1935 🪂 Fun Fact Friday: Petroleum’s Secret Side Hustle: The Nylon Revolution

Think petroleum is just about gas tanks and pipelines? Think again. One of the most unexpected superstars to emerge from petroleum’s chemical cocktail is none other than nylon—the stretchy, durable, game-changing fiber that went from lab experiment to world domination. Let’s dive into how your industry didn’t just fuel the world—it dressed it too.

A "Eureka!" Moment, Fueled by Petroleum

In 1935, DuPont’s Wallace Carothers was on a mission to crack the chemistry of polymers. On February 28, he struck gold (or, rather, polymers) when he cooked up Nylon 6,6, the world’s first synthetic fiber. Its building blocks? Chemicals derived from petroleum. Yep, the same stuff that powers cars gave birth to stockings, toothbrushes, and parachutes.

Here’s what made nylon a big deal:

• Tougher Than Steel (Sorta): Nylon had the strength to take a beating while being lightweight and flexible.

• Made for the Masses: Unlike pricey natural fibers like silk, nylon was mass-producible, thanks to—you guessed it—petroleum.

• Ridiculously Versatile: From bristles to belts to battlefields, nylon was everywhere.

Petroleum: The Unsung Hero of Nylon’s Rise

Let’s give credit where it’s due—petroleum wasn’t just along for the ride; it was the driver. The magic happened when hydrocarbons from crude oil were refined into adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine. These two molecules, holding six carbon atoms each, were the foundation for Carothers’ polymer masterpiece.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Early experiments produced weak fibers because pesky water kept messing up the reactions. Carothers, like a true chemist-warrior, solved the problem by designing equipment to suck the water out mid-reaction, creating those strong, unbreakable polymer chains.

From Bristles to Bombshells: Nylon’s Meteoric Rise

• 1938: Nylon debuted as toothbrush bristles with the Miracle Tuft Toothbrush—no more boar hair in your mouth!

Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft toothbrushes—a breakthrough in hygienic, durable toothbrush design.

• 1940: Nylon stockings hit the market, and the world lost its collective mind. Gimbels Department Store sold out almost instantly, and nylon became a fashion must-have.

Nylon stockings: DuPont Archives via AOGHS.

• World War II: Enter the parachute phase. When silk imports were cut off, nylon saved the day, keeping paratroopers safe and ropes strong. Talk about range.

Paratroopers descend using durable nylon parachutes. Image: National Archives.

Petroleum-Powered Fashion and Beyond

Nylon wasn’t just a material—it was a cultural icon:

• Fashion Sensation: Nylon stockings were sleek, affordable, and wildly popular. By the end of their first year, 64 million pairs had been sold.

• Industrial All-Star: Need a durable rope? A rugged tire? A medical suture? Nylon had you covered.

• Space Material: Even the flag planted on the moon was made of—you guessed it—nylon.

Buzz Aldrin stands proudly beside the American flag, made of durable nylon, Image: Nasa

But it wasn’t all glamor. During WWII, nylon was so essential for the war effort that women turned their old parachutes into wedding dresses. Talk about DIY couture.

A WWII bride's resourceful choice: a wedding dress crafted from a nylon parachute.

Petroleum’s Party Trick: Creating Nylon

The process that birthed nylon wasn’t just revolutionary—it was a masterclass in petrochemical innovation. Refining hydrocarbons into usable chemicals laid the groundwork for synthetic materials. Nylon’s success paved the way for its cousins, like polyester and spandex. Imagine the 1980s without spandex. Exactly.

Fun Fact: What’s in a Name?

The origin of “nylon” remains a mystery. Some say it was a nod to “New York” and “London,” others believe it was short for “No-Run” (because stockings were supposed to last forever—spoiler: they didn’t). Either way, it’s a name that stuck around, much like the fibers themselves.

Let’s Keep It Fun and Forward-Thinking

As you head into the weekend, take a second to appreciate how our industry has reshaped everything from toothbrushes to textiles. Nylon’s story is proof that petroleum doesn’t just drive the world—it reinvents it.

Stay tuned for next week’s Friday Fun Facts About the U.S. Petroleum Industry. Who knows? Maybe we’ll dive into how petroleum made the synthetic hamburger possible. Now that’s food for thought.

Sources

1. "The Fascinating History of Nylon: From Stockings to Spacesuits" - DuPont Archives. Link

2. Smithsonian Institution: Parachute Wedding Dress

3. Smithsonian Magazine: Meet the Daredevil Parachutist Who Tested DuPont’s First Nylon Parachute

4. National Geographic: Moon Landing