Nylon fabric is a polyamide made from petroleum. It is lightweight, strong
and durable. The fabric allows easy evaporation and dries quickly. The
wearer feels less friction between garments and outer clothing. Nylon is
widely used as apparel, home furnishings, industrial applications and
geo-textiles.Nylon was first produced commercially in the year 1939 by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. It became a household word in the year 1940 when it was knitted first time into hosiery. In 1942, it was used as parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and other such articles in the armed forces. Today, nylon is widely used worldwide next to cotton and polyester.
Nylon blends well. The fabrics of nylon blended with other fibers have good dimensional stability, elastic recovery, shape retention, and abrasion resistance properties. Nylon is very resilient, hence after blending it helps in eliminating the crushing of napped fabrics such as velvet.
Characteristics of Nylon Fabric
- It is lightweight and very strong.
- It is stretchable.
- It drapes well.
- It is durable.
- It is smooth.
- It dries quickly.
- It is easy to clean, as dirt does not cling.
- It is resistant to abrasion and chemicals.
- It does not absorb moisture well, hence it can be hot and clammy in the heat.
- It is static.
- Nylon is widely used in women's hosiery and lingerie due to its high
elongation and excellent elastic recovery quality. It is also used as
sportswear, jackets, pants, skirts, raincoats, ski and snow apparel,
windbreakers and children-wear.
- Nylon is used in carpeting materials and upholstery fabrics because
it is easy to clean and does not require special protection against
moths and carpet beetles. Rugs, curtains, draperies and bedspreads are
made from this fabric.
- Nylon fabric is also used as luggage, back packets, life vests,
umbrellas, sleeping bags and tents.
- As industrial product, nylon fabric is used as seat belts, tire cords, ballistic cloth and towropes because of its strength and good elasticity.
