What is nylon yarn made of?
Nylon yarn is a synthetic fiber that belongs to the polyamide (PA) family. It is composed of a series of long-chain molecules containing repeating amide groups. The invention of nylon can be traced back to the 1930s, when it was developed by a team led by Dr. Wallace Carothers at DuPont. The commercial production of nylon began in 1938, initially used to make bristles for toothbrushes, and then quickly expanded to other areas, including clothing, carpets, industrial materials, etc.
The manufacturing process of nylon yarn usually includes the following steps:
1. Polymerization: First, monomers (such as caprolactam or sebacic acid and decanediamine) are converted into polymers through polymerization reactions. This process involves chemical reactions between monomer molecules to form long-chain polyamide molecules.
2. Melting or dissolving: The polymerized polymer can be prepared into a spinning solution by melting or dissolving it in an appropriate solvent.
3. Spinning: The spinning solution is extruded through the small holes of the spinneret to form filaments. These filaments are cooled or solidified in the air to form nylon fibers.
4. Stretching: To improve the strength and orientation of the fiber, the newly formed fiber will go through a stretching process.
5. Winding: The stretched fiber is wound onto a reel to form nylon yarn.
Types of nylon yarn can be classified according to their molecular structure, polymerization process, and spinning method. Common types of nylon include nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11, nylon 12, etc., each with its own unique properties and application areas.
What are the advantages of nylon yarn in clothing manufacturing?
The advantages of nylon yarn in clothing manufacturing are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
High strength and wear resistance: Nylon yarn has high tensile strength and wear resistance, which makes it very suitable for making durable clothing such as sportswear, outdoor equipment and work clothes.
Elasticity and recovery: Nylon yarn has good elasticity and recovery, which means it can return to its original shape after stretching, reducing wrinkles and deformation of clothing.
Quick drying: Nylon yarn has low water absorption, so it can dry quickly and is suitable for making swimwear and other water sports clothing.
Lightness: Nylon yarn has a low density, making the clothing made from it light and comfortable to wear.
Easy to dye: Nylon yarn can be easily dyed, which provides clothing designers with a wide range of color options to meet the needs of different consumers.
Anti-UV: Nylon yarn has good UV resistance and is suitable for making summer clothing and outdoor activity clothing.
Chemical corrosion resistance: Nylon yarn is resistant to many chemicals, which makes it suitable for wearing in chemical environments.
Plasticity: Nylon yarn can be made into various types of fabrics through different textile techniques, such as knitting, woven, non-woven fabrics, etc.
How to properly clean and maintain nylon yarn products?
The following points should be noted when cleaning and maintaining nylon yarn products:
Read the label: Before washing nylon yarn products, you should carefully read the cleaning and care instructions on the product label.
Gentle washing: Nylon yarn products can usually be machine washed, but a gentle washing program should be used to reduce damage to the fiber.
Use mild detergent: Choose a mild detergent without bleach to avoid damage to the color and strength of the nylon yarn.
Avoid high temperatures: Nylon yarn should not be washed or dried at high temperatures, as high temperatures may cause the fibers to deform or fade.
Avoid long soaking: Nylon yarn products should not be soaked in water for a long time, as this may cause the color to fade or the fibers to swell.
Lay flat to dry: After washing, nylon yarn products should be laid flat to dry and avoid direct exposure to sunlight to reduce color fading and fiber damage.
Low temperature ironing: If ironing is required, use a low temperature setting and place a thin cloth on the nylon yarn product to avoid direct contact with high temperatures.
Storage: When storing nylon yarn products, ensure that they are dry, clean, and stored in a well-ventilated place to avoid long-term pressure or folding.
Regular inspection: Check nylon yarn products regularly. If wear, fading or damage is found, they should be handled or replaced in time.
Professional cleaning: For special types of nylon yarn products, such as coated or specially treated fabrics, professional cleaning services may be required.