Polyamide is a generic term used to describe a wide variety of synthetic fibers used in circular knitted fabrics.
Most of the synthetic fibers were developed in the second half of the 20th century. The term synthetic refers to the fact that these are fibers produced entirely by human hands, without the use of any kind of natural fibers.
Synthetic fibers have a lower production cost than natural fibers. They are suitable for large-scale production and their chemical properties make the material more resistant.
As far as synthetic polyamide is concerned, Nylon is the most recognized in the market. However, there are other types of synthetic fibers produced from polyamide.
But polyamide can also be added to others. This is the case of Nylon-Polyester, where the advantages of both come together to overcome the disadvantages.
It was in the ‘30s of the last century that polyamide material began to be developed.
In time, initial research and development efforts would also give rise to polyester. However, the primary purpose of polyamide was to be an alternative to women's silk stockings.
Later, during World War II, several military materials made use of polyamide, namely parachutes. During this period, the lack of other types of fibers also led to the creation of pieces made entirely from this material, something that was lost over time.
Even so, these synthetic fibers ended up finding their own space in the most varied industries, including textile, in which polyamide can be mixed with cotton, among others.
Today, this material represents more than 10% of synthetic fiber production and everything indicates that this level of production and usage will remain steady throughout the next century.
In practice, polyamide fabric is a synthetic material widely used in textile and other industries for the creation of the most varied types of goods.
Its elasticity is its main feature, but its softness is equally appreciated by consumers.
Although it is less capable of containing heat than other types of fibers, its shape adaptability maintains it as one of the most widely used synthetic fibers on the market.
Technically, polyamide is a polymer, derived from petroleum. Its macromolecule (composed of monomers) is characterized by its repeated amide bonds.
Their production methods may vary slightly from producer to producer.
Normally, monomers used in its production are composed of diamino acid – known only as diamino.
The polyamide production process starts with the extraction of these monomers. These are then forced to combine with adipic acid through a chemical reaction.
This chemical reaction gives rise to a kind of salt particles that are heated until it melts completely. Then a mechanical process called extrusion takes place which gives the polyamide its final shape.
In the end, it is stretched to its limits, in order to receive the strength and elasticity that it is recognized for.One very common question is the difference between Polyester and Polyamide.
Both are synthetic fibers composed of polymers. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses. That is, none of them can be effectively considered better than the other. However, they can be compared.
The choice between them is made according to their purpose.
On the one hand, polyamide is very resistant, strong, and flexible. On the other hand, it is a synthetic fiber with few insulating capacities and lower cost-effectiveness than polyester. At the same time, polyester is less resistant and more susceptible to stains and wrinkles.
Polyamide absorbs more water and takes longer to dry. Polyester behaves inversely, drying faster and absorbing less water. This is what makes this material a weak insulator, more ideal for the dry seasons.
However, its fibers are softer than those of polyester, which means the final result is softer to the touch.
It is important to remember that polyamide was developed with the intention of replacing silk. Therefore, its touch is equally characteristic, thought out to be that way from the beginning.
As they are both synthetic fibers, insects such as moths find them inedible and are imperturbable to the effects of time or humidity.
Polyamide can be used to create different types of circular knitted fabrics, with Nylon being the most recognized of its kind.
When they were created to replace silk, their costs were high, but today that is no longer the case. At ITJV, polyamide circular knitted fabrics are only available by requesting a catalogue and sample validation.
This text was written and published in 2021