PA6 is a synthetic material that is widely used in a wide variety of applications. It is the most commonly used synthetic reinforcement in heavy-duty tires. It is also used in tarps, machine covers, safety belts, airbag parts, relay boxes, and medical devices. It is often reinforced with glass fiber, glass beads, or minerals. Other uses of PA6 include packaging for food and industrial products.

PA6 is a plastic material with water absorption properties. However, its water absorption properties are restricted to some areas. In humid applications, the material is less suited than other materials. In such cases, the use of a blend of PA6 with a PP/PP-g-MA reinforcement is recommended.

The water absorption properties of PA6 are governed by the polar amide groups on the PA6 molecular chain. The main direction of water diffusion in PA6 composites is through the pores in BC and the interface gap between BC and PA6. As the content of BC increases, the water absorption properties of PA6 are reduced. As a result, the hydrophobic effect of BC gradually takes over and the water diffusion coefficient is slightly reduced.

Water absorption properties of PA6 can be influenced by irradiation. When the water molecule binds with the polymer, the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the molecules are broken. This subsequently reduces the elasticity of the material. It also causes disintegration of the H-bonding network between the amorphous chains.