synthetic fibres: polyamide, polyester, acrylic and elastane

Polyamide (origins)

Crude oil and coal

Made artificially in chemical production

Made using polymers

Polyamide (advantages)

Strong when wet

Durable

Cheap

Resist bacteria

Polyamide (disadvantages)

Poor absorbency

Damaged by sunlight- discolour and become weaker

Polyamide (properties)

Strong

Hard wearing

Elasticity

Thermoplastic so can be moulded with heat

Doesnt decompose

Melts as it burns

Versatile made into many finishes

Polyamide (fabric names)

Nylon

Tactel

Micro

Polyamide (end uses)

Clothing

Ropes

Carpets

Rugs

Seat belts

Sports belting

Stockings

Tooth brushes

Polyester (origins)

Oil

Synthetically made

Polyester advantages

Strong when wet

Dries quickly

Cheap

Hard wearing

Resists bacteria

Can be recyled

Polyester disadvantages

Poor absorbancy

Snags

Not breathable

Polyester properties

Very strong when wet and dry

Flame resistant

Thermoplastic

Doesnt decompose

Versatile

Polyester fabric names

Terylene

Polyester

Fleece

Trevira

Finesse

Miratec

Dacron

Polyester end uses

Wide range of products

Acrylic origins

Coal and oil

Synthetically made into polymers

Acrylic advantages

Can be made warm

Insulating

Soft

Acrylic disadvantages

Poor absorbancy

Acrylic properties

Strong but weaker when wet

Thermoplastic

Shrinks from heat

Burns slowly then melts

Soft

Can be made into fine and course staple fibres

Acrylic fabric names

Courtelle

Amicor

Acrylic end uses

Knitwear

Toys

Fake fur

Upholstery fabrics

Sports wear

Elastane origins

Coal and oil

Synethetically made into polymers

Elastanne advantages

Shape retention

Flexible

Moisture wicking

Elastane disadvantages

Sticks to body

Doesnt allow skin to breathe

Sensitive to heat

Elastane properties

Lightweight

Supple

Smooth

Soft

Prevents sagging and bagging

Scratch resistant

Stronger and more durable and higher retractivness force than rubber

Resistant to deterioration by body oils

Elastane fabeic names

Spandex

Lycr

Elastne end uses

Dancewear

Swimwear