Originally developed by the DuPont Corporation in the early 1920s, nylon is a synthetic fabric composed of long, thin fibers that are hardened by extrusion. It is one of the most versatile materials available for fabric production, and is used in a wide variety of applications. In addition to apparel, nylon is also used in tents, umbrellas, and covers for outdoor furniture. It is also one of the most durable fabrics available, and it outperforms other manmade fibers when it comes to chemical resistance.
Nylon is a polymer composed of a long chain of carbon-based molecules. It is also known as hexamethylenediamine monomer, or diamine acid. During the drawing process, the polymer molecules are arranged in a parallel structure, which enables them to be stretched to improve their strength and elasticity. The resulting fibers are then ready for spinning into fabric.
Nylon fabric is created by blending different categories of monomers together to produce a range of different products. The most common nylon fabrics are made from polyamide monomers extracted from crude oil. The resulting fabric is lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and oil. It is also abrasion-resistant. Its high tensile strength makes it a popular choice for industrial applications.
Nylon is often combined with other fibers, such as cotton and spandex, to produce textiles with a variety of different characteristics. This process makes it possible to have nylon fibers that are both durable and inexpensive. In addition, nylon fibers can be dyed in a variety of colors. Nylon is also available in recycled fabrics, which allow designers to use its functionality to create new items.
Nylon is also used in fabrics for athletic comfort wear, swimwear, and lingerie. Nylon is a durable material that is resistant to mildew, mold, and water. It is also impervious to bleach. It is also abrasion-resistant and very lightweight, which makes it ideal for clothing, shoes, and apparel.
During World War II, nylon was used to make military parachutes, and was popular in the military market. Parachutes were also repurposed into clothing after the war. In the 1980s, many
nylon fabric production operations moved to China. The global economy had shifted away from the United States as a manufacturing base, so many international corporations started manufacturing nylon in China.
Nylon fabric is made from a variety of different types of monomers, and each one has its own unique qualities. For example, the hexamethylenediamine monomer is extracted from crude oil, and then reacted with adipic acid to create nylon.
Nylon fabric is used in a variety of applications, but its most popular uses are athletic clothing, dresses, lingerie, swimwear, and ponchos. Nylon is a hygroscopic material that can absorb moisture, making it suitable for clothing in a variety of inclement weather. Nylon is also durable and withstands water, heat, and oil. However, it is not biodegradable. It takes up to 50 years for nylon to degrade.
Nylon fabric can be recycled and reused, but it is a very energy-intensive process. The process also releases greenhouse gases into the air. The Scrap Exchange has a program to recycle nylon into new products.