Intermediate Topic 1031 of 1102 Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Nylon

A polyamide fiber made by condensation of diamine and diacid.

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In-depth explanation of Nylon

Nylons are polyamides formed by condensation polymerisation, in which an amide link forms between an amine and a carboxylic acid with loss of water. Nylon-6,6 is made from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, while nylon-6 is made by ring-opening polymerisation of caprolactam. Hydrogen bonding between adjacent amide groups gives the fibres high tensile strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance. Nylons are used in textiles, ropes, carpets and engineering gears. Wallace Carothers and colleagues at DuPont first made nylon in 1935.

Going deeper: Nylon

Key ideas: Polyamides made by condensation polymerization. Nylon 6,6 comes from hexane-1,6-diamine plus hexanedioic (adipic) acid losing water; the numbers show carbon atoms in diamine and diacid. Nylon 6 comes from caprolactam by ring opening. Chains hydrogen bond between N-H and C=O, giving strength and high melting point (about 265 C for nylon 6,6).

Common mistakes and connections: Students call nylon an addition polymer; it is condensation, and the repeating unit has two monomers. Nylon absorbs moisture, which weakens hydrogen bonds. The nylon rope trick performs interfacial polymerization. Links to proteins (peptide bond is also an amide), Kevlar and textile fibers.

Visualization of Nylon

Nylon forms by condensation polymerisation: diamine and diacid join through amide links with loss of water, and hydrogen bonds between chains give strength. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.

Worked example and use case

Nylon stockings and parachute cords rely on the strength of hydrogen-bonded polyamide chains.

Frequently asked questions about Nylon

What is Nylon?

A polyamide fiber made by condensation of diamine and diacid.

Is Nylon a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?

Nylon is a intermediate topic in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.

What should I learn before Nylon?

Study these earlier topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry first: Thermoplastics and Thermosets, Polyethylene, PVC.

What comes after Nylon?

The next topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry are Polyester and Teflon.

Can I practise Nylon with quizzes?

Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Nylon, and the Biochemistry, Environment & Industry quiz draws on every topic in this area.

Where Nylon fits in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Nylon is topic 56 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.