Question

Nylon threads are made of (a) polyester polymer (b) polyamide polymer (c) polyvinyl polymer (d) polyethylene polymer

Short answer

Nylon threads are made of polyamide polymer (option b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

The exercise requires us to identify the type of polymer used to make nylon threads. This type of question is typically about classifying materials based on their chemical composition.

Recall Nylon Composition

Recall what nylon is made from. Nylon is known to be a synthetic polymer that belongs to the family of polyamides. This category is defined by the presence of amide linkages in the polymer chain.

Analyze Each Option

Review each of the provided options to see which one nylon matches: 1. **Polyester polymer**: These have ester linkages, not suitable. 2. **Polyamide polymer**: This has amide linkages, just like nylon. 3. **Polyvinyl polymer**: These include vinyl groups, different from nylon. 4. **Polyethylene polymer**: This is made from ethylene units, doesn’t match nylon.

Choose the Correct Option

From the analysis, the only polymer that matches the composition of nylon is the polyamide polymer.

Key concepts

Nylon Composition

Nylon is a fascinating type of material commonly used in everyday items like threads, fabrics, and even engineering components. At its core, nylon is composed of polyamide polymers.
This means that within the molecular structure of nylon, there are repeat units linked together by amide bonds. The presence of these amide linkages is a defining feature of nylon and gives it properties such as strength, elasticity, and durability.
What makes nylon even more interesting is its synthetic nature. Unlike natural fibers like wool or cotton, it is man-made, crafted through a specific chemical process that results in its unique characteristics. This process often involves reacting a diacid with a diamine to form the long chains of polyamide. Understanding these basic components forms the foundation for learning about nylon's role in fashion, function, and industry.

Polyamide Polymer

Polyamides represent a class of polymers that includes materials like nylon. These polymers are characterized by the presence of recurring amide groups within their backbone, and they generally exhibit robust and versatile properties.

• **Bond Structure**: The backbone of polyamides features amide linkages, represented in chemistry with the bond \(C(=O)NH\).


• **Properties**: The amide bonds impart significant qualities such as high tensile strength, resistance to wear and tear, and a degree of thermal stability.

Polyamide polymers can be found in various forms beyond nylon, such as aramids, commonly used in bulletproof vests. This versatility showcases the wide range of applications offered by polyamides. With the correct manipulation of chemical components in their synthesis, polyamides can be tailored for specific uses, demonstrating their impact across different industries.

Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are man-made materials created through chemical processes that link monomer units into long, repeating chains.
These polymers can be designed to replicate some properties of natural polymers, yet often they extend beyond what nature can offer, leading to vast applications in modern society.

• **Creation**: Synthetic polymers are typically produced by polymerization reactions specifically engineered for desired traits such as flexibility, resilience, and chemical resistance.


• **Applications**: From everyday items like plastic bottles and synthetic fibers to more specialized uses in medical devices and aerospace materials, synthetic polymers play an invaluable role.


• **Environmental Considerations**: While incredibly useful, synthetic polymers also bring challenges, particularly concerning environmental impact, as they often contribute to pollution and waste. Therefore, innovations in recycling and biodegradable polymer alternatives are crucial moving forward.

Understanding synthetic polymers helps appreciate how science and engineering leverage chemistry to create innovative solutions to meet human needs.