nylon, any synthetic plastic material composed of polyamides of high molecular weight and usually, but not always, manufactured as a fibre. Nylons were developed in the 1930s by a research team headed by an American chemist, Wallace H. Carothers, working for E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company. The successful production of a useful fibre by chemical synthesis from compounds readily available from air, water, and coal or petroleum stimulated expansion of research on polymers, leading to a rapidly proliferating family of synthetics.
Nylon can be drawn, cast, or extruded through spinnerets from a melt or solution to form fibres, filaments, bristles, or sheets to be manufactured into yarn, fabric, and cordage; and it can be formed into molded products. It has high resistance to wear, heat, and chemicals.
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major industrial polymers: Nylon
When cold-drawn, it is tough, elastic, and strong. Most generally known in the form of fine and coarse filaments in such articles as hosiery, parachutes, and bristles, nylon is also used in the molding trade, particularly in injection molding, where its toughness and ability to flow around complicated inserts are prime advantages.
Polyamides may be made from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine or from an amino acid that is able to undergo self-condensation, or its lactam, characterized by the functional group ―CONH― in a ring, such as ε-caprolactam. By varying the acid and the amine, it is possible to make products that are hard and tough or soft and rubbery. Whether made as filaments or as moldings, polyamides are characterized by a high degree of crystallinity, particularly those derived from primary amines. Under tension, orientation of molecules continues until the specimen is drawn to about four times its initial length, a property of particular importance in filaments.
Two of the ingredients that are used to synthesize the most common nylon, adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, each contain six carbon atoms, and the product has been named nylon-6,6. When caprolactam is the starting material, nylon-6 is obtained, so named because it has six carbon atoms in the basic unit.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
As an expert in the field of polymer chemistry and materials science, my depth of knowledge allows me to delve into the fascinating world of nylon, a synthetic plastic material with a rich history and widespread applications. The story of nylon unfolds in the 1930s when a breakthrough was achieved by a research team led by the distinguished American chemist, Wallace Hume Carothers, at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company.
The evidence of Carothers' pivotal role in the development of nylons is firmly established in historical records, acknowledging him as a key figure in the advancement of polymer science. His contributions not only led to the successful synthesis of nylon but also paved the way for a rapid expansion of research on polymers, resulting in a diverse family of synthetic materials.
Nylon, a polyamide of high molecular weight, is a versatile material that can be produced in various forms such as fibres, filaments, bristles, sheets, and molded products. The ability to draw, cast, or extrude nylon from a melt or solution facilitates its use in the manufacturing of yarn, fabric, cordage, and molded items. Its exceptional properties, including high resistance to wear, heat, and chemicals, make it a preferred choice in numerous industrial applications.
One notable characteristic of nylon is its toughness, elasticity, and strength when cold-drawn. Fine and coarse filaments of nylon are widely recognized in everyday items like hosiery, parachutes, and bristles. However, its significance extends beyond these conventional uses. In the molding trade, particularly in injection molding, nylon's toughness and its capacity to flow around intricate inserts are crucial advantages.
Polyamides, the building blocks of nylon, can be synthesized from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine or from an amino acid capable of self-condensation. The lactam form, distinguished by the functional group ―CONH― in a ring, is exemplified by ε-caprolactam. The choice of acid and amine components allows for the production of polyamides with varying hardness and toughness. High crystallinity, especially in polyamides derived from primary amines, is a distinctive feature, and under tension, molecular orientation continues until the specimen is drawn to about four times its initial length—a crucial property in filament production.
The most common type of nylon, known as nylon-6,6, is synthesized from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, both containing six carbon atoms. Additionally, when caprolactam serves as the starting material, nylon-6 is obtained, named for its six-carbon basic unit.
In conclusion, the development and applications of nylon stand as a testament to the ingenuity of scientists like Wallace Hume Carothers and the relentless pursuit of advancements in polymer chemistry. This synthetic material, with its diverse characteristics and applications, continues to be a cornerstone in the world of materials science and technology.
