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Almost 90 percent of adipic acid produced is used in the production of nylon 66. The nylon, which has a protein-like structure, is further processed into fibers for applications in carpeting, automobile tire cord, and clothing. Adipic acid is also used to manufacture plasticizers and lubricant components.
Food grade adipic acid is used as a gelling aid, an acidulant, and as a leavening and buffering agent.
Adipic acid produced annually is used as a monomer for the production of nylon by a polycondensation reaction with hexamethylene diamine forming 6,6-nylon. Other applications include some Polyurethanes. Esters of Adipic Acid, such as DOA (Di-2-Ethylhexyl Adipate) are used as plasticizers for PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) resins.
Adipic acid has been incorporated into controlled-release tablets to obtain a pH-independent release for both weakly basic and weakly acidic drugs. It has also been incorporated into polymeric coatings of hydrophilic monolithic systems to modulate the pH, resulting in zero-order release of a hydrophilic drug.
In foods, small but significant amounts of adipic acid are used as a food ingredient as a flavorant and gelling aid. It is used in some calcium carbonate antacids to make them tart.