What Caused the Nylon Riots and Why Are They Important in Chemistry?
Nylon Riots- Revolution in Textile Industries
Have you ever imagined the production of material by a simple rearrangement of molecules? Well, American company DuPont after World War II announced that he has invented a substance called nylon. The characteristics of nylon made it suitable for a number of uses but DuPont decided that it should be focused on a single market dedicated to ladies hosiery. It has also led to the great nylon riots- revolution in textile industries which is a significant incident in history. Today, this material nylon to a great extent influences several facets of our life. The introduction of nylon fabric was a major game-changer as it eliminated the need for ironing the clothes. It is a polymer derived from the condensation of diamines with bi carboxylic organic acids.
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What is the Concept Behind Naming of Nylon?
The material nylon was initially coined as “nuron” meaning no-run. The trademark issues caused a change in the name as “nilon” which was again finally renamed as”nilon”. In 1940, DuPont brought forward the nylon stocking in the market for the ladies. Around 5 million pair of stockings were sold on the first day at the time of the second world war.
Explain the Brief History of Nylon’s Origin?
In the 1930s, the American Company launched nylon materials that offered an alternative route to the traditional silk. The invention phase lasted nine-year under the guidance of American chemist Dr Wallace Carothers. Carothers and his team in 1930 invented two polymer products, neoprene, a synthetic rubber that was used during World War II; the other was a strong paste in white elastic that came be known as nylon later. The material comprises the ideal properties of strength and elasticity. The production was interdependent on the collaboration of the company DuPont. This helped to mitigate the effects of the Great Depression through suitable job creation and further process of chemical engineering. The commercial production of nylon started in December 1939, and the plant was established at Seaford, Delaware.
What are Synthetic Fibres?
Synthetic fibres are typically the man-made fibres that are obtained from raw material petroleum called petrochemicals. All these fabrics are sourced from fibres and these fibres are produced in factories from artificial or man-made materials. The fibres contain small units known as polymers that are created from several repeating units known as monomers. It incorporates materials like acrylics, nylon, polyurethane, and polypropylene. Millions and tons of such fabrics are now produced all over the world.
State the Features of Nylon?
There are various features of nylon that are listed below.
It is a type of synthetic fibre that is sourced from water, air and coal.
Nylon is elastic, lustrous and easy to wash material.
It retains back its shapes and dries quickly after washing.
Nylon is used for different purposes like ropes, socks, in seat belts of car, sleeping bags, etc.
Nylon has other applications such as ropes for making parachutes, rock climbing, and fishing nets.
Did You Know?
Nylon was first used in 1938 for making nylon-bristled toothbrushes. This was followed by women's nylon stockings or "nylons" - first launched at the New York World's Fair in 1939 and sold commercially in 1940. During World War II, most of the nylon production shifted to the military use for the manufacturing of parachute and parachute cords.
FAQs on Nylon Riots: Chemistry, History & Industry Impact
1. What were the “Nylon Riots”?
The Nylon Riots were a series of public disturbances in American stores that occurred between 1945 and 1946. They were caused by a massive shortage of nylon stockings right after World War II. During the war, all nylon production was diverted for military use, creating huge pent-up demand. When a limited supply returned to the market post-war, it led to long queues and chaotic scenes as thousands of women vied for the limited stock.
2. From a chemistry perspective, what exactly is nylon?
Chemically, nylon is a type of synthetic polymer known as a polyamide. It is created through a process called step-growth polymerisation. The structure of nylon consists of long chains of repeating units linked by strong amide bonds (-CO-NH-). This specific chemical structure is what gives nylon its characteristic properties of strength, elasticity, and high resistance to abrasion.
3. How did World War II directly cause the post-war Nylon Riots?
World War II was the direct catalyst for the Nylon Riots. Before the war, nylon stockings were a popular new luxury. However, once the U.S. entered the war, the government mandated that all nylon production be used for the war effort. This meant nylon was used for critical military supplies such as:
- Parachutes
- Tire cords
- Ropes and tents
- Surgical sutures
4. What is the difference between Nylon-6,6 and Nylon-6?
The main difference between Nylon-6,6 and Nylon-6 lies in their monomers, which are the chemical building blocks of the polymer.
- Nylon-6,6 is made from two different monomers: hexamethylenediamine (with 6 carbon atoms) and adipic acid (also with 6 carbon atoms).
- Nylon-6 is made from a single monomer called caprolactam (which has 6 carbon atoms).
5. Why was nylon considered a “miracle fiber” when it was first introduced?
Nylon was hailed as a “miracle fiber” because it was the first commercially successful synthetic thermoplastic polymer, offering a combination of properties superior to natural fibers. Key reasons for this title include its exceptional strength, elasticity, durability, and lustrous appearance. It was famously marketed as being “as strong as steel, as fine as a spider's web,” which captured the public's imagination and revolutionised the textile industry.
6. What are the most common industrial and commercial uses of nylon today?
Beyond its famous use in hosiery, nylon is a versatile material with widespread applications due to its strength and durability. Its primary uses include:
- Apparel: Activewear, swimwear, and raincoats due to its light weight and moisture-wicking properties.
- Industrial: Machine parts like gears and bearings, fishing lines, ropes, and car tires because of its high strength and heat resistance.
- Consumer Goods: Toothbrush bristles, carpets, guitar strings, and various kitchen utensils.
7. How is nylon’s strength chemically superior to natural fibers like silk?
Nylon's superior strength compared to natural fibers like silk is due to its molecular structure. The long, straight polymer chains of nylon are held together by strong hydrogen bonds between the repeating amide groups. When the fiber is stretched, these chains align, and the hydrogen bonds provide immense tensile strength. While silk is also strong, nylon's uniform synthetic structure allows for more consistent and predictable strength, as well as better resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and pests like moths.
8. What is the environmental impact of nylon production and disposal?
The environmental impact of nylon is significant. Its production is an energy-intensive process that relies on petrochemicals (fossil fuels). The manufacturing of Nylon-6,6, in particular, releases nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, nylon is not biodegradable, meaning it persists in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to landfill waste and microplastic pollution in oceans and soil.
9. Who invented nylon and when?
Nylon was invented by a team of researchers led by the American chemist Wallace Carothers at the DuPont chemical company. The breakthrough discovery of what became known as Nylon-6,6 occurred on February 28, 1935. It was first introduced to the public in 1939 and became commercially available in products like stockings in 1940.
