Google
 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

When was nylon invented and do the letters NY and LON stand for New York and London?



When was nylon invented and do the letters NY and LON stand for New York and London?


 Nylon was invented by Wallace Carothers in 1935. There was a great demand for it as it was used for parachutes and tires. It is still used today in toothbrushes, stockings, fishing products, etc. A "nylon commuter" is someone who commutes between New York and London.
A number of "Brand Names " were developed by the inventing company, DUPONT Chemicals, such as NYLON, BANLON, ORLON and RAYON. All were types of woven textiles. Jim Bunting. Toronto. Actually, Jim, rayon was invented around 1885 and it is not a synthetic fiber as were the ones invented by DuPont. Instead, the original rayon was a regenerated cellulose (made from cotton linters and wood pulp).
Yes it does stand for New York and London as it was created by scientists from the locations. No it doesn't--see notes above.
In the UK we have a programme on the telly, hosted by Stephen Fry, called QI (Quite Interesting) & it assured me when I saw it recently that Nylon is nothing to do with New York & London ! Correct! See notes above.
Final answer, Nylon was not named after New York and London.



No comments: