Depolymerization of polyamides

A process comprising the step of heating at least one polyamide comprising nylon 6 in the presence of ammonia, an amine, or a mixture thereof at a temperature between about 200.degree. C. and about 400.degree. C. and at a pressure between 0.5 and 5 atm to effect at least partial depolymerization of said polyamide to yield monomeric components of said polyamide at selectivity greater than about 60%.

A process comprising the step of continuously depolymerizing at least one polyamide comprising nylon 6 in a reaction zone in the presence of ammonia, an amine, or a mixture thereof under substantially steady-state conditions to generate (i) at least some partially depolymerized polyamide in said reaction zone, and (ii) polyamide monomeric components in said reaction zone,

• wherein said polyamide and said ammonia, amine, or mixture thereof are continuously fed to said reaction zone, and said polyamide monomeric components are substantially and continuously removed from said reaction zone to achieve said substantial steady-state, the selectivity for said monomeric components being greater than about 60%.