Nylon
Videos
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers characterized by amide linkages, typically connecting aliphatic or semi-aromatic groups.
Wallace Carothers
Nylon stockings being inspected in Malmö, Sweden, in 1954
Close-up photograph of the knitted nylon fabric used in stockings
These worn out nylon stockings will be reprocessed and made into parachutes for army fliers c. 1942
Rayon
Videos
Rayon, also called viscose, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood and related agricultural products. It has the same molecular structure as cellulo
Nylon
…equipment, and films (mostly for food packaging). Researchers at DuPont began developing cellulose-based fibers, culminating in the synthetic fiber rayon. DuPont's experience with rayon was an important precursor to its development and marketing of nylon. DuPont's invention of nylon spanned an eleven-year…
A device for spinning viscose rayon dating from 1901
A viscous solution of cellulose xanthate dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution referred to as "viscose dope", prior to regeneration of the cellulose fibers
Lyocell shirt
A close-up of rayon from a skirt