From the following polymer categories, nylon threads used in textiles and ropes are made of which type of synthetic polymer?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Polyamide polymer

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to polymer chemistry and materials science. Nylon is a common synthetic fibre used in clothing, ropes, fishing lines and many mechanical parts. Identifying the chemical class of polymers that form nylon helps you understand the link between monomer structure and polymer properties in basic organic chemistry.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Nylon threads are the materials under discussion.
  • Options include polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl polymer, polysaccharide and natural rubber polymer.
  • We assume standard usage of these terms in polymer chemistry.


Concept / Approach:
Nylon is the general name for a family of synthetic polymers known as polyamides. These polymers contain repeating units linked by amide bonds, also called peptide bonds. Polyesters, on the other hand, contain ester linkages. Polyvinyl polymers are based on vinyl monomers like vinyl chloride and form PVC or related plastics. Polysaccharides are natural carbohydrate polymers such as starch and cellulose, and natural rubber is a polyisoprene polymer. Because nylon contains amide linkages and is produced from diamines and dicarboxylic acids, it is classified as a polyamide polymer.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that nylon 6,6 is formed from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, which join to form amide bonds between monomer units. Step 2: The repeating unit in nylon contains the amide group, which is characteristic of polyamides. Step 3: Polyesters such as Terylene or Dacron have ester linkages and are not called nylon. Step 4: Polyvinyl polymers like PVC have vinyl based backbones without the amide linkages seen in nylon. Step 5: Therefore, nylon threads are made of polyamide polymers.


Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on synthetic fibres state that nylon is a generic name for synthetic linear polyamides. Commercial examples include nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. The polymer chains are formed by condensation reactions that create amide bonds. In contrast, polyester fibres are based on terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, forming ester linkages. Data sheets and fibre labels in the textile industry also classify nylon under polyamide materials. These facts confirm that nylon threads are polyamide polymers.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Polyester polymer: This refers to a different class of polymers with ester linkages, not the amide linked structure of nylon.
  • Polyvinyl polymer: Examples include PVC, which does not share the chemical structure or name of nylon.
  • Polysaccharide: These are natural polymers like cellulose and starch, not synthetic nylon.
  • Natural rubber polymer: This is mainly polyisoprene and is not the same as synthetic nylon fibres.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse polyester and polyamide because both are used as synthetic fibres in clothing. Without careful attention to the names and chemical structures, they may think all synthetic clothing fibres are polyester. Remember that nylon specifically refers to polyamide fibres, while polyester is a different group. Associating the letters am in polyamide with the amide linkage can help you recall this connection for exam questions and practical knowledge.


Final Answer:
Nylon threads are made of Polyamide polymer.

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