Nylon

Nylon refers to a group of synthetic polymers known as thermoplastics. The molecular backbone of these polymers contains peptide bonds, which is why they are also commonly called polyamides.

Nylon was the first synthetic polymer and the first synthetic fiber to be produced directly from coal, water, and air—achieving significant commercial success. Since "nylon" is not a trademarked name, it has been used commercially for a variety of polyamide types, not just the original nylon 6.6.

In 1930, researchers at DuPont’s laboratories in the United States developed a polymer that could be drawn into a fiber, though it initially had a low melting point. Lab leader Dr. Wallace Hume Carothers experimented with over 100 amide compounds before settling on nylon 6.6, which had a melting point around 260°C. The patent was filed in February 1935.

The origin of the name "nylon" is still debated. One popular theory suggests it's a blend of “New York” and “London,” while another attributes it to the wartime slogan “Now You Look, Old Nipponese!” Whatever the case, "nylon" was never registered as a protected trademark.

The first commercial application (in 1938) was for toothbrush bristles and similar products. In May 1940, five million pairs of nylon stockings sold out within hours, and the name "nylons" became synonymous with high-quality hosiery.

European and Asian production began 5–10 years later under different names—such as Germany’s Perlon (1943) and the Czech Silon (1947)—usually using caprolactam as the base to produce polyamide 6, as opposed to DuPont’s polyamide 6.6 from AH salt.

By the 1950s, nylon fibers were being used in tire cords and industrial belts, followed by bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarns in the 1960s for carpet manufacturing. Aramid fibers like Nomex and Kevlar were introduced in the late 60s, followed by durable resin (Zytel) in the 70s and ultra-fine 10-denier hosiery filament in the 80s.

Despite these innovations, global nylon fiber production plateaued at around 4 million tons from 1990 to 2007. Nylon has since been overtaken in volume by polyester—more versatile and cheaper to produce—and later polypropylene. Nylon’s production costs are about twice as high as polyester, and unresolved environmental issues, particularly nitrous oxide emissions, have further limited its expansion.