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5 Popular Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from man-made rather than natural fibers. Examples of synthetic
fabrics include polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, latex, orlon and Kevlar. Synthetic
(chemically produced) fabrics are made by joining monomers into polymers, through a process
called polymerization.

Syntheticfibers is the result of extensive research by scientists to improve on naturally occurring

animal and plant fibers. In general, synthetic fibers are created by extruding fiber forming materials
through spinnerets into air and water, forming a thread. The first truly synthetic textile was nylon,
which was widely used in World War II. Before synthetic fibers were developed, artificially
manufactured fibers were made from polymers obtained from petrochemicals. These fibers are called
synthetic or artificial fibers. Some fibers are manufactured from plant-derived cellulose.

Synthetics require chemicals in their manufacturing processes, which can cause a variety of health
problems. Fabric may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about living a healthier
lifestyle, but it definitely should be considered. Even many “health nuts” don’t realize that synthetic
fabrics are teeming with chemicals and dyes that cannot be washed out, making them a potential
health hazard.

Synthetic fabrics:

Acetate
Acrylic
Elastane
Lyocell
Nylon
PLA Fiber (corn polymer)
Polyester
Rayon
Spandex

1. Polyester

When I was growing up my mom hated polyester. She thought of it as very cheap, unhealthy, material.
She used to tell me not to waste my money on death. Though a bit dramatic, I understand why now
that I’m older. wouldn’t recommend anyone wasting their hard earned money on polyester. Overall I
would say avoid it if you can. Unless it’s a natural polyester made from plant-based chemicals. If you
happen to find it secondhand, try your best to repurpose it, since it can’t be trashed properly. Only
natural polyester is biodegradable.

Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain.

There are fabric and industrial polyester. Fabrics from polyester are used extensively in furniture,
clothing, and apparel. You can find them used in;

furniture
clothing
apparel
blankets
bedsheets
mousepads
Synthetic leather
furniture upholstery and more.

Industrial polyester is mostly used in;

fabrics for conveyor belts

safety belts
coated fabrics and plastic reinforcements with high-energy absorption.
cushioning and insulating material in pillows
comforters and upholstery padding

Polyester yarns and ropes are also used in car tire reinforcements.

One good thing about polyester is the fabric is highly stain-resistant.

Blending

When polyester is spun together with a natural fiber like cotton you get polycotton. Not only is
polycotton strong, it is wrinkle and tear-resistant, and reduces shrinkage.

Disadvantages
of cotton and polyester blends include being less breathable than cotton and trapping more moisture
while sticking to the skin. They are also less fire resistant and can melt when ignited.

2. Acetate

Acetate
is derived from cellulose by reacting purified cellulose from wood pulp with acetic acid and acetic
anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid. It is then put through a controlled, partial hydrolysis to
remove the sulfate and a sufficient number of acetate groups to give the product the desired
properties. The most common form of cellulose acetate fiber has an acetate group on approximately
two of every three hydroxyls. This cellulose diacetate is known as secondary acetate, or simply as
“acetate”.

After it is formed, cellulose acetate is dissolved in acetone for extrusion. As the filaments emerge from
the
spinneret, the solvent is evaporated in warm air (dry spinning),
producing fine filaments of cellulose acetate.

Cellulose Acetate Characteristics:

Luxurious feel and appearance

Varieties of Colors
Soft and Drapable
Fast drying
Mildew, shrink and moth resistant

Apparel Uses:

Blouses, linings, wedding and party attire, home furnishings, draperies

Industrial Uses:

Cigarette filters

3. Elastane
Elastane is another name for Spandex or Lycra. It’s known for its elasticity and is more durable than
rubber. It is also part of the polyester family. In 1958 chemist, Joseph Shivers invented the
polyester–polyurethane copolymer.
When introduced to the world in 1962 it revolutionized the clothing industry.
The name “spandex” is an anagram of the word “expands”

In the United States, it’s Spandex

Europe it’s elastane
France it’s élasthanne
Germany it’s Elastan
Spain it’s elastano
Italy it’s elastam
Netherlands it’s elastaan

4. Lyocell (Eco-Friendly but synthetic)

Lyocell
or TENCEL is a form of rayon according to the FTC. It consists of cellulose fiber made from dissolving
pulp (bleached wood pulp) using dry jet-wet spinning. It was developed beginning in 1972 by a team
at the now defunct American Enka fibers facility at Enka, North Carolina.

As of 2010, Lyocell is more expensive to produce than cotton

or viscose rayon. It is used in many everyday fabrics.

Although they are manufactured fibers, rayon, modal and lyocell are not considered synthetic. All
three are referred to generically as “regenerated cellulosic fibers” due to the manner in which they’re
manufactured. Nor are they natural fibers produced directly from plants or animals.

Lyocell was created with color in mind, the fibers’ high absorbency and can be dyed to high-quality
standards. It can absorb moister 50% greater than cotton and is considered a breathable eco-fabric.

Lyocell Fiber Characteristics

Soft, strong, absorbent

When wet produces special textures
Excellent wet strength
Wrinkle resistant
Very versatile fabric dyable to vibrant colors, with a variety of effects and textures.
Hand washable
Like an artificial silk, suede, or leather touch
Good for draping
Biodegradable

Depending on the care label you can wash or dry-clean Lyocell.

5. Nylon

Nylon
is any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers,
filaments, bristles, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics.

Nylon is considered a lightweight fiber. It’s added at the points of wear such as seats of jeans, knees,
heels of socks and toes. Once wet nylon will loose it’s strength.

Since Nylon is elastic, it’s perfect for hosiery and apparel. Nylon can be draped, is resilient, and
wrinkle free. It can conduct heat and is used in winter outwear allowing the wearer to remain warmer.

Nylon is not breathable. It is resistant to water and dirt making it very easy to clean and should be
bleached with peroxide instead of chlorine. It can resist moths, fungi, mildew and shrinkage.

1 Comment on “5 popular Synthetic Fibers”

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