Polylamide is one of the most widely used thermoplastic in the world. It can be processed into films, fibers or shapes. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6-6 are the two most common grades within the Polyamide family. They are similar in structure and properties. Nylon 6 is formed by ring-opening polymerization of Caprolactam. Nylon 6-6 is the product of a condensation reaction between Hexamethylenediamine and Adipic Acid. Applications of these materials include Carpets, Apparels, Airbags, Tires, Zip Ties, Ropes, Conveyor Belts and Hoses etc. The purpose of this App Note is to present the precision achievable with an HMJ Y501 Dual Capillary Relative Viscometer (DSV) system. The analysis conditions are listed below.

Solvent	88% Formic Acid
Sample Concentration	1 g/dL
Prep Temperature	25C
Dissolution Time	60 Minutes
Analysis Temeprature	30C

​The data summary clearly shows the superior precision of the instrument. RSD of DSV data is typically less than 1% and the following data supports that claim.

Samples	IV (dL/g)		Samples	IV (dL/g)		Samples	IV (dL/g)
DK1A1	1.0869		DK2A1	1.0707		DK3A1	1.0438
DK1A2	1.0881		DK2A2	1.0655		DK3A2	1.0314
DK1B1	1.0939		DK2B1	1.0693		DK3B1	1.0376
DK1B2	1.0945		DK2B2	1.0716		DK3B2	1.0368
Average	1.0909		Average	1.0693		Average	1.0374
SD	0.0039		SD	0.0027		SD	0.0051
RSD	0.36%		RSD	0.25%		RSD	0.49%

​In addition to the precision of the data demonstrated above, the relative viscometer presents an easy opportunity to automate a particularly laborious task. Automation can range from a simple autosampler system to fully automated Vortex operation.