NYLON 6,6 COPOLYAMIDES OF BIS(2-CARBOXYETHYL) METHYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE

Copolyamides of nylon 6,6 with bis(2-carboxyethyl)methylphosphine oxide (CEMPO) were prepared by melt polycondensation of nylon 6,6 salt with CEMPO and hexamethylene diamine. The effect of CEMPO upon melting point, moisture regain, boiling water shrinkage, water wicking, tensile properties, thermal stability, static dissipation, and flammability of nylon 6,6 fibers and fabrics was determined. The fiber properties were greatly affected by the high water absorption and solubility characteristics of the phosphine oxide linkage. The copolyamides were of improved flame resistance compared to nylon 6,6 and were also found to give improved flame resistance in blends of the copolymer with various commercial plastics.