It was developed in a laboratory as a completely synthetic product, without imitating biological analogs.
Nylon is a special type of plastic that starts with regular oil. First, hydrocarbons are extracted from it, which, as a result of several chemical transformations, become monomers — like building beads for a necklace.
— These particles connect into long, strong chains — polyamides. They got their name due to the amide groups — special molecular "bonds" that hold the components together into a single thread. Its structure consists of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms, says Russian scientist Sergey Kotelnikov, associate professor of the "Technology of Polymer Materials and Powders" department, candidate of technical sciences.
The process was first successfully carried out by chemists in a laboratory, resulting in a material with unique characteristics — strong, elastic, and wear-resistant. This explains its wide application in various fields.
Guitar Strings
Unlike metal strings, nylon provides a softer and deeper sound with rich overtones — additional resonances that give it volume and complexity.
— The most amazing application of nylon in music is in the bows for violins and cellos, but not in their entire construction, only in the key part — the tip. It regulates the tension of the hair and creates ideal sliding on the strings, ensuring even friction and helping the musician produce a clear sound. The material is soft enough but has outstanding durability, withstanding years of intensive use, comments Sergey Kotelnikov.
Pipelines and Window Units
Nylon pipes are especially valued in heating and water supply systems. Unlike metal counterparts, they do not rust from the inside, do not accumulate limescale, and withstand temperature fluctuations of hot water.
Even modern plastic windows contain hidden nylon elements. Gaskets made from this material are hidden between the steel reinforcement and plastic. They prevent the structure from swelling or contracting due to weather changes, while wear-resistant gears and guides in the hardware mechanisms ensure smooth movement of the sashes without squeaking and wear.
Sausages
— Not the meat itself, of course. We are talking about modern casings for sausages, hot dogs, and cheeses. Thin but incredibly strong polyamide materials create an ideal barrier. They do not allow oxygen and moisture to pass through, protect against rapid spoilage, and keep the product fresh. During thermal processing, the nylon "skin" tightly "shrinks" around the product, taking on a perfectly even shape, without cracking and maintaining elasticity, explains the expert.
3D Printing
In the field of 3D printing, this material is indispensable due to two main technologies. The SLS method (selective laser sintering) uses a laser to fuse nylon powder, allowing the creation of complex parts with internal cavities and moving elements — such as lightweight aviation components. The more accessible FDM technology (fused deposition modeling) melts a filament of this polymer in the print head, making it ideal for producing functional prototypes, equipment housings, and durable hinges.
Muscles for Modern Robots
— A real breakthrough has been the use of nylon in robotics. Scientists have created fibers from it that can contract when heated. They have become the basis for artificial muscles in surgical robots, next-generation prosthetics, and research devices. Such mechanisms can gently pick up fragile biological samples, similar to how a person picks up an egg without crushing it, or easily change the position of a drone's wings in strong winds, reports candidate of technical sciences Sergey Kotelnikov.
Along the way from hosiery to components of advanced technologies, several persistent misconceptions have arisen around nylon.
The World’s First Synthetic Polymer
— This is actually not true. The honor belongs to Bakelite — a polymer based on phenol-formaldehyde resin, which was invented and put into production in 1909. Before nylon, there were also artificial fibers, such as viscose, the scientist refutes.
The Technology for Producing Nylon Was Copied from Spider Silk
In reality, there is no evidence that the material was created based on biomimicry principles — a field where technologies mimic natural solutions. For example, Velcro mimics the structure of burdock or the Shinkansen train imitates a bird's beak. Nylon was the result of fundamental chemical synthesis: it was developed in a laboratory as a completely synthetic product, without imitating biological analogs.
Used to Increase the Strength of Banknotes
This is a misconception. Plastic banknotes, for example, those that have been used in Australia and other countries for many years, are made from special modifications of polypropylene. This material is better suited for the tasks of printing money and protecting it.
Causes Allergies and Skin Irritation
— Pure nylon does not undergo chemical reactions. It is a hypoallergenic material that is widely used in the production of underwear and sportswear. It undergoes strict certification and is completely safe for consumers. Potential irritation may be caused by auxiliary components: aggressive dyes, special treatments to give the fabric certain properties, or static electricity that accumulates on synthetic fibers, explains the expert.
Harmful to the Environment and Practically Non-Biodegradable
— This statement is only partially true. Yes, traditional nylon is produced from oil and can take centuries to decompose. However, modern industry offers eco-friendly alternatives. There is a regenerated version created from recycled materials, including old fishing nets. The production of bio-nylon based on renewable raw materials, such as castor oil, is also developing. These solutions significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the material, adds Sergey Kotelnikov, associate professor of the "Technology of Polymer Materials and Powders" department at PNIUP, candidate of technical sciences.
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