 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.

 Julia hill, made a break through on 30 th 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  Mostly at that time silk was used for parachute materials in place of silk.  After second world war it was used as in stockings.

 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.

 When an amine group –NH 2 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.

 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.

 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

 Drawing (stretching) increases the molecular orientation and reduces the cross- sectional area.  Drawn Fibers are stronger and stiffer.

 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.

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