved flowability, warp resistance, and surface finish—especially those optimized for high-speed injection molding—are becoming preferred materials for electronic housings and modular components. The rise of electric vehicles is driving both the evolution and expansion of modified nylon applications. Suppliers must innovate across thermal, electrical, mechanical, and environmental dimensions to meet the evolving demands of this transformative industry.

    In recent years, with continuous advancements in manufacturing technology and increasing demand for high-performance engineering plastics, the global market for modified nylon materials has shown impressive momentum. By 2025, the modified nylon market is expected to witness new growth drivers, not only through the expansion of downstream industries but also through the diversification of material properties and the optimization of supply chains.     Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region remains the fastest-growing market. In countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia, the automotive, electrical, and consumer goods industries are driving strong demand for high-performance plastics. Especially under China’s dual-carbon policies, traditional materials are being increasingly replaced by lighter, more durable, and more environmentally friendly modified nylons. In Europe, regulations promoting sustainability are accelerating the development of recycled and bio-based nylons, creating new opportunities for premium applications.     From an industry perspective, the automotive sector remains the largest consumer. In new energy vehicles, lightweight structural components, and electrical insulation systems, materials such as glass fiber-reinforced nylon, flame-retardant nylon, and high-temperature-resistant nylon are indispensable. In particular, PA66 and PA6T are widely used in EV and HEV power systems, including battery module housings, cooling system parts, and high-voltage connectors.     In the electronics sector, the miniaturization of smart devices and the high thermal loads of 5G communication equipment have driven demand for heat-resistant and dimensionally stable nylons such as PA9T and PA10T. For home appliances, the combination of flame resistance, surface finish, and processing efficiency is pushing the adoption of high-strength, aesthetically pleasing modified nylons.     The construction and industrial equipment sectors are also increasingly relying on high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials. Reinforced PA66 has emerged as a viable metal replacement in parts such as pipes, gears, and fasteners. Simultaneously, the global shift toward green manufacturing has brought bio-based nylons like PA56 and PA410 to the forefront, particularly for eco-certified and export-oriented product lines.     Technological advancements are further driving market growth. Innovations in additives and fillers have enhanced the balance of properties, process stability, and surface compatibility of modified nylons. By precisely controlling glass fiber length and using compatibilizers and compound technologies, manufacturers can tailor cost-effective solutions for specific applications.     The global modified nylon market in 2025 is set for multidimensional growth. Regional demand, industrial upgrades, environmental policies, and material innovations are collectively reinforcing nylon’s role in the engineering plastics ecosystem. Companies that identify and act on these growth points early will gain a significant competitive edge.

Nylon, as one of the most important engineering plastics, has been widely used in automotive, electrical and mechanical manufacturing fields due to its excellent mechanical strength, wear resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. However, the high water absorption characteristics of nylon materials have become a key bottleneck limiting its application in precision engineering. The saturated water absorption rates of nylon 6 and nylon 66 can reach 9.5% and 8.5% respectively, which originates from the hydrogen bonding between polar amide groups (-CONH-) in molecular chains and water molecules. When environmental humidity changes, nylon products will expand due to water absorption or shrink due to water loss, seriously affecting the assembly accuracy and service performance of parts. In engineering practice, the primary method to improve the dimensional stability of nylon is to add inorganic fillers for reinforced modification. Glass fiber is the most commonly used reinforcing material. Adding 30%-50% glass fiber can reduce the water absorption of nylon by 40%-60%, while significantly improving its mechanical strength and heat deflection temperature. Although carbon fiber is more expensive, it can not only reduce water absorption but also endow materials with conductivity and higher rigidity. In recent years, nano-scale fillers such as montmorillonite and talc have attracted widespread attention. These nano-fillers can significantly slow down the water absorption rate by prolonging the diffusion path of water molecules in materials. Studies show that adding 5% organically modified montmorillonite can reduce the water absorption of nylon 6 by more than 30%. Chemical modification is a fundamental method to solve the water absorption problem of nylon at the molecular structure level. Through end-capping technology, using reagents such as anhydride or isocyanate to react with amino or carboxyl groups at the end of nylon chains can effectively reduce active sites for hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Epoxy resin modification can introduce cross-linked structures between nylon molecular chains, which not only reduces water absorption but also improves the heat resistance and dimensional stability of materials. Radiation cross-linking is another effective chemical modification method. Through electron beam or γ-ray irradiation, a three-dimensional network structure is formed between nylon molecular chains, which can control water absorption below 3%. The cross-linked nylon material developed by Ube Industries is a typical case of successful application of this technology. Polymer blending is an important way to improve the dimensional stability of nylon. Blending nylon with hydrophobic polymers such as polyolefins (PP, PE) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) can significantly reduce the overall water absorption of composite materials. However, due to the poor compatibility between these polymers and nylon, compatibilizers are usually needed to improve interfacial bonding. Maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin is the most commonly used compatibilizer, which can react with the terminal amino groups of nylon to form chemical bonds at the interface. The Zytel series products developed by DuPont in the United States have achieved excellent dimensional stability through this technology and are widely used in precision components such as automotive fuel systems and electronic connectors. Surface treatment technology provides another solution to improve the dimensional stability of nylon. Plasma treatment can introduce hydrophobic groups on the material surface to form a water barrier. Fluorocarbon coating and silane coupling agent treatment can construct superhydrophobic structures on the nylon surface, making the water contact angle reach more than 150°. The fluorinated nylon material developed by Daikin Industries in Japan can reduce water absorption to 1/3 of ordinary nylon. These surface treatment technologies are particularly suitable for application scenarios that need to maintain substrate performance while requiring low water absorption, such as precision gears, bearings and other mechanical parts. In practical engineering applications, appropriate modification schemes need to be selected according to specific use environments and performance requirements. For the high temperature and humidity environment in automobile engine compartments, a comprehensive scheme combining glass fiber reinforcement and chemical cross-linking is usually adopted; electronic connectors are more often selected with a combination of mineral filling and surface treatment; while medical devices often need to adopt nano-composite materials with better biocompatibility. With the progress of materials science, new modification technologies such as in-situ polymerized nanocomposites and ionic liquid modification continue to emerge, providing more possibilities to solve the water absorption problem of nylon. Through continuous material innovation and process optimization, nylon materials will surely gain wider applications in more high-precision fields.