How Is Nylon Made?
- Written By: Carol Francois
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
Wallace Carothers at DuPont created the first nylon material on 28 February 1935, and it remains one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics. The term itself is actually used to refer to a broad range of polyamides, or synthetic polymers. Creating it is a two-step process: first, chemicals are combined to create the material itself, and then the material is manufactured to make it useful.
The Chemical Process
To create nylon, the manufacturer combines two sets of molecules. One set has an acid group on each end, and the other set has an amine group, made up of basic organic compounds, on each end. The result of this combination is a substance that is known as nylon 6, 6 or 6-6. The name is based on the number of carbon atoms between the two acid groups and the two amine groups.
This material can be chemically created in a different way as well — the same molecules are used, only they're molded into a different structure. In this alternate method, the acidic molecules are all at one end of the structure, and the amine molecules are all at the other. This compound is then combined into a chain of carbon atoms.
The high-temperature chemical reaction required to create nylon is conducted in a specially designed machine. To create the compound, the molecules are combined to form a molten material. This substance is forced into a spinneret, which is used to separate it into thin strands.
The Manufacturing Process
When the nylon moves through the spinneret, it is exposed to the air for the first time. The air causes the strands to harden immediately, and once they are hard, they can be wound onto bobbins. The fibers are stretched to create strength and elasticity — a key benefit of nylon. The filaments are unwound and then rewound onto another, smaller spool. This process is called drawing and is used to align the molecules into a parallel structure.
After the material has been wound onto the smaller spool, it is ready for use. Products are created by weaving the filaments together, and the tighter the weave, the more strength the fabric will have.
Nylon can also be mixed with other fibers to create combination materials. When combined with cotton, it produces a resilient material that holds its shape but is soft to the touch. It can also be woven into patterns to reinforce strength, improve its appearance, or meet other design requirements.
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Discuss this Article
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anon298929
Post 14 |
Any idea about the actual chemical reactions to create nylon? |
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burcidi
Post 13 |
I think polyamide nylon is like the best invention ever!
I really felt grateful for nylon when I had to buy sports clothing for when I go hiking and surfing. You cannot wear any traditional fabrics made of things like cotton when you're doing sports like these. You need something that absorbs the sweat from your skin so that your skin stays dry or you will get hypothermia.
The only fabric that can do this is nylon. So it's definitely a God-send for sportsmen. |
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anamur
Post 12 |
@feruze-- Well, nylon is a type of plastic. It was discovered when scientists were trying to figure out how to make a plastic that was flexible but also durable and they came up with nylon.
So nylon is a sub-category of plastic but its chemical components is slightly different from other kinds of plastic. For example, nylon has oxygen molecules whereas, PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) has chloride molecules. So the composition of the product differs depending on what kind of plastic it is. |
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feruze
Post 11 |
@anon240589-- Is nylon and plastic the same thing?
Is there any difference between how they're made?
Because I know that one of the arguments for not using plastic grocery bags is also that it's bad for the environment. So I'm just curious if they are made of the same chemicals and go through the same process. |
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anon240589
Post 10 |
Nylon is bad for the environment though! First, it's petroleum based, meaning that it uses up the earth's natural resources. Also, when it's burned it produces a toxic chemical! |
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anon203140
Post 9 |
nylon underskirts and night gowns still top the table in my eyes. this is nylon at its sexiest and best. |
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anon169413
Post 8 |
can you tell me why is nylon useful for science and textiles? |
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BlogLove
Post 5 |
The great thing about nylon is that it can be used for a variety of different things. One thing that comes to most people’s minds when they hear “nylon” is nylon stockings, or the netting in bridal veils. However nylon can also be used to make all sorts of items, such as shorts, swimwear, luggage, life vests, and water proof bags. It’s also used to make both mascara brushes and the mascara itself. It’s also used in mechanical construction to make things that require durability and flexibility at a relatively low cost. In addition, it’s used to make carpet and can be used to make some car interior parts. |
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vogueknit17
Post 4 |
I remember reading about people actually using paint on stockings at one point because other stockings were so hard to find. That is dedication. |
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watson42
Post 3 |
During World War II, nylons and other stockings were limited so that the nylon could be used to make all sorts of materials for the war effort. It's amazing how differently people treat war now- I cannot imagine how the American people would react if the government required the limited use of anything for the current war efforts. |
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anon96289
Post 2 |
i think this website is really helpful and quite interesting. also it has helped me with my science. |
