Nylon in construction
Nylon is a polymer which has a molecular structure built up from a large number of similar units bonded together based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides. The first nylon was produced by DuPont in 1935.
Nylon is a thermoplastic material that can be used for a wide range of applications in the construction industry. When heated it can be moulded into a range of shapes or films, or it can be drawn into fibres. It is is used in sheets, rods, tubes, pipes, screws, washers, bolts, spacers, safety nets, plumbing fittings, and so on. Its fibres can be woven together to produce a silky and lightweight fabric that can be used in carpeting, canopies, sheets, and so on.
The advantages of nylon include its strength, durability, high pressure-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance. It also has a low coefficient of friction meaning that it can be used in applications that involve rotation or sliding with little or no lubrication.
Nylon is also waterproof and fast-drying. However, it can dissolve when exposed to chemicals such as phenols, alkalis and acids.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.