Objective

 To synthesize Nylon 6,6 via step-growth polymerization

 To examine the polymer physical properties

Introduction
Nylons are semi-crystalline polymers. The amide group -(-CO-NH-)- provides hydrogen
bonding between polyamide chains, giving nylon high strength at elevated temperatures,
toughness at low temperatures combined with its other properties, such as stiffness, wear and
abrasion resistance, low friction coefficient and good chemical resistance. These properties have
made nylons the strongest of all synthetic fibers in common use. In the stirring technique, the
non-equilibrium system that occurs eliminates the weakness that might occur in
polycondensation processes, such as

a) The necessity of high temperature

b) Longer time of reaction
c) Accurate stoichiometric balance of equivalent

The word “nylon” is used to represent synthetic polyamides. Nylons from diamines and
dicarboxylic acids are designated by two numbers, the first representing the diamine and the
second the dicarboxylic acid. In order to produce a long chain of polymer and to expedite the
rate of kinetic reaction, the polymerisation system should be stirred vigorously to make sure that
a new surface of polymer is always produced in the system. This would ensure that polymers
produced would give a high percentage of yields. Both hexamethylenediamine and sebacoyl
chloride are not solvents in the polymerisation process between two surfaces of solutions.

Nylon 6,6 is the polymer used to help show how step-growth polymerization
works in this lab. Step-growth polymerization can have any polymer or
monomer react, so the monomers disappear quickly. The molecular weight
increases slowly because the monomers react, but the molecular weight
increases quickly towards the end of the polymerization because small chains
are forming larger chains. There is also another product besides the polymer
after polymerization. For example, after Nylon 6,6 forms, the leftover product
was water. Step-growth polymerization often requires two different monomers
to form one polymer. Step-growth polymerization occurs when monomers start
to join together. Any monomer can star forming chains, so the molecular weight
is low. Towards the end of the process, the small chains start to form larger
chains, so the molecular weight increases dramatically.

MATERIALS

20% NaOH

5% Aqueous Solution of Hexamethylenediamine, H2N(CH2)6NH2

0.25M Adipolychloride in Cyclohexane

80% Formic Acid

APPARATUS

50ml Beaker

Pipet

Tweezers

PROCEDURE

1. 2ml of 20% NaOH solution and 10ml of hexamethylenediamine was added into a 50mL
reaction beaker.
2. 10mL of 0.25 M of adipoly chloride solution was drawn from cyclohexane into pipet and
was placed in a beaker.
3. The solutions then left for a several minutes in order for the polymerization to take place.
4. The beaker was then tipped slightly and the fiber was extracted by gently wind the nylon
 fiber at the center of the two solutions.
5. The nylon thread was then washed thoroughly with water and left to dry on a clean paper
towel.
6. The product was weighed.
7. Before drying process occur, small amount of the nylon was dissolved with 80% formic
acid and few drops of the solutions was placed on the microscope and left to dry under a
hood.
8. The structure was observed and compared under a microscope.
 In this experiment, we were able to conduct the experiment and produce a product of
nylon 6,6. A sample of picture of the product was taken for references to the theoretical results.
The obtained result was concluded to be similar with the theoretical results. This indicates that
the experiment conducted was a success.

During the experiment, the steps was followed carefully to minimize any error that may
have occurred. This is applied when taking a measurement of the volume, the eye is
perpendicular to the meniscus to avoid any reading error. Next, while conducting the experiment
we have followed the precaution to avoid any unwanted accidents. The procedure was done
inside the hood as the chemical used could results irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
We also have used gloves and googles in conducting the experiment as a protection.

In the synthesis of Nylon 6,6, the solution turns cloudy with white precipitate. In the
solution it can be seen two distinct inter-facial areas between the two solutions. It was divided
to a clear and cloudy layer. While pulling the fiber, the sample appeared to be fragile and white
in color. This can be seen when pulling the fiber, the fiber almost detached. A sample of nylon
bulk was seen to be more resistant. This may due to the chains were randomly oriented.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the objective of the experiment which was to synthesize nylon 6,6 via step-growth
polymerization and examine the polymer physical properties was met. The nylon was confirmed
undergo step-growth polymerization and properties of the sample was observed using
microscope.