Which polymer is strong, elastic, tough, lightweight, colourfast, durable and used for clothing, carpets and upholstery?

• A. Nylon
• B. Polyvinyl Chloride
• C. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
• D. Polypropylene

Answer: (A)

Nylon fibers give a combination of high strength, toughness, and elasticity while remaining lightweight and durable. This blend makes textiles comfortable for clothing, able to withstand wear in carpets, and resilient enough for upholstery. Nylon also takes up dyes well and holds color well, so fabrics stay colorfast over time.

Polyvinyl chloride is strong but tends to be rigid or only flexible when formulated for coatings, not ideal for elastic textiles. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a rigid plastic, not a fiber used in clothing or fabrics. Polypropylene is lightweight and resistant to moisture, but its fibers typically don’t offer the same level of strength, elasticity, and dyeability as nylon, affecting durability and appearance in clothing, carpets, and upholstery.