Introduction Nylon and Its Uses
Nylon is the first synthetic fibre created by man with no natural raw materials. It is a polymer compound made from hexamethylenediamine. It is a thermoplastic material that can be liquefied by heating. It makes fibres or mould into desired forms, and molten nylon is pushed through microscopic holes in a spinneret.
Nylon is an artificial synthetic fibre that is strong and lightweight, qualities that led to a wide range of uses, including cloth, rope, and luggage. This fibre was first developed in the 1930s as an early replacement for silk; over time, it evolved into the preferred fabric for women's stockings. One of the key figures in the invention of nylon fibre was the chemist Wallace H.
Nylon Threads
Origin of Nylon
1935 saw the beginning of nylon manufacture. An organic chemist Wallace Hume Carothers who worked at a DuPont business research facility, created it. Carothers made this finding while looking for a synthetic material that could replace silk. The DuPont company gave the research site Carothers's name after passing away.
Characteristics of Nylon
Nylon is Both durable and lightweight.
Items made of nylon dry rapidly because the strands that make up this material are smooth and non-absorbent.
Nylon holds up well to filth and is not weakened by chemicals or perspiration.
Nylon can melt at high temperatures. This means that when ironing nylon-made things, you should use a low setting and iron the item from the wrong side.
Types of Nylon
Nylon 6,6
One of the most often used nylon formulae in manufacturing is 6,6. This variant contains adipic acid, six carbon atoms, and hexamethylenediamine. The properties of nylon 6,6 include resistance to sunlight, a high melting point, great colorfastness, and superior damage tolerance.
Nylon 6
The other famous formula for manufacture is nylon 6 (Nylon 6). It absorbs moisture quickly, is very impact resistant, and is simple to dye. Additionally, Nylon 6 has improved elastic properties and elastic recovery.
Uses of Nylon in Our Daily Life
Shirts, swimwear, lingerie, underwear, and sports gear.
Conveyor and seat belts, airbags, parachutes, nets and ropes, thread, tarpaulins, and tents are a few examples of industrial usage.
It is used to manufacture fishnets.
It is used as plastic in the manufacturing of machine parts.
Interesting Facts About Nylon
In 1938, Nylon was first commercially used in manufacturing toothbrush bristles.
A group of artificial polymers called polyamides are referred to as nylon.
Nylons are given names that have numerical suffixes. These suffixes denote the number of carbons.
Because Nylon 66 has a greater melting point and is typically more durable than Nylon 6, it is an excellent choice for high-performance items that must tolerate heat or wear and tear.
Summary
Nylon is a polyamide; one of the most well-known polyamides is polypropylene. It is made by condensing monomers (nuclei) together inside a reactor to form long chains of molecules. Nylon is a durable, lightweight material for rope lacing and belts. Its strength allows it to be used at higher speeds than nylon webbing applications.
FAQs on Uses of Nylon
1. What are some common uses of nylon in our daily lives?
Nylon is a versatile synthetic fibre found in many everyday items. Its common uses include:
- Clothing: Shirts, stockings, lingerie, and swimwear are often made from nylon due to its elasticity and durability.
- Household Items: Carpets, upholstery, and curtains benefit from nylon's strength and resistance to wear and tear.
- Personal Care: The bristles of toothbrushes and hairbrushes are commonly made from nylon fibres.
- Accessories: It is used to make umbrellas, luggage, and seatbelts.
2. What are the key properties of nylon that make it so useful?
Nylon's usefulness comes from its unique combination of properties. The most important ones are:
- High Strength: Nylon fibres have a very high tensile strength, making them difficult to break.
- Elasticity: It can be stretched significantly without losing its shape, which is why it's used in hosiery and activewear.
- Abrasion Resistance: Nylon is highly resistant to damage from rubbing and scraping, making it ideal for ropes and carpets.
- Lustrous Appearance: The fabric has a slight sheen, giving it an attractive finish for clothing.
- Resistance to Chemicals and Oils: It is not easily damaged by most common chemicals or oils.
3. Why is nylon used to make parachutes and ropes for rock climbing?
Nylon is the preferred material for high-performance equipment like parachutes and climbing ropes primarily due to its exceptional strength and elasticity. A nylon rope is strong enough to hold a person's weight but also has enough elasticity to absorb the shock of a sudden fall, reducing the risk of injury. For parachutes, its strength, light weight, and resistance to mildew make it a reliable and safe choice.
4. How is nylon made?
Nylon is a polymer, which means it is made from long chains of repeating smaller molecules called monomers. It is created through a chemical process known as condensation polymerisation. In this process, specific monomers (like adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine for Nylon 6,6) are reacted together. This reaction releases water molecules and forms strong amide links, creating the long, durable chains that constitute nylon fibre.
5. What is the main difference between Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6?
The main difference lies in their chemical structure and resulting properties. Nylon 6 is made from a single type of monomer called caprolactam. It is known for being slightly more flexible and having a higher lustre. Nylon 6,6 is made from two different monomers (adipoyl chloride and hexamethylene diamine). It is generally more rigid, has a higher melting point, and is better suited for high-performance industrial applications where crystalline structure is important.
6. What makes nylon a better choice than natural fibres like cotton for making ropes or fishing nets?
Nylon surpasses natural fibres like cotton for applications like ropes and fishing nets for several key reasons. Firstly, nylon has a much higher tensile strength and is more durable. Secondly, it is hydrophobic (does not absorb water), so it doesn't become heavy or weak when wet. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs water and can rot or develop mildew over time, making it unsuitable for marine environments.
7. What are some key industrial applications of nylon?
Beyond consumer goods, nylon is crucial in many industrial sectors. Its strength and low friction make it ideal for manufacturing:
- Machine Parts: Such as gears, bearings, and bushings, where it replaces metal to reduce noise and the need for lubrication.
- Automotive Industry: Used for engine components, zip ties, and airbags.
- Electrical Applications: As an insulator in connectors, circuit boards, and other electronic components.
- Conveyor Belts: Its durability and strength make it a reliable material for industrial conveyor systems.
8. Are there any environmental concerns related to the use of nylon?
Yes, there are significant environmental concerns. Nylon is derived from petrochemicals, which are non-renewable resources. Its production is energy-intensive. Furthermore, nylon is non-biodegradable, meaning it persists in the environment for hundreds of years when discarded. The shedding of microplastics from washing nylon clothing also contributes to water pollution.
