MCQ Detailed View

Polyamides are a class of synthetic polymers characterized by the presence of repeating amide linkages (–CONH–) in their main chain. These polymers are widely known by their common name nylon. Nylon was the first commercially successful synthetic fiber, developed by Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont in 1935.

The formation of polyamides occurs through a condensation polymerization reaction between a dicarboxylic acid (or its derivative) and a diamine. During this process, amide bonds are formed, and water molecules are released. The resulting polymer chains have high tensile strength, elasticity, and durability. These properties make nylon one of the most important synthetic fibers in the textile and industrial sectors.

Natural polymers like proteins are also polyamides in structure, because peptide bonds between amino acids are amide linkages. However, in chemistry, when we refer to synthetic polyamides, the term nylon is used. Proteins such as silk and wool are natural polyamides, whereas nylon is the man-made version created in laboratories and factories.

Nylon has many everyday uses. It is used in making clothing, carpets, ropes, fishing nets, parachutes, and tire cords. Because of its resistance to wear and chemicals, nylon is also used in mechanical parts like gears, bearings, and machine components. Its lightweight nature, high strength, and resistance to abrasion make it superior to many natural fibers in industrial applications.

Other common synthetic polymers like polyesters (e.g., Dacron) and polyurethanes are different in composition, but nylon remains the most recognized polyamide. The name “nylon” has become synonymous with synthetic polyamides in both industrial and educational contexts.

Thus, polyamides are best known as nylon, a synthetic polymer with widespread practical importance in textiles and materials science