Avoid sharp internal corners in part designs. Sharp edges act as stress concentrators, serving as the primary initiation points for cracks.
Environmental Stress Cracking is one of the most common causes of unexpected brittle failure in thermoplastic polymers. ESC occurs when the material is simultaneously exposed to a tensile stress and a specific chemical agent. For alaalanylons, even weak chemical agents like detergents, alcohols, or certain industrial solvents can accelerate microscopic crazing, leading to macroscopic cracks without visibly degrading the chemical structure of the bulk polymer. 2. Hydrolytic Degradation (Hydrolysis) alaalanylons cracked
In the presence of heat, absorbed water can attack the amide bonds, causing the polymer chains to break (hydrolyze). This weakens the material and leads to surface cracking. : Avoid sharp internal corners in part designs
By varying the collision energy (from 10 eV to >150 eV) and recording the intensities of the fragments, researchers can map the of each pathway. This approach revealed, for example, that the b₅ ion of hexaalanine is formed at relatively low collision energies, while the smaller b‑ and a‑ions require higher energies and arise from secondary fragmentation of the primary b‑ions [7†L16-L21]. ESC occurs when the material is simultaneously exposed
The easiest way to stop premium nylon garments from cracking is to reform your laundry and storage habits. Synthetic performance materials require gentle care to maintain their structural integrity.
: Hand-wash the garment in cold water and allow it to air-dry completely.