Source: www.dupont.com

DuPont scientist, the late Dr. Wallace Hume Carothers is the man widely credited with the discovery of nylon. Here we take a look at some of the landmarks in the development of this versatile long chain polymer.

1930
DuPont prepared the ground for Carother’s research by filing a broad patent for synthetic fibres.

1934
The first viable synthetic fibre is drawn.

1935
From 5 options, polymer 6-6 yielded the most viable nylon fibre.

1936
The first spinning of nylon lasted a little over 10 minutes.

October 1938
The name for the fibre, known in development as polyamide 6-6, is decided upon.

27th October 1938
The world is introduced to “Nylon” by Charles Stine – DuPont Vice President, at the World’s Fair.

1939
The first experimental nylon stockings are knitted.

15th May 1940
“N”- Day. Nylon stockings become publicly available. 780,000 pairs are sold in one day!

11th February 1942
Nylon goes to war. Civilian production of nylon is halted to focus on the war effort.

September 1945
Nylon stockings become generally available again.

1947
The UK retailer Marks & Spencer introduces nylon into its garment ranges.

1954
Christian Dior incorporates nylon into his latest collection.

1958
British Nylon Spinners (BNS), a partnership between UK companies ICI and Courtaulds, launch their brand of nylon – Bri-Nylon.

1964
DuPont introduces their Cantrece brand of nylon.

1969
Buzz Aldrin plants a nylon flag on the moon. As far as we know, it’s still there!

1983
ICI introduces Tactel® as a brand, into performance sportswear. Tactel® in skiwear is a huge success and within 2 years, captures 50% of the market. Nylon starts to enjoy a new lease of life.

1988
As other fibre companies begin to catch up with these new developments, Tactel® moves one step further and in 1988, Tactel® micro is launched. 60 times finer than a human hair, but 6 times stronger than silk, Tactel® micro makes a huge impact on the hosiery market in particular, with Charnos, Aristoc, Falke and DIM being amongst the first users.

1993
DuPont takes over the fibres division of ICI, and pushes Tactel® into the fashion arena.

1994
Tactel® diabolo is launched and becomes the chosen fibre of Marks and Spencer’s lingerie. For more than eight years, the Tactel® diabolo lingerie range remains amongst their top sellers, prompting a huge number of International brands from all end-uses to follow suit.

1997
The birth of Tactel® strata - the unique bi-tonal effect generated by Tactel® strata makes it the most successful Tactel® effect to date, inspiring designers of lingerie, Ready-to wear and activewear garments alike. 1997 also heralds the move towards introducing Tactel® into knitwear.

2000
The relaunch of Tactel® sees a new campaign and new logo for the biggest brand name in nylon.