Nylon

Nylon is a strong, light synthetic fiber. It is a man-made.

History of the use of nylon
Production of nylon
Care of your nylon garment
Properties of nylon
Uses

History of the use of nylon:

This synthetic fiber was introduced in the 1930s. It was another early substitute for silk and soon quickly became the fiber of choice for women's stockings. The first commercial production of nylon in the United States was in 1939 by the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

Wallace H. Carothers, a chemist of the Dupont Company played the leader in this development of nylon. This man-made fiber is the second most used fiber in the United States.

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Production of nylon:

Nylon is made by forcing molten nylon through very small holes in a device called a spinneret. The streams of nylon harden into filament once they come in contact with air. They are then wound onto bobbins. These fibers are drawn (stretched) after they cool.

Drawing involves unwinding the yarn or filaments and then winding it around another spool. Drawing makes the molecules in each filament fall into parallel lines. This gives the nylon fiber strength and elasticity.

After the whole drawing process, the yarn may be twisted a few turns per yard or metres as it is wound onto spools. Further treatment to it can give it a different texture or bulk.

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Care of your nylon garment:

1) Machine wash in cold water.
2) Wash it separately from other types of fabric.
3) If needed, use only non-chlorine bleach to bleach your nylon garment.
4) Turn the setting to low before tumbling dry.
5) Remove your nylon garment promptly from the tumbler.

Other Tips:

• Extensive washing and drying in an automatic dryer can lead to piling.
• White nylon should be washed separately to avoid it turning grey.
• To avoid yellowing of your white nylon, you should bleach it frequently with Sodium Perborate bleach.

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Properties of the nylon:

1)It is strong and elastic.
2)It is easy to launder.
3)It dries quickly.
4)It retains its shape.
5)It is resilient and responsive to heat setting.

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Uses:

Nylon is popular for hosiery and is used to make track pants, shorts, swimwear, active wear, windbreakers, bedspread and draperies. It can also be made into parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and life vests, or used as the netting of bridal veils,   umbrellas and luggage.