USES OF NYLON

Nylon is a tough material that is difficult to tear and exhibits excellent abrasion
resistance. It can bend and will bounce back. It is not damaged by oils, solvents or alcohols.
However, when exposed to acids such as dilute sulfuric acid it will begin to break down. The
material will also be damaged if it comes into contact with phenols, alkalis, and iodine. It is a
hygroscopic material and on the molecular level tends to absorb moisture from the surrounding
environment. Water molecules bond with the amide groups in the nylon molecules and cause the
material to swell. At the same time, nylon tends not to absorb water droplets from minor
splashing, making it dry to the touch. Nylon will decompose under sunlight so often UV resistance
additives are used. Nylon is not affected by fungi, molds and mildew and is not eaten by insects.

1. Fabrics
Perhaps the most important characteristic of nylon is that it can be made into strong fibers.
When these are woven together a silky, lightweight fabric is produced. Nylon was introduced as a
fabric during the 1939 New York World’s Fair and by 1940 was used to make women’s stockings.
Nylon fabric became important as a synthetic substitute for silk in the manufacture of parachutes
when silk became scarce during WWII. Nylon is still used today to make parachute canopies due
to its elasticity, strength, resistance to mildew, availability and price. However, the use of nylon
fibers does not stop with the fabric. Harness straps and suspension lines are also made from
nylon fibers as well as tents, sleeping bags, sails, rope, tennis strings, fishing poles and lines, etc.

Today nylon is the most common fiber for textiles and it is one of the strongest and most
common fabrics on the market. It can be easily dyed so textiles can be made in a rainbow of
colors. It is known to drape well and is used extensively in apparel. Nylon fabric is used in an
almost countless number of items: book bags, back packs, flak jackets, wedding gowns and bridal
veils, athletic shoes, ponchos, umbrellas, camera cases, swimsuits, socks, gloves, hats, luggage,
and much more.

2. Cookware
Nylon is used in cookware since it has a relatively high continuous service temperature. These
include spatulas, slotted spoons, turners, forks, tongs, brushes, etc. Easy to dye, nylon cookware
can be color coordinated with kitchen decor. Nylon cooking tools are gentle on non-stick surfaces.
Companies such as OXO and Caphalon have used nylon for their cookware products.

3. Machine Parts
Nylon is used for making plastic machine parts as it is low cost and long lasting. It is often
commonly used in the electronics industry for its non-conductivity and heat resistance. It is used
for screws, bolts, washers and nuts as well as circuit board hardware. Parts made of nylon are
often used in mechanisms that rotate or slide due its low coefficient of friction. It is used to make
bearings for the appliance industry because of its excellent abrasion resistance.
4. Food Packaging
Nylon resins are used as a component of food packaging films where an oxygen barrier is
needed. Some of the terpolymers based upon nylon are used every day in packaging. Nylon has
been used for meat wrappings and sausage sheaths. The high temperature resistance of nylon
makes it useful for oven bags

5. Other Forms
a. Extruded Profiles - Nylon resins can be extruded into rods, tubes and sheets.
b. Powder Coating - Nylon powders are used to powder coat metals. Nylon 11 and nylon 12
are the most widely used.