nylon: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	polyhexamethylene adipamide • nylon 6,6

Photos and Videos

A chemical diagram showing the formation of nylon from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, with molecular structures depicted and the resulting products labeled as nylon and water.

Learn how synthetic materials in astronauts' suits help them survive the hostile environment of space

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

organic compound polyethylene cellulose acetate polypropylene aramid polyacrylonitrile polystyrene polytetrafluoroethylene polyolefin polyester polyurethane

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

major industrial polymers: Heterochain polymers

Key People

Wallace Hume Carothers

Wallace Hume Carothers

American chemist