Life Cycle Analysis Preview: Nylon

Nylon is a synthetically made component of toothbrushes. It is an interesting polymer, considering its wide variety of functions, but its basic synthesis is the same. First, the manufacturer combines an acidic group of molecules and a basic set of organic compounds. These two sets are heated and the product is nylon. The general process described is a polymerization reaction. For a toothbrush, which has short, thread-like bristles, the nylon is melted and fed through an apparatus with tiny holes. The thread quickly hardens when it hits the air. It can be assumed that the thread would be cut up into appropriately sizes pieces. However, when the bristles are stapled into the toothbrush, they are uneven, so they have to be re-trimmed for the final product.

Sources:
1)http://www.wisegeek.org/how-is-nylon-made.htm
2)http://www.bigsiteofamazingfacts.com/how-is-nylon-made
3)http://www.ehow.com/about_4683269_science-toothbrush-made.html

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