Nylon Fasteners: How Chemically Resistant Are They?

When selecting a fastener material, it’s essential to consider not just strength and cost, but also chemical resistance. Nylon, particularly nylon 6/6, remains a top choice for many applications due to its affordability, widespread availability, and robust mechanical properties. However, its performance against various chemicals can vary.

While nylon 6/6 handles many organic solvents and inorganic salts admirably, it does not fare well against strong acids. The following tables, sourced from Craftech Industries’ chemical resistance guide, provide a concise overview of nylon 6/6’s performance at room temperature.

Abbreviations Used in the Tables:

• E = Excellent
• G = Good
• F = Fair
• P = Poor
• NR = Not Recommended
• S = Solvent

Behavior of Nylon 6/6 Toward Organic Solvents at Room Temperature

Notice the high number of “Unchanged/Excellent” ratings across a broad range of solvents—an indicator of nylon’s resilience in many non-acidic environments.

For inorganic salts, nylon 6/6 also scores highly:

Behavior of Nylon 6/6 in Aqueous Solutions of Inorganic Salts at Room Temperature

These charts confirm that nylon fasteners can safely encounter a variety of salts and solvents without significant degradation. When acids are involved, however, alternative materials should be considered.

Choosing the right fastener material is a balance between mechanical demands, environmental exposure, and cost. If nylon 6/6 meets your mechanical and chemical criteria, it remains a reliable, economical choice.

Interested in exploring the different nylon grades? Download our complimentary guide to learn more.