The nitrosation of nylon

Abstract The nitrosation of nylon 66, with the use of four different nitrosating agents, has been investigated. By the more vigorous nitrosating reactions, heterogeneous nitrosation of nylon yarn occurs rapidly and proceeds to completion in a few hours. In this reaction the amide hydrogen is substituted by a nitroso group to give the structure By heating the nitrosated polyamides, nitrogen is evolved, and polyesters are formed. The kinetics of this change have been fully investigated. Caustic alkali reacts rapidly with nitrosated nylon. Free radicals are produced on exposure of the nitrosated nylon to visible radiation. Partial nitrosation of nylon yarns has been carried out with the use of a running threadline system; the physical properties of the resulting yarns have been examined.