Nylon slings are unsuitable around which substances?

• A. Oils and Greases
• B. Water and Air
• C. Acids and Bleaching Agents
• D. Bases and Solvents

Answer: (C)

Nylon slings have good mechanical strength and are reasonably resistant to water, air, and many oils or greases, but their chemical resistance is limited. Strong acids can hydrolyze the nylon’s amide bonds, weakening the polymer chains and reducing lifting capacity. Bleaching agents are strong oxidizers that attack the nylon structure, causing embrittlement and loss of tensile strength. Because of these chemical reactions, nylon slings should not be used around acids or bleaching agents. Exposure to water, air, or many oils/greases is much less damaging, and bases or some solvents are typically less problematic than strong oxidizers, but acids and oxidizers are the primary cause of degradation.