The video is a detailed guide on how to synthesize nylon 66, a type of nylon polymer. The process involves several steps, including the conversion of adipic acid to adipoyl chloride, the reaction of adipoyl chloride with hexamethylenediamine to form nylon 66, and the separation of the nylon from the other chemicals used in the process. The video also discusses the properties of nylon 66 and its applications, including its use in the production of toothbrush bristles and women's stockings. The video concludes with the successful synthesis of nylon 66, which was then dried and tested for its properties.
1. This video is sponsored by Audible.
2. Nylon is a family of polymers used in a wide range of products, from clothing and textiles to plastic parts and tools.
3. Nylon was first used to make the bristles for toothbrushes and is still in use today.
4. Nylon is also used to make women's stockings, which have become known as just nylons.
5. There are many forms of nylon, but the most common ones are nylon 6 and nylon 66.
6. Each type of nylon gets its name from the length of its building blocks. For example, nylon 66 is made from two ingredients, each with six carbons.
7. Nylon 6, on the other hand, is made from just one six carbon chemical.
8. Other forms of nylon like nylon 46 or nylon 610 exist, but they're not as common.
9. The different lengths of the building blocks give the final polymer different properties, which makes them useful for different things.
10. For example, nylon 610 is better at retaining its properties when wet, making it the nylon of choice to make things like toothbrush bristles.
11. The video discusses two major ways to make nylon 66: industrially and through a demonstration.
12. The industrial method involves combining adipic acid with hexamethylene diamine to form a nylon salt, which is then heated, processed, and extruded as nylon 66.
13. The demonstration method involves first converting adipic acid to adipoyl chloride and then reacting it with hexamethylenediamine.
14. The video also provides a detailed explanation of the chemistry involved in the process, including the formation of adipoyl chloride from adipic acid and oxalyl chloride.
15. The video shows the process of filtering the adipoyl chloride to separate it from impurities and other solvents.
16. The final step involves making the nylon by adding hexamethylenediamine solution to the adipoyl chloride solution, which results in the formation of a nylon string.