Nylons

Understanding Nylons

• Nylons are synthetic polymers, primarily used as textile fibres.
• They belong to the family of aliphatic polyamides, characterised by amide linkages connecting the monomer units.
• Nylons are formed by condensation polymerisation, where each monomer donates a part of a small molecule, usually water, during polymerisation.
• The name ‘nylon’ is derived from the two cities, New York and London, where it was first manufactured.

Types and Structure of Nylons

• Nylon is the generic name for a family of synthetic polymers. The specific type of nylon is indicated by numbers representing the number of carbon atoms in the monomer units.
• Nylon-6,6, for example, is made from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, both of which contain six carbon atoms.
• It has a regular, repeating structure, with a strong amide linkage, which contributes to its high tensile strength.

Properties and Use of Nylons

• Nylons exhibit excellent tensile strength and elasticity. They also have good resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
• Due to their hydrophilic nature, nylons have a high ability to absorb water, which can result in swelling and lower tensile strength.
• Nylons are widely used in the textile industry for the production of goods such as carpets, clothing, and hosiery. They’re also used in mechanical applications like car parts and engineering plastics.
• The properties of nylons can be modified by altering the type and ratio of the monomers, leading to the production of a wide range of nylon materials for specific applications.

Environmental Impact of Nylons

• Like other synthetic polymers, nylons pose an environmental problem due to their non-biodegradable nature.
• Efforts are underway to recycle nylon and create sustainable versions of the polymer, such as bio-nylons, to reduce environmental impact.
• Careful disposal and recycling of nylon products are part of responsible nylon usage.