Nylon: features, scope and types

In the modern world, wherever you look, everywhere, one way or another, there are synthetic materials. After decades of craze, the term "synthetics" today sounds almost like a curse, and completely in vain.

Actually, nylon is a whole family of polymers (synthetic polyamides). Such varieties are hidden under the usual name.

• Nylon. In Russia it is called anid, in the USA - nylon 66.
• Poly-ε-caproamide. In Russia - nylon, in the USA - nylon 6.
• Poly-ω-enantoamide. In Russia - enant, in the USA - nylon 7.
• Poly-ω-undecanamide. In Russia - undecane, in France and Italy - Rilsan, in the USA - nylon 11.

Nylon is synthesized on the basis of amide and acetic acids, during the polymerization of which a new substance is formed, which in the molten state is capable of stretching to the finest fiber without losing its strength properties. To obtain such a fiber, the polymer melt is passed through special caps with many tiny holes. After cooling down (the polymer can cool down both by blowing and in special baths), synthetic fiber - nylon thread - is wound on a bobbin. Everything, the "yarn" is ready.Then synthetic fabric is woven from it on a conventional loom - here the process is no different from the production of fabrics from natural fibers.

Nylon was synthesized in America in 1935 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont. This ingenious organic chemist also discovered neoprene and polyester. As for nylon (it was then called polyamide 6.6), it became available to the general public in 1938, immediately making a splash as an excellent material for making women's stockings. The debut took place at the World's Fair in New York. After it, the excitement was terrible, just think: silk stockings were sold as a fake, passed off as nylon.

Since 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, the monopoly on synthesizing nylon passed to the military industry - all production facilities were used to produce goods for the army: parachutes, tents, awnings, body armor and covers for equipment are still made from nylon. After the war, nylon triumphantly returned to civilian life and continued its march across the planet.

In addition to the fabrics familiar to us, nylons are actively used in industry:

• rigid nylon - ekolon - used for the manufacture of plastic products;
• a nylon coating is applied to the contacting surfaces to reduce the coefficient of friction in metal bushings, housings and bearing shells for reliable and durable operation of mechanisms;
• thin nylon films are used for food packaging;
• in the auto industry, airbags are made from nylon, some parts under the hood of a car: engine covers, components of the cooling and heating system, etc.;
• synthetic strings are made from nylon for instruments such as guitar, dombra and some others;
• in dentistry, dentures are made from it, as an alternative for patients with allergies to acrylic and metal.

Especially nylon flourished in the 50s in the textile industry, becoming, perhaps, the most fashionable material. Without it, the production of the following products is unthinkable even today.

• Hosiery. They are elastic, keep their shape well, especially in the heel area, thanks to the production method: heat-fixing on a template. They do not stretch on the shins, fit the ankle, do not slip when worn - it is not surprising that, as soon as such a miracle appeared, nylon stockings were snapped up faster than hot cakes.
• Swimwear and underwear. The property of nylon to fit the body, slightly pulling curvaceous shapes, is appreciated by the manufacturers of corrective underwear. Bright and quick-drying swimsuits are indispensable when relaxing at sea.
• Casual, outerwear, military and sportswear. Lightweight, durable, well-stretched, dirt- and water-repellent, bright and wrinkle-free nylon clothing is still relevant today.
• Tourist and military tents and backpacks. Windproof, waterproof tents and durable backpacks capable of withstanding considerable weight, resistant to damage - such goods are readily bought by participants in hiking trips, expeditions, outdoor enthusiasts and, of course, the military departments.

• Sports and travel bags. Essential on any travel, even just going to the gym, nylon bags, light and durable, will not find a replacement for a long time.
• Parachute canopies and lines. Here nylon firmly holds the palm to this day.
• Sails for river and sea small vessels. Although the time of sailing is in the past, they sail quite actively, for example, taking part in a regatta.
• Curtains, bedspreads, tablecloths. Does not absorb dirt, repels water, washes easily and efficiently, bright and durable - nylon home textiles are very popular.
• Kevlar body armor. Appearing in the 1950s, during the Korean War, the bulletproof vest made of several layers of nylon saved many lives.
• Life jackets. Bright inflatable life-saving appliances ensure safety on the water.
• Flags. The nylon flag would also fly on the moon, where it was installed by Neil Armstrong, if the moon had an atmosphere and, accordingly, wind.
• Covers and awnings. Under them, both military equipment and tables in a cafe are hiding. Both mobile phones and hunting rifles are hidden in the cases.

Nylon clothing and products will delight you:

• aesthetic appearance - luster and smoothness of nylon is very similar to silk;
• brightness and durability of colors and shades;
• lightness - the body practically does not feel the weight of the tissue;
• strength and durability, without losing the shape, appearance and color of a new thing;
• inability to rot;
• unpretentiousness in care, because such clothes can be worn after washing, without wasting time on ironing: the fabric practically does not wrinkle, it is easy to wash it even in cold water with your hands, dry it for a short time;
• windproof, which is undoubtedly very valuable for outerwear for autumn-winter clothes;
• democratic price.

Any coin has two sides - along with the excellent qualities of nylon, which made it for some time more expensive than natural silk, there are also disadvantages.

• Potential allergenicity of the composition of synthetic fabric, which can fully manifest itself when wearing things in hot weather: sweating, sensitive skin will react with itching, redness and flaking. You can get rid of this lack of nylon clothing by wearing things made from natural materials under it.
• Water and air tight. However, what is a disadvantage for, for example, a summer blouse will become a clear advantage for an autumn jacket.
• Nylon should not be exposed to high temperatures - the fabric will deform.
• Builds up static electricity (“electrified”).
• Non-ecological - does not decompose naturally, contributing to environmental pollution.

To improve certain properties of nylon, the fabric is reinforced, impregnations are used, polymer films are applied, and other fibers are added to the threads.

In order to increase its elasticity, elastomers (polymer fibers with high elongation) are added to nylon threads - elastane, aka lycra, aka spandex. Such fabrics are more often used for sewing sportswear. It fits the body tightly, without restricting movement. The smoothness of the surface is appreciated by athletes in those sports where it is necessary to minimize aerodynamic resistance, for example, in cycling.

It is possible to spell the name as "ripstop" and "rip-stop". Reinforcement is used to increase the tensile strength of the nylon fabric. Reinforcing threads sew such a fabric along and across, evenly, with an indent of 5-8 millimeters, forming "cells". If a sharp object wears through the tissue, the damage is likely to be limited to one such cell. Ripstop has found its application as a durable fabric for sewing overalls for hunting, fishing, hiking, expeditions. Also, cases for weapons and mobile phones, flags, sails and parachutes, awnings and awnings are sewn from it.

This is a fabric made of cut and twisted fibers, covered with a silicone or polyurethane film to enhance the water repellency of nylon. It is mainly used for the manufacture of military or tourist equipment: clothing, backpacks, tents and awnings.The concept is collective, as many strong nylon fabrics are called, although the name "Cordura" is the name of the brand.

Due to the difference from nylon by only one group of atoms, Kevlar has such a unique strength that several layers of fabric are able to stop bullets. However, while it is noticeably heavier than nylon. Kevlar is used to make body armor, and for peaceful purposes it is used in the manufacture of boots for trekking and motorcycle equipment.

Many natural fabrics without synthetic impurities stretch too much or "shrink", clothes made from them quickly lose their original appearance when worn and washed again. The addition of nylon strands extends the life of fabrics such as cotton or wool while maintaining an attractive appearance and shape.

The uniqueness of this yarn lies in the fact that the ban-lon itself, like products made from it, is capable of absorbing an amount of water that is 13 times the weight of the yarn itself. It would seem a strange property for hydrophobic (i.e. moisture repellent) nylon. This is explained not by the absorption of water directly into the filament material, but by the retention of H2O molecules between the crimped yarn fibers.

The ease of caring for nylon clothes has made it a favorite of the ever-rushing metropolitan residents. This property is very much appreciated in the field - not only do the products practically do not absorb dirt, they are easy to wash even with cold water. In order not to spoil the thing, adhere to a few fairly simple guidelines.

• Do not expose to high temperatures, do not wash at temperatures over 30-40 degrees. Both hand and machine wash and spin are possible. If you wash in an automatic washing machine, it is better to choose a special program "Synthetics" or "Delicates", otherwise pull out an incomprehensible crumpled deformed lump from the washing machine. Of course, nylon products cannot be boiled.
• If for some reason you still decide to iron a nylon thing, do it very carefully, setting the iron relay to the lowest possible temperature, because it is very easy to burn through such fabric.

• Do not dry on batteries and heaters, do not expose to direct sunlight: you risk burning a delicate nylon fabric or removing a warped item from the heater.
• Do not use chlorine bleach. You can hopelessly spoil the color of a bright product or, instead of bleaching, you can achieve yellowing of a white thing. Choose active oxygen bleaches. Yes, they are more expensive, but much more effective and guaranteed not to spoil the fabric.
• Sort the laundry before washing: white clothes or nylon tablecloths will instantly turn gray when washed with darker neighbors. Moreover, cotton, synthetics and wool cannot be washed together - they have different optimum washing temperatures.
• Before putting on such clothes, use an antistatic spray to prevent the fabric from sticking, or use an antistatic conditioner when washing by adding it to the special compartment of the washing machine.

It is now a fashionista who wrinkles her nose at the word "synthetics" and refuses to wear a nylon dress. And in the 40-50s of the last century, such things were ultra-fashionable. In our time, the production of polymer clothing has receded into the background, but such invaluable properties as strength, elasticity, wear resistance, air and water resistance of nylon will keep it from complete oblivion for a long time. Military and tourists, fishermen and hunters, parachutists and fans of sailing regattas are undoubted admirers of this inexpensive and "indestructible" material.

In the next documentary from the series "About" you will learn about all the secrets of nylon.