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.