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Nylon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Nylon Nylon 6,6 Nylon 6,6 unit
Density 1.15 g/cm3
Electrical conductivity (σ) 10−12 S/m
Thermal conductivity 0.25 W/(m·K)
Melting point 463–624 K
190–350 °C
374–663 °F

Nylon is a super useful artificial material. It's a type of polyamide, which is a fancy word for a strong plastic. Nylon was first made a long time ago, on February 28, 1935.

It feels a bit like silk and was first used to make toothbrush bristles! Nylon is known for being very strong, tough, and it doesn't get damaged by water easily. Because of these great qualities, it's used to make many things, especially clothes. In fact, materials like nylon are the most common type of artificial fibers used in clothing.

Nylon can also be found in other everyday items. Think about parachutes, strong ropes, the cords inside tyres, soft carpets, and even fishing nets. It's also used for different kinds of cloth and socks.

How Nylon Was Invented

Nylon was created by a clever scientist named Wallace Carothers. He worked for a big company called DuPont. His invention changed the world of materials forever!

What is Nylon Used For?

Nylon is incredibly versatile, meaning it can be used for many different things. Its strength and durability make it perfect for items that need to last a long time.

  • Clothing: Many clothes, especially sportswear and hosiery (like stockings), are made from nylon because it's lightweight and dries quickly.
  • Ropes and Cords: Its strength makes it ideal for ropes, fishing lines, and even the strong cords inside tyres.
  • Brushes: The bristles of many toothbrushes and other brushes are made from nylon because it's durable and flexible.
  • Fabrics: It's used in carpets, fishing nets, and various types of cloth for its resistance to wear and tear.
  • Parachutes: The strong, lightweight fabric of nylon is perfect for making parachutes, helping them safely carry people and supplies.

Gallery

  • Alpine Coil Knot Step2

    Nylon rope

  • Toothbrush x3 20050716 002

    The heads of toothbrushes are often made of nylon

  • Blue nylon ball gown 2007.154

    A ball gown made of nylon

  • Wallace Carothers, in the lab

    Wallace Carothers

  • NMA.0028271, Fashion Photo by Erik Liljeroth 1954

    Nylon stockings being inspected in Malmö, Sweden, in 1954

  • Nylon-3D-h bond

    Hydrogen bonding in Nylon 6,6 (in mauve).

  • The worn out nylon stockings in this barrel full of salvaged stockings will be reprocessed and made into parachutes... - NARA - 196427

    These worn out nylon stockings will be reprocessed and made into parachutes for army fliers c. 1942

Images for kids

  • Particolare di calza di nylon

    Close-up photograph of the knitted nylon fabric used in stockings

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nailon para niños

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