Nylon

plastic · invention · synthetic

A lab discovery. Nylon was invented in 1935 by a chemist named Wallace Carothers working for a company called DuPont. He created the first synthetic fiber that was stronger than silk but could be made cheaply in a factory.

Stockings everywhere. The first nylon product that people could actually buy was women's stockings in 1940. They were an instant hit because nylon didn't run easily like silk did, and lots of people wanted to own a pair.

Super strong stuff. Nylon is used to make parachutes, seat belts, and aircraft parts because it's extremely strong and lightweight. It can stretch without breaking, which makes it perfect for things that need to survive tough situations.

All around you. Today, nylon shows up in jackets, bags, ropes, fishing line, toothbrushes, and carpets. It's one of the most common plastics in the world because it lasts a long time and can do almost any job.

Made from chemicals. Nylon is created by connecting tiny molecules together in long chains through a chemical process. The chains link up through special bonds called amides, which give nylon its strength and flexibility.