if surface stiffness or visible cracks appear. 3. Factors Accelerating Degradation (Aging)
: While toughness increases, the absolute tensile strength and stiffness (modulus) decrease.
Freshly extruded nylon tubing is "Dry As Molded" (DAM) and is at its most brittle. As it "matures" by absorbing ambient moisture, it undergoes several shifts: nylon matures tube
Yellowing, surface cracks, loss of elasticity, and brittleness.
: Impact resistance can improve by up to 10 times as the material absorbs water. if surface stiffness or visible cracks appear
If your goal is to prevent the tube from "maturing" into a failed, brittle state, monitor these factors:
: The tube will slightly expand in size and volume as it reaches equilibrium. Freshly extruded nylon tubing is "Dry As Molded"
While there is no standard engineering term "nylon matures tube," the phrase typically refers to the or the natural aging (maturation) of nylon tubing. Nylon is unique because it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air after manufacturing, which significantly changes its mechanical properties—a process often called "maturation" or "conditioning." 1. The Maturation (Conditioning) Process