[Chemistry Class Notes] Nylon and Polyester Pdf for Exam

The fabrics, nylon, and polyester have an origin that dates back to the 30s and the 40s. Both the fabrics, nylon and polyester are very durable in nature. The light-weight synthetic fibres have properties that involve features like wrinkle resistance, stretch resistance, easy-care, along shrink resistance. These two are very sustainable solutions as well as alternatives to natural fibres. They have some unique characteristics which can, sometimes, make it harder to decide between nylon or polyester.

So, how did these fabrics come into existence? Wallace Carothers is the one who is credited as the discoverer of nylon fabric back in 1935. Until the Second World War, it was not even available for public use. But, it is a must know that the fabric was in extensive use for the military. They were used as tents and parachutes. 

On the other hand, Polyester was discovered during the early 1940s. But it started gaining popularity amongst the masses only in the 1950s.

Being significant as synthetic fibres, nylon and polyester are available in a wide range and even used in our daily lives quite extensively. But, why is that? Well, to know that, you must keep reading on for further information. 

Nylon

Let us first talk about nylon fabric in detail. Nylon belongs to a group of synthetic polymers termed aliphatic polyamides or thermoplastics that are petroleum derivatives. The discovery of nylon was driven by the necessity to replace weak natural fibres with something strong and durable like silk. Initially used for military purposes, the uses of nylon have diversified. Now it is the second most commonly used fabric after cotton.

Preparation of Nylon

Nylons are condensation copolymers and are prepared by reacting equal parts of a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine. Nylon 6, 6, made up of monomer units hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid is the most common variant of this synthetic fibre. Each monomer is present alternately in the copolymer forming the repeating unit and each contributing six carbon atoms to the polymer chain. The final nylon structure is the result of the following reaction: 

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Properties of Nylon

There are many properties of the nylon fabric, which include the following:

• They have a dense molecular structure

• These are extremely elastic

• They are very resilient and durable

• Nylon is an abrasion-resistant fabric

• The fabric is water-resistant in nature

• Nylon fabric has resistance to stains, heat, UV rays, and chemicals

• There is resistance to mould and mildew

• The fabric is one that dries quickly

Uses of Nylon

Nylon is a fabric that has many applications in our daily lives. Some of them are:

• The fabric is used for car components that are close to the engine

• It is used for making toys and many other plastic utilities

• The fabric is used for making swimwear as it is known for its waterproof nature

• The resins of the Nylon fabric are used for perfect food packaging

• This fabric is used for tents, ropes, tires and various other military supplies

Properties of Polyester Fibre

There are a few properties of the Polyester Fibre that one must know of:

• The fibre is strong, resilient, and durable

• It is very resistant to stretching and shrinking

• The fibre has resistance to many chemicals

• The fibre dries very quickly

• One can expect it to be wrinkle-resistant

• There is a good resistance to moulds, abrasions, and mildew from this fibre

• The fibre is able to retain heat-set pleats

• The fibre is recyclable

Uses of Polyester Fibre

There are a few applications of the Polyester fibre such as the following:

• Polyesters are a popular choice to make several types of apparel. Examples of polyester clothing include shirts, pants, jackets, hats, and more.

• Home furnishings such as bedsheets, bedspreads, curtains, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture are mostly made from polyester fibres.

• The industrial uses of fibre like polyester include video and audiotapes, polyester films for food packaging, conveyor belts, electrical insulators, liquid crystal displays, among others.

• Polyester also comes in handy for making products like PET bottles, pianos, guitars, threads, hoses, sails, and high-strength ropes.

Polyester

Now let’s define polyester, discuss the source of polyester, and the polyester fabric uses. Like nylon, polyesters are a group of synthetic compounds that can be knitted or woven into a fabric. Polyester became a popular textile fabric in the 1950s and is now widely used for industrial and decorative purposes as well. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and PCDT are the two most commonly used polyesters today.

Preparation of Polyester

So how is polyester made? The formation of polyester involves a chemical chain reaction. In the first step, purified terephthalic acid (PTA), monoethylene glycol, and dimethyl terephthalate react to form bis terephthalate. Finally, PET is formed on heating the bis terephthalate. Being exceptionally malleable, PET can be combined into thin, long, and unbroken fibres. There are two types of manufactured polyester – filament yarn and staple fibre. The following polymerization reaction obtains the final polyester structure:

 

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Properties of Polyester Fibre

Now let’s talk about some characteristics of polyester fibres:

• Strong, resilient, and durable

• Resistant to shrinking and stretching

• Resistant to several chemicals

• Dries quickly

• Wrinkle-resistant

• Resistant to abrasions, moulds, and mildew

• Can retain heat-set pleats

• Can be recycled 

Uses of Polyester Fibre

Some applications of polyester include:

• Polyesters are a popular choice to make several types of apparel. Examples of polyester clothing include shirts, pants, jackets, hats, and more.

• Home furnishings such as bedsheets, bedspreads, curtains, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture are mostly made from polyester fibres.

• Industrial uses include polyester films for food packaging, video and audiotapes, electrical insulators, liquid crystal displays, capacitors, conveyor belts, etc.

• Polyester also comes in handy for making products like PET bottles, pianos, guitars, threads, hoses, sails, and high-strength ropes.