Nylon

In 1938, Wallace Carothers and his team of scientists introduced a long, stringy material that resembled silk. The material became known to the world as nylon. It was first introduced in toothbrush bristles but later revolutionized fine hosiery and stockings.

During WWII, women turned in their stockings to contribute to the war effort. Since silk supplies from Asia were cut off, nylon became a crucial material substitute for parachutes. Nylon was also used in tents, ropes, and other military supplies. It is even found in packaging materials such as meat wrappings.

Nylon is also known as polyamides because of its backbone chain of amide groups. The amide groups are strongly attracted to one another, which make them tend to line up when spun. Since the amide groups line up with each other, they form hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen bonds are what make the nylon fibers so durable and strong.

Nylon was the first synthetic material made entirely out of inorganic substances. It is elastic, easy to wash, and resilient. The smooth, long-lasting fabrics made from nylon are also light-weight and warm. Nylon stretches for a while, but after a period of time, the nylon fibers get very strong and resists being stretched any farther, which makes it perfect for various different uses.