Synthetic Fibers Study Guide

Synthetic Fibers

Overview of Synthetic Fibers

  • Synthetic fibers commonly referred to as nylon.
    • Examples include:
    • Polyamide/Nylon
    • Polyester
    • Polypropylene
    • Acrylic
    • Elastane

Polyamide (Nylon)

  • Properties:

    • Excellent tenacity and elasticity.
    • Low tendency to absorb water, which leads to quick drying.
    • Outstanding wear and abrasion resistance.
    • Susceptible to deformation at high temperatures (must not exceed 150°C).

  • Advantages:

    • Allows for production of light but strong fabrics.
    • Features considerable elastic recovery.
    • Low intake of permanent creases.

Polyester

  • Characteristics:

    • High resistance to moisture and heat.
    • Stable to light and have a high burning resistance (burn with difficulty).
    • Not susceptible to damage from moths or microorganisms.

  • Applications:

    • Widely used in clothing and furniture.

  • Similarities with Nylon:

    • Comparable in features, but more visually pleasing for blends with cotton, silk, and viscose.
    • Excellent resistance to breakage and maintains shape (does not deform permanently).

Polypropylene

  • Historical Context:

    • Discovered as a result of research into isotactic polypropylene by Italian chemist Giulio Natta.
    • Awarded Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1963 alongside K. Ziegler.

  • Features:

    • Good resistance to abrasion and wear.
    • Excellent resistance to chemical agents and water.
    • Extremely easy to clean.
    • Difficult to dye; supplied already dyed with vibrant colors (using paste dyes).

  • Uses:

    • Commonly used in underwear, sports knitwear, filters, geotextiles, blankets, bedspreads, textile flooring, wall coverings, and upholstery fabrics.

Acrylic (Polyacrylic)

  • Historical Context:

    • Officially developed in 1948 by an American manufacturer, following the launch of nylon.
    • Gained popularity in Europe in the 1950s, equaling wool in global consumption by 1975.

  • Composition:

    • Macromolecules primarily made of acrylonitrile.
    • Available in forms such as tow, bow, and top with a particularly soft, wool-like feel.

  • Characteristics:

    • High thermal insulation properties.
    • Resistant to shrinkage during washing.
    • Resistant to sunlight and atmospheric conditions.
    • Available in vibrant colors; resistant to mold, microorganisms, moths, and insects.

  • Applications:

    • Used in external and intimate knitwear, hosiery, knitting, sports and leisure clothing, furniture (fabrics, velvets, flooring, carpets), outdoor curtains, and fur/pile fabrics.

Elastane

  • No details provided in the transcript for Elastane. It is typically known for its exceptional elasticity and used in various textile applications to create stretchable fabrics.