Learn about chemical fibers and their characteristics

Invented at the beginnings of the twentieth century, artificial fibers are manufactured from natural polymers of cellulose, protein and other raw materials; they are, in any case, chemical transformation of natural products. Those manufactured based on synthetic polymers, even though they are also artificial, are called synthetic, leaving the common use of artificial ones only for the former. Synthetic fibers have been called those achieved through chemical synthesis.

Types of chemical fibers

Artificial fibers

Viscose

Achieved from wood pulp or cotton fluff. Similar to lower quality cotton. Great water absorption power, generating swelling of the fibers and reducing elasticity in the fabric. It retains the water in ninety or one hundred percent of the weight of the dry fiber. Damp is not very resistant and the colors are not very solid. Sensitive to acids and alkalis.

Conservation: little stability before watery treatments. Better to dry clean. Little stability against ironing. Be very cautious if bleach is used on it. Iron with a damp cloth and moderate temperature.

Modal Rayon

Patented in nineteen hundred and ten, it was used in lingerie. In 1912, artificial silk stockings came onto the market. In 1916 it appeared in knitwear. Then in garments for external use; shirts and shirts, especially. Rayon fabrics have good drape and a high absorption rate in the dyeing process. It is a very versatile fibers and has exactly the same properties in terms of ease of use as other natural fibers and can mimic the feel of silk, wool, cotton or linen.

It absorbs dye easily and any kind of print. Rayon fabrics are soft, light, cool, comfortable and highly absorbent, they do not insulate the body, leaving perspiration. Ideal for hot and humid times. It has little resistance to use and washing; in addition to this it has the least flexible restoration of each and every fiber. For greater durability, dry cleaning is recommended.

HWM (High Wet Modulus) rayon, on the other hand, is stronger and more durable. For greater durability, dry cleaning is recommended. HWM rayon is machine washable.

Acetate

Can be achieved with a shiny appearance, very similar to silk. It is almost wrinkle-free. Sensitive to acids and alkalis. It is more flexible than vegetable fibers but less than animal fibers. It retains between twenty and twenty five percent of its weight in water. It burns generating its own vinegar fragrance, releasing drops that coagulate when it stops burning.

Conservation: At moderate temperatures it is resistant to water treatments. Maximum caution when using bleach on it. Iron at a low temperature: it is a thermoplastic fiber. It can be dry cleaned, without chloroethylene. Do not use acetone, acetic acid or formic acid

Triacetate

More acetylated than acetate, with properties similar to those of synthetic fibers, better qualities than diacetate. More resistant to alkalis and high temperatures. Less water absorbent, more stable in washing. It dries simpler but is charged with static electricity with ease. It accepts permanent pleating really well. Stable against light.

Synthetic fibers

Each and every one of the synthetic fibers is sensitive to heat to a greater or lesser degree. Resistant to most chemical agents.

The color has great stability. Light in weight. Resistance to sunlight.They are simply charged with static electricity. They are difficult to wrinkle, but the deformations produced by heat are permanent. They are resistant to moths and microorganisms. Low water absorption. Fast drying. They are hot.

Macules of watery origin are easily removed. Oleophilic, affinity for oils and fats. Stains of this kind should be removed by dry cleaning. Quite difficult to dye. Ideal for sports and swimwear, travel items, tents and in bags, sacks, wraps and other uses.

Acrylics

The properties of acrylic fibers advise their use as an alternative to wool. Its properties include:

High volume, great resistance, low density and pleasant touch. Soft and warm wool appearance, non-allergenic. Sensitive to acids and stable to alkalis. Stable against light. High shrinkage. Great elasticity, but little mechanical resistance. Little superficial detachment (pilling). Low absorption of water (hot), it drains itself immediately. Modacrylics are fire retardant and with better thermal behavior.

Conservation: They should be washed cold so that the heat does not make them uneven. For exactly the same reason, it is better not to iron them. They can be dry cleaned. Be very cautious with bleach and strong alkalis.

Acrylic mode

Changed acrylic fibers with unique qualities, such as flame rejection or self-extinguishing. Their resistance to combustion makes them suitable for children's nightwear and bedding, with them the aesthetic appearance of the skin, hair (hairpieces, wigs, artificial mouton and plush) is achieved. On canvas it can be cut, engraved and stamped like leather. In garments they are soft, warm and flexible.

They have a tendency to pilling. Low absorption rate which makes them hot. Modacrylics are essentially distinguished by their behavior in the face of heat. As for the rest, the care and properties are common.

Elastofibers

Elastofibers or synthetic rubber are made of natural or synthetic polyisoprene which, under the impact of a traction force, extend more than 3 times the original length, quickly recovering it when traction ceases.

Elastofibers of the ELASTAN, LYCRA or DORLAN type are basically made of polyurethane and are the most widely used. They are light fibers, durable, simple to dye and resist pressing and abrasion, absorb moisture in a natural way supporting dry skin. They are sensitive to light and tend to yellow, with fire they melt and spread combustion.

Its application extends to the apparel industry, from men's and women's clothing to the large-size and small-size clothing market. The largest segment is the exercise and training market, where their ability to stretch and absorb moisture makes them a natural choice.

In addition to this, they have maintained their popularity in both female and male lingerie. These fibers are usually mixed with others, such as cotton, nylon and polyester to give the garments an auxiliary level of comfort.

They do not burn, but they resist badly to the temperature. Polyurethane has normal elasticity, while elastane has high elasticity. They both have low moisture absorption. Highly sensitive to acids and alkalis. Highly sensitive to light.

Conservation: It can be washed at a moderate temperature. Do not iron. Do not use chlorine or bleach. Do not dry clean.

Fluorofibers

This fiber in areas of friction: limits blisters and irritations. Applies to the manufacture of socks, sports shoes, technical employment uniforms.

Exclusive textiles for technical uses. They do not burn. They have good resistance to abrasion. They are chemically inert. They do not absorb water. They resist light and bad weather.

Conservation: Wash at a maximum of forty ° C. Do not tumble dry, let them air dry. Do not iron

Polyamides Polyvalent

fibers used in a wide range of applications, such as: Fashion garments, functional sportswear, leisurewear, women's hosiery, high-quality lingerie, sewing threads, carpets, upholstery and even technical applications such as balloons, parachutes. , canvas for sailboats and tarpaulins for automotive use.

Nylon

Trademark of Dupont. It is a synthetic fibers, made from petroleum derivatives, resistant to friction, wear and chemical agents. No other fiber is capable of competing with it. It is known as the tough fiber, used in seat belts and tire ropes. Nylon is a flexible and resistant textile fiber, it is not attacked by moths, it does not require ironing. The use of polyamide has increased in blends with natural fibers and other manufactured fibers.

It has a very high elasticity. It has good resistance to traction and above all to abrasion, although it has drawbacks of pilling. It can be shiny or matt in appearance. It has a very, very low water absorption rate: one with five percent. It is not attacked by moths, molds or other microorganisms.

Sensitive to acids, it resists well to alkalis. UV light degrades it so it can turn yellow over time. It is mixed with natural fibers, adding up to twenty percent to them to lower the cost of the fabric and improve its tensile strength.

Teflon

Trademark of DuPont. Material inert to almost all chemicals. Transformed into a familiar household product, with superior non-stick properties, it is used as an anti-stain coating; in kitchen equipment such as pans and pots due to its high resistance as well as its simplicity of cleaning, in the manufacture of fabrics and other textile products such as socks that reduce friction and blisters; as a material in the preparation of lens frames and many other applications.

KEVLAR AND NOMEX Aramides Nylon family polyamides

with great resistance to high temperatures and fire, provides heat resistance, protecting against thermal hazards of up to eight hundred degrees F. Due to its high resistance, Kevlar is used to make objects such as vests. bulletproof and puncture resistant bike tires.

Nomex and Kevlar blends are used to make flame retardant uniforms for technical use, for firefighters and workers in the metal and steel industries. Garments made with Nomex have a durability of 5 times more than polyester / cotton.

Polyester

Its launch on the market in 1951 was really well received, while its application in textile products avoids the unique care of natural fibers. Polyester is resistant to washing and does not require ironing.

Glossy or matte finish can be achieved. Polyester fibers mold when intermingled in such a way that they take on the look, texture and feel of the natural fibers they imitate, improving resistance. Its usefulness extends to the manufacture of clothing, textiles applied to the home and decoration.

It can have a shiny or matt appearance. It is very flexible. Very resistant to breakage, abrasion, insects and fungi. Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches. It can present drawbacks of "pilling". It is a warm fiber. Saves static electricity. It ferments sweat, due to its poor absorption; unsuitable in wet weather. It doesn't just wrinkle. Resistant to sunlight.

Polyvinyl

They are fibers widely used for their great peculiarities, such as their great affinity for water, their good mechanical properties and their high resistance to chemicals. They are very soft with what they are used for the manufacture of newborn garments. With properties similar to cotton (hydrophilicity). They are found under the trade names Rhovil, Vinylon, Kuralon, Mewlon, Cremona, Synthofil, and others.

Its application extends to the manufacture of stockings, veils, cords, dresses, raincoats, nets; Its shrinkage capacity is used to make thick fabrics. May imitate leather when applied as a coating to another fabric.

They are very resistant to acids, bases and other chemical agents. As flexible as cotton. High resistance and flexibility. They do not burn or ignite. Good insulating power. They do not absorb water. Weather resistant. Resistant to moths and bacteria. Soft touch. Resistant to oil, grease and solvents. Odorless and non-toxic.

Conservation: They can be washed and ironed at a moderate temperature. They accept the use of bleach. Season dry, with caution.

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