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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/nylon shrunk - how to stretch?

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Expert: - 5/3/2006


Question
I recently washed a mouldy tent covering, made of thick nylon.  I put it in a dryer at low heat setting, which unfortunately shrunk and wrinkled it in some places where it touched the metal housing.

Is there a chemical/mechanical way to stretch out the fabric so that it fits over the tent poles again?

Answer
It would need to be stretched while warm and/or warm and moist.  How you will do it to a tent, I don't have a clue.  My only guess is to dry it with a wet towel in the dryer, but not to a complete dryness.  Hang it on a clothesline with weight hangin on the bottom.

Unless it is an heirloom, because of the mold, I'd buy a new one.  You can get good ones really cheap these days.

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

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Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.

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Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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