Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
FIBERS
• Nylons
Nylon 66 is a condensation polymer made from adipic acid and
hexamethylenediamine. Nylon 6 is made by ring-opening polymer-
ization of caprolactam.
• Polyesters
The most common polyester fiber is polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), prepared from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
• Acrylics
Polymers of acrylonitrile, CH
2
=CHCN.
• Polypropylene
Polypropylene fibers are mainly used in outdoor carpets and in cold-
weather clothing.
Fibers are made from thermoplastic polymers. The polymers are made into
fiber form, normally by extrusion of molten polymer or a polymer solution
through tiny holes. The resulting fiber is stretched to orient the molecules.
This orientation of the molecules lines up the polymer molecules and pro-
duces the strength and other properties needed in a textile yarn.
