In 1938, Paul Schlack of IG Farben created Nylon 6 by polymerizing Caprolactum into a homopolymer called polyhexano-6-lactum. Nylon 6 has high tensile strength, toughness, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. It is used for applications like bristles, gears, threads, ropes, surgical sutures and knitted garments. While some bacteria and fungi can degrade Nylon 6 oligomers, polymers are not easily biodegraded.