Fash 215: Special Use Fibers

Quiz & Exam ~ Chap 9

Elastomer

A natural or synthetic polymer that at room temperature, can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length ~ after tensile mode, can reform back to its original length 

Stretch ~ Power Stretch

Important in end uses for which holding power and elasticity are needed

What are Power Stretch end uses?

Foundation Garments, Swimsuits, Suspenders

Stretch ~ Comfort Stretch

Important for products that elasticity is desired

What are Comfort Stretch end uses?

• Look like non stretch fabrics 

• Used in apparel and furnishing

Elastomeric Fibers

• Rubber

• Spandex

• Aramid

• Glass

Rubber

Natural or synthetic - natural form comes from plant source, synthetic chemical source 

Characteristics of Rubber

• Available in both synthetic and manufactured

• Excellent elongation and recovery

• Low Tenacity - cannot be used in lightweight garment

• Low dye acceptance

Spandex

First manufactured fiber re introduced in 1958, wet or dry spun in synthetic polymers, used for apparel and interiors

Characteristics of Spandex

• Incredibly stretchy fiber that is key component for elastic fibers 

• Known as “Elastane”

• Developed in 1959 by Dupont - light weight, smooth and soft, excellent as a elasticity, weak as a fiber but more durable as a rubber, takes dye well and abrasion resistant

Trade Names - Spandex

• Lycra

• Glospan

Key Info: Rubber

Natural rubber is the oldest elastomer and least expensive 

Where does Rubber come from?

Rubber Tree

History of Rubber

• 1995 first produced in sheets of rubber then cut into strips foundation garments 

• After WWII synthetic rubbers were developed and making using sulfur (adds elongation)

Spandex Stretchability/ Other Notes

• Uncomfortable next to skin (core yarn)

• Flex life is 10x that of rubber

• Resists aging, body oils, perspiration & cosmetics better than Rubber

Uses of Spandex

• Foundation garments

• Active sportswear (skiwear, swimwear, leotards, dance wear, leggings, biking shorts)

• Hosiery

• Medical (Support hose, bandages, Surgical Wraps)

Aramid- Kevlar

• Exceptional Strength (5x stronger than Steel)

• Used to reinforce radial tires

• Used for body-armor undervests (stops a .38 caliber bullet fired 10 feet away)

Chemical Name - Aramid

Aromatic Polyamide

Aramid - Nomex

Used for firefighters’ apparel, race-car driver suits, furnishings for aircraft, ironing board covers

Properties of Aramid

• Resists most chemicals

• Moderately resist sunlight

• Difficult to dye

• Oleophilic 

• Tough Tough Fiber 

Key Info: Aramid

• Another variant of nylon

• Is very very difficult to dye

• Can be wet or dry spun, used to reinforce tires, used for - race car drivers, aircrafts, etc.

• First created by Dupont in the 1930s - used in 1970s - light weight and stiffer than glass, flame resistant, highly tear and cut resistant 

Trade Names - Aramid

• Kevlar

• Nomex

• Amex

Caring For Aramid

• Can be washed

• Poor resistance to acids

Glass Properties

• Does not burn!!

• Causes skin irritations

• Excellent insulator

• Very Heavy

• No absorption 

• Not affected by sunlight 

Glass

Is a mineral, comes from naturally occurring polymer, process it to convert fibers, limited use in apparel, can be drawn out with hair like strands, made from: sand, silica, and limestone and combined with additives 

Glass End Uses

• Interiors and technical

• Flame retardant curtains

• Wall Insulation

• Industrial Application

  • Fire Protection

  • Insulation

  • Air Purification  

Trade Names - Glass

Fiber Glass

Metal Fibers - Key Notes

• Made in staple or filament form, metallic fibers are manufactured fibers composed of metal, plastic coating metal or fabric or fiber completely covered by metal 

• Made in 1960 (mostly developed for aerospace purposes) is blended with other fibers often 

Other Fibers Metal is blended with:

• Aluminum

• Copper

• Silver

PBI

Manufactured fiber, dry spun and drawn - pulled when formed

PBI End Uses

• For interiors

• Aircraft

• Hospitals and filters

• See it with fire fighters

• Astronauts

• Welders

PBI relates to:

Aramid - more moisture but still difficult to dye 

Saran 

Developed in 1933 and made for a food covering, in 1940 we developed into raw materials for goods

Key Info. - Saran

Competes with Olefin, it looks and feels like plastic film, great weathering properties

Sulfar

Used for electrical insulation

Vinyon

Used as a bonding agent for rugs, fabrics and other fabrics 

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Causes major environmental problems- cancer producing fiber that is out there - fiber we DON'T want to use in the industry

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - NEED TO KNOW!

One of the most hazardous fibers produced and we need to faze it out 

Trade Names - PVC

• Sometimes referred to as vinyl or vinan

• Synthetic fiber

• Made smooth and shiny fabric

Vinyl - Info

• Not produced in US 

• Use it in fishing nets, filters, bristles and brushes 

Modacrylic

• Brought to US/started in 1949, difficult to ignite and extinguish itself 

• Are more durable than acrylics

Melamine

Low cost competitor for PBI - does not burn