Nylon is a synthetic fiber derived from petrochemicals. Generically known as a group of polyamides, nylon is chemically distinguished by its amide linkages to two aromatic rings. This chemical arrangement produces such properties in the fiber as strength, elasticity, durability, and its ability to withstand numerous washings. Commonly manufactured nylons include nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. Nylon 6 is formed from a petrochemical that contains six carbons, while nylon 6,6 is created from a reaction between two petrochemicals that contain six carbons each.

Nylon was first developed at Du Pont by American chemist Wallace Hume Carothers (1896-1937) and his research team. Du Pont had made a commitment to find an artificial substitute for silk. They knew that the market for silk stockings was a $70 million business and an inexpensive material with the properties of silk was bound to be successful. After several years of research, Carothers had almost given up on finding...