How are synthetic materials like nylon and rayon made?
Nylon – the story of nylon Nylon can be made into stretchy fibres. These can then be woven into soft, stretchy stockings and tights. A wonderful new material was discovered in America in the 1930s. Its chemical name is polyhexamethyleneadipamide – that’s a bit of a mouthful, so they decided to call it nylon! Nylon is strong, light and great for making fibres. It can be delicate for stockings or tough for bullet-proof vests. Nylon is made from some of the chemicals we get from crude oil. The same chemicals can also be made into wax for candles or crayons. Nylon is: the first man-made fibre easy to make into fibres delicate and soft – ideal for stockings light, but very strong – ideal for parachutes springy – ideal for the bristles on a toothbrush long lasting. Find out where nylon comes from. Nylon can be strong and bendy. This is ideal for the bristles on a toothbrush.