Brush bristles come in a variety of materials, with common options including nylon, PBT, and PP. Here’s a breakdown of their characteristics:
1. Nylon 6 (PA6)
Nylon 6 is an economical choice within the nylon family. Despite its lower cost, it offers good resilience, heat resistance, and wear resistance. This makes it widely used in various brush products and one of the most common bristle materials on the market.
2. Nylon 66 (PA66)
Compared to Nylon 6, Nylon 66 provides slightly better hardness, resilience, and wear resistance at the same filament diameter. It can withstand temperatures up to 150°C, making it a more durable choice.
3. Nylon 610 (PA610)
Among the nylon family, Nylon 610 has the best wear resistance. It also excels in hardness, resilience, and heat resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring high durability.
4. Nylon 612 (PA612)
Nylon 612 is a high-quality nylon filament with low water absorption, better resilience, and wear resistance than Nylon 66. Additionally, it has anti-mold and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for brush wheels and strips used in industries such as food, medical, and electronics.
Other Popular Synthetic Bristles
PP (Polypropylene)
- Features: PP has a density of less than 1. A simple test involves placing a few filaments in water—if they float, they are likely made of PP. The cross-section of PP bristles is oval.
- Advantages: Excellent chemical stability, acid and alkali resistance.
- Limitations: Poor elasticity, making it hard to regain shape after multiple bends. Heat resistance up to 120°C.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
- Features: PBT bristles are soft and highly resilient.
- Advantages: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, oils, and solvents.
- Limitations: Prone to hydrolysis at high temperatures.
Choose the bristle material that best suits your application’s specific needs!