Wonders of Nylon Knit Fabric: Features and Common Uses

Fabrics are a unique composition of natural and synthetic fibers that allow the designers and manufacturing industries to use them according to their needs. In the world of fabrics, nylon is one of the most viable options for many companies and designers. In 1983 it came into our consciousness how useful nylons are in the garments industry. Nylon was the first commercially renounced synthetic fiber that was soon brought under the daylight. The fashion revolution started with the introduction of nylon. It provides comfort, aesthetics, and disposability. Nylon Knit Fabric has a wide range of uses in different fields. The invention of nylon helped provide a composition of polymers to the chemical company. Like other chemicals, it can be engineered and used for a wide variety of properties. These days we are surrounded by nylons like carpets, guitar strings, toothbrushes, and many other purposes. 

What is Nylon Knit Fabric?

Nylon knit is a polymer and made by compressing a long chain of monomers which is a carbon-based molecule. Nylon is a 100% synthetic material that has become a fabric that has greatly influenced our modern lifestyle. From the invention of the fabric to its role in everyday fashion, it has shown great flexibility and versatility in the world of fashion. The fabric originated from the United States. Back in 1945, nylon and other synthetic materials accounted for about 25% of the U.S. textile industries. The fabric has great adaptability that allows the fabric to be used in different ways.

Unlike other semi-synthetic materials, nylon is completely made inside the lab without any mixture of organic materials. It is lightweight and elastic which makes it ideal for sportswear and other textile industries. Back in 1939 polymer was the new beginning of a new era for textile fabrics. It was unveiled during a world's fair. Although nylon was not suitable for textile garments, later it was considered by textile industries which we can see today. Nylon was primarily used for leggings. The properties of nylon made it useful for medical and military uses. During the outbreak of World War II, there was a massive disruption of trade. This leads to a shortage of many resources. One of the major resources was which that was used in parachutes. That is when nylon became a viable alternative during this crisis. There was a shortage of cotton and silk when people used nylon parachutes to make dresses. This is when people began to realize the versatility and flexibility of nylon which was later adopted into fashion. 

Uses of Nylon Knit Fabric

Nylon is the best alternative for silk. In the past, silk was the primary material to make leggings and was involved in women's fashion. Although silk is a high-quality fabric, it was very expensive. After the invention of nylon, people soon realized the uses of nylon and shifted to it. Although silk was expensive, it had low durability while nylon was cheap and durable. In the beginning, nylon didn't have many users and it was in the late 20th century when people started considering it for tight-fitting garments like:- tights and leggings. Although there are many applications of this fabric like:- sportswear and women's clothing, it falls behind in comparison to other semi-synthetic fabrics. 

Properties of Nylon Knit Fabric

Application of Nylon Knit Fabric

• Apparel - leggings, tights, lingerie, underwear and raincoats.
• Sports apparel - sportswear, swimwear, sports bras, cycle wear, and underwear. 
• Industrial uses - parachutes, airbags, conveyor belts, nets, ropes, tents, fishnets, and tarpaulins. 
• Machine parts - bearings, rollers, pulleys, gears, bushings, seat belts and seals. 

Types of Nylon Knit Fabric

Whenever we hear about nylon, the first thing that comes to our mind is stockings, tights, parachutes, sportswear, swimwear, and other garments.

It has distinctive chemical substances and unique applications and properties. Five types of nylon play a vital role in our daily life. 

1. Nylon 6,6: It is the classic synthetic fiber that uses 100% of synthetic fibers. It is a revolutionary fabric and serves as the principal textile in the clothing industry. The fabric is known for its incredible durability, elasticity, and strength. It is made by mixing hexamethylenediamine and dicarboxylic acid. The finished product is a salt that can be crystalized, melted, or purified into fibers.  
2. Nylon 46: It was manufactured for resilience in excellent environments. It is used by the automobile industries rather than the garment industries. Nylon 46 has excellent heat retention ability which makes it ideal for automotive components like:- cooling systems, breaks, and transmissions. 
3. Nylon 510: Nylon 510 is an alternative to its competition, nylon 6,6. They both share similar properties. It has a high production rate which makes it hard to use in garment industries. It is mostly used for its shine for industrial and research purposes. 
4. Nylon 1,6: It is an amazing variation of nylon fabrics. It is made by mixing formaldehyde, adiponitrile, and water. It lacks usability in textile industries and is often used for scientific content. 
5. Nylon 6: It is a highly versatile fabric that gives competition to nylon 4,6. It plays a vital role and has numerous properties that favor many industries. It has a unique composition of chemical structures that offers versatility among its uses. 

Impact of Nylon Knit Fabric on the Environment

In today's world, nylon has become a daily essential for our living. It is also important to consider the environmental impact that this fabric is causing. We should understand whether it outweighs its benefits. Manufacturing and the disposal of this fabric have come to a greater cost. 

Manufacturing process

The process begins with the usage of either petroleum or crude oil. It is essential for making hexamethylenediamine. This means there is going to be a shortage of natural resources in the future. The process of extraction and harvesting of natural resources disrupts the ecosystem and climate change. The process of making nylon is super energy-intensive as these natural resources emit harmful products. Another important compound to create nylon is adipic acid. The production of this acid releases nitrous oxide. A large amount of water is used to cool down the nylon during production. The waste after the process leads to contamination and polluted water bodies. 

Toxic residues and non-biodegradable wastes

Nylon leaves toxic substances on the fabric. It can give birth to risks when worn by children or adults. Nylon is not biodegradable. Unlike natural fibers like cotton and wool which can decompose, synthetic fibers can persist in the environment for many years. Although there are recycling programs for nylon, it isn't much efficient as it is not available in every country. 

Sustainable solution

The steps begin with responsible use, disposal, and recycling. Recycling nylon and standing with sustainable brands and eco-friendly policies could be our first initiative towards greener practices. Industries incorporating bio-based alternatives could offer greater hope of creating a sustainable future. 

Conclusion

Each type of nylon has its different characteristics, properties, and applications. These fabrics have made a name in the garment industry. They range from fashion and engineering. Some of them have great flexibility and durability while others have limited uses and purposes. Of course, It comes with a greater cost. The damage done to the environment during the production is haphazardly high. It can be sustained with proper awareness and initiative that will lead to a better world for living.