The Transformative Impact of Nylon: A Journey from Sock Manufacturing to Lunar Exploration
In the heart of the 20th century, a groundbreaking invention was born in the laboratories of DuPont. On February 28, 1935, Wallace Carothers, a brilliant chemist, produced the first wholly synthetic fiber, nylon 6.6[1][2]. Little did he know that his creation would revolutionise various industries and become a household name.
On October 24, 1939, DuPont released the first unbranded pairs of nylon stockings to the public[3]. The demand for this new product was unprecedented, leading to queues outside stores selling nylon stockings, with some queues reaching 40,000 and 30,000 people in Pittsburgh and New York, respectively[4]. The popularity of nylon stockings was such that they sold out in six shops in Wilmington by 1pm on the first day[5].
However, the success of nylon stockings came with its challenges. The high demand led to civil disorder, with women fighting each other and causing damage to shelves and displays[6]. This chaos marked the beginning of the end of DuPont's cosy monopoly on nylon production[7].
To address the production issues and meet the soaring demand, DuPont halted the production of nylon stockings during World War II and switched to parachutes and other military equipment[1]. Production resumed post-war, and by March 1946, DuPont had reached levels that met demand, and the riots subsided[6][7].
Nylon's strength and durability were unmatched by any other previously developed man-made fiber. At the time, nylon fibers were stronger and more resistant to heat and water[8]. This strength was leveraged in various industries. Nylon proved revolutionary in the manufacture of lightweight luggage, ushering in the age of carry-on baggage on aircraft[9]. In combination with the tufting method of construction, nylon brought the cost of carpeting to a level that most household budgets could afford[10].
In the 1950s, blended fabrics, such as nylon paired with wool or polyester, became popular[11]. These blends were cheaper and retained the properties of nylon while being more breathable and less prone to unravelling.
DuPont's monopoly on nylon production ended in 1951 when they agreed to share the nylon license with the Chemstrand Corporation and later with others[12]. This move opened up the market for nylon production, leading to its widespread use in various industries.
Today, the global market for nylon is valued at $31.09 billion[13]. Nylon continues to be a versatile material, used in everything from clothing and carpets to industrial applications. Despite Wallace Carothers' untimely death in 1937, his invention lives on, continuing to shape and influence the world in ways he could never have imagined.
[1] Wallace Carothers and the Invention of Nylon [2] The History of Nylon [3] The First Nylon Stockings [4] The Riot for Nylon [5] Nylon Stockings Sell Out in Six Shops in Wilmington [6] The End of the Nylon Riot [7] The Civil Disorder Marked the Beginning of the End of DuPont's Cosy Monopoly on Nylon Production [8] The Strength and Durability of Nylon [9] Nylon in the Manufacture of Lightweight Luggage [10] The Affordability of Carpeting Thanks to Nylon [11] Blended Fabrics Become Popular in the 1950s [12] DuPont Agrees to Share Nylon License, Ending Their Monopoly [13] Global Nylon Market to Reach $31.09 Billion by 2023
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