Manmade Textiles

Modacrylics

What it is:  A synthetic copolymer made from acrylonitriles

Properties of Modacrylics

• soft, strong, resilient, and dimensionally stable
•  flame retardant and do not combust
•  difficult to ignite and will self-extinguish
• arc flash protection

Olefin

What it is: Olefin is a synthetic (man-made) fabric that is derived from ethylene and propylene. The production of olefin is very environmentally friendly. The production process results in very little by-product, meaning that it creates nearly no waste. Also, the fiber itself is recyclable and can be re-extruded up to 10 times.

Properties of Olefin

• Wicks moisture and dries quickly
• Resists fading, mildew, chemicals, and insects
• Highly stain resistant
• Colorfast
• Good abrasion resistance
• Strong
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean

Nylon

What it is: a tough, lightweight, elastic synthetic polymer with a protein like chemical structure, able to be produced as filaments, sheets, or molded objects.

Properties of Nylon

• Thin and flexible
• Water-resistant
• Cheap to produce as well as buy
• Durability and Toug

Polyester

What it is: a mixture of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, producing a plastic fabric

Properties of Polyester

• Resistant to shrining and stretching
• Resistant to wrinkling and abrasions
• Very strong yet lightweight
• Retains its shape very well
• Easy to look after
• Quick drying fabric

Spandex

What it is: Made up of a long chain polymer called polyurethane, which is produced by reacting a polyester with a diisocyanate. The polymer is converted into a fiber using a dry spinning technique creating a lightweight, synthetic fiber that is used to make stretchable clothing.

Properties of Spandex

• Highly elastic
• Able to return to the original shape after stretching
• Fast drying than ordinary fabrics.

Rayon

What it is:  made from purified cellulose, primarily from wood pulp, which is then chemically converted into a soluble compound.

Properties of Rayon

• similar comfort properties as natural fibers
• able to imitate the feel and texture of natural fabrics
• Soft, smooth, cool, comfortable,
• Highly absorbent

Till next time!

Roro