NYLON

HISTORY

Nylon was manufactured as the first synthetic fiber.

It was invented by Team led by WALLACE CAROTHERS of Du Pont company , USA which is a major producer of fiber. Having 79,000 employes and revenue of 24.5 billion dollars.

History Julia hill, made a break through on

30th april, when he drew a glass rod he poked into a reaction mixture to find several strands of substances adhering it.

The product achieved was several times stretched to its original length and became strong.

In 1938 the first product using nylon was ‘Dr. West Miracle Toothbrush’. Nylon stoking first used were in 1939.

Mostly at that time silk was used for parachute materials in place of silk.

After second world war it was used as in stockings.

PERLON German scientist was working on

replacement of silk in parachutes. In 1939, Dr. Paul Schlack at I.G. Farben

successfully produced ‘PERLON’. It was similar polyamide to Du Pont

product, which was nylon. Surprisingly, term nylon was not registered so the generic name of all polyamides were given the name of nylon.

Chemistry of nylon When an amine group –NH2 reacts the carboxylic

group –COOH, an amide group –CONH- is formed. In this processes, a molecule of water is

eliminated. So it is a condensation process. Diamines and dicarboxylic acids containing

reactive groups in two places in their molecules react to form chain .

Nylon 6

Perlon, is manufactured from only one nonomer called caprolactam. As there are 6 carbon atoms in it , the polymer is called NYLON 6. It is therefore type ….AAAAAAAAAAA……. Or (A)n where n is 200.

Nylon 6.6 In Nylon 6.6 , 2 monomers are used to make

ploymer. The polymer is represented as ABABABABA

……. Or (AB)n A and B are the parts of the molecule originating from each of two monomers and the degree of polymerisation has the value 60-80.

No need to remember for exams

Production of synthetic polymer

Spinning and drawing

Drawing

Drawing (stretching) increases the molecular orientation and reduces the cross- sectional area.

Drawn Fibers are stronger and stiffer.

Properties High strength to weight ratio. (65-

85% crystalline) Specific gravity 1.14 High breaking elongation. Excellent recovery from

deformation. High abrasion resistance. Easy to dye as compared to

polyester. Moisture regain of 4-4.5% Low density Low resistance to sunlight. Problems with comfort. Tight

weaves. Prone to soiling.

Uses

Carpets Hose (stocking, tights,socks) Waterproofs Tarpaulins/tents Parachutes Sportwears

Difference