Types of synthetic fabrics, their characteristics

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Modern technologies have touched all spheres of human life. Perhaps the textile industry is the most striking example of science put at the service of everyday life. Thanks to chemical synthesis, a person has learned to obtain fibers with desired properties. A distinction should be made between artificial and synthetic fabrics.

Synthetics are made from polymers obtained by certain chemical reactions. The raw materials for it are oil products, natural gas or coal. Synthetic fabrics with special properties are used to make overalls, protective clothing for extreme conditions, and sports uniforms.

Artificial fibers are produced by physical processing of raw materials. The best-known example of such a fabric is viscose, obtained from cellulose (wood).

Fabrics made from synthetic fibers have a number of advantages and disadvantages compared to natural materials.

General properties of synthetic fibers

Despite all their diversity, most artificial materials have commonfeatures. The advantages of synthetic fabrics include the following qualities.

• Durability. Artificial fabrics have increased wear resistance, are not subject to decay, damage by pests and mold fungi. A special technology of bleaching and subsequent dyeing of the fiber ensures color fastness. Some groups of synthetic fabrics are not resistant to sunlight.
• Lightness. Synthetic clothes weigh much less than their natural counterparts.
• Dries quickly. Most synthetic fibers are non-absorbent or water-repellent, meaning they have low hygroscopicity.
• Due to large-scale industrial production and low cost of raw materials, most artificial fabrics have a low cost. In production, high labor productivity and low cost are obtained, which stimulates the development of the industry. Many manufacturers adjust the technological characteristics of the material in accordance with the wishes of large customers.

Disadvantages are caused by the fact that artificial material can have a bad effect on a living organism.

• Synthetics accumulate static electricity (electrify).
• Allergies may occur, individual intolerance to chemical components.
• Most artificial fabrics do not absorb moisture well - therefore, they do not absorb sweat and have low hygienic properties.
• Do not let air through - this also matters forproduction of clothes and underwear.

Some properties of synthetic fabrics can have both positive and negative meanings depending on how the material is used. For example, if the fabric is not breathable, it is unhygienic for everyday wear. But overalls made of such material will be very appropriate for protection from adverse weather conditions.

Production of synthetic fabrics

The first patents for the invention of synthetic fibers date back to the period of the 30s of the last century. In 1932, the production of polyvinyl chloride fiber was mastered in Germany. In 1935, polyamide was synthesized in the laboratory of the American company DuPont. The material is called nylon. Its industrial production began in 1938, and a year later it was widely used in the textile industry.

In the USSR, the course towards the widespread introduction of the achievements of chemical science was taken in the 60s. Initially, synthetics were perceived as a cheap substitute for natural fabrics, then they began to use them for the manufacture of workwear and protective suits. As the scientific base developed, fabrics with different properties began to be created. New polymers have undeniable advantages over natural fabrics: they are lighter, stronger and more resistant to aggressive environments.

Artificial and synthetic fabrics differ in manufacturing method and production economics. Raw materials for the production of synthetics are much cheaper and more accessible, which is why this particular industry has received priority in development. Fiber macromolecules are synthesized from low molecular weight compounds. Modern technologies provide material with predetermined characteristics.

Threads are formed from melts or solutions. They can be single, complex or in the form of bundles to obtain fibers of a certain length (then yarn is produced from them). In addition to threads, film materials and stamped products (shoe and clothing parts) are formed from the original synthetic mass.

Varieties of synthetics

Currently, several thousand chemical fibers have been invented, and new materials appear every year. According to the chemical structure, all types of synthetic fabrics are divided into two groups: carbochain and heterochain. Each group is divided into subgroups with similar physical and operational properties.

Carbo chain synthetics

The chemical chain of a macromolecule of carbon chain synthetic fabrics consists mainly of carbon atoms (hydrocarbons). The following subgroups are distinguished in the group:

• polyacrylonitrile;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• polyvinyl alcohol;
• polyethylene;
• polypropylene.

Heterochain synthetics

These are fabrics made of synthetic fibers, the molecular composition of which, in addition to carbon, includes atoms of other elements: oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, sulfur. Such inclusions give the original material additional properties.

Types of synthetic fabrics of the heterochain group:

• polyester;
• polyamide;
• polyurethane.

Lycra: polyurethane synthetic fabrics

Names used by trading corporations: elastane, lycra, spandex, neolan, dorlastan. Polyurethane threads are capable of reversible mechanical deformations (like rubber). Elastane is able to stretch 6-7 times, freely returning to its original state. It has low temperature stability: when the temperature rises to +120 °C, the fiber loses its elasticity.

Polyurethane threads are not used in their pure form - they are used as a frame, winding around other fibers. The material containing such synthetics has elasticity, stretches well, resilient, resistant to abrasion, perfectly breathable. Things made of fabrics with the addition of polyurethane threads do not wrinkle and retain their original shape, are resistant to light, and retain their original color for a long time. The fabric is not recommended to be strongly wrung out, twisted, dried in a stretched form.

Kapron: polyamide synthetics

The material got its name due to the amide group, which is part of the fabric. Kapron and nylon are the most famous representatives of this group. Main properties: increased strength, keeps its shape well, does not rot, light. At one time, nylon replaced the silk used to make parachutes.

Synthetic fibers of the polyamide group have low resistance to elevated temperatures (begins to melt at +215 ° C), they turn yellow in the light and under the influence of sweat. Materialdoes not absorb moisture and dries quickly, accumulates static electricity and does not retain heat well. Women's tights and leggings are made from it. Capron and nylon are introduced into the composition of the fabric in an amount of 10-15%, which increases the strength of natural materials without compromising their hygienic properties. Socks and knitwear are made from such materials.

Other trade names for synthetic materials of the polyamide group: anide, perlon, meryl, taslan, jordan and helanca.

Velsoft - a thick fabric with pile, competes with terry cloth. Children's clothes, bathrobes and pajamas, household items (towels and blankets) are sewn from it. The material is pleasant to the touch, breathable, does not wrinkle, does not shrink, does not shed. Washable, dries quickly. The printed pattern will not fade over time.

Lavsan: polyester fibers

Polyester synthetics have increased elasticity, wear resistance, fabrics from it do not shrink, do not wrinkle and keep their shape well. The main advantage in comparison with other groups of synthetic fabrics is increased heat resistance (withstands over +170 ° C). The material is hard, does not absorb moisture, does not collect dust, does not fade in the sun. In its pure form, it is used for the manufacture of curtains and curtains. In a mixture with natural fibers, it is used to make dress and suit fabrics, as well as material for coats and faux fur. Polyester fiber provides resistance to abrasion and creasing, while natural fibers provide hygiene that synthetic fabrics do not have. Names of polyester fabrics:lavsan, polyester, terylene, trevira, tergal, diolene, dacron.

Fleece - a synthetic soft fabric made of polyester, similar in appearance to sheep's wool. Fleece clothing is soft, light, warm, breathable, elastic. The material is easy to wash, dries quickly and does not need ironing. Fleece does not cause allergies, so it is widely used for the manufacture of children's clothing. Over time, the fabric will stretch and lose its shape.

Polysatin is made from pure polyester or in combination with cotton. The material is dense, smooth and slightly shiny. Dries quickly, does not shrink, does not wear out, does not shed. It is used for the manufacture of bed linen, household products (curtains, tablecloths, upholstery for furniture), home clothes, ties and scarves. Bed linen with a 3D pattern, which is very popular today, is made from polysatin.

Acrylic: Polyacrylonitrile materials

In terms of mechanical properties, it is close to wool fibers, which is why acrylic is sometimes called “artificial wool”. Synthetics are resistant to sunlight, it is heat-resistant, perfectly keeps its shape. Does not absorb moisture, hard, electrified, abraded.

Used in combination with wool for the production of fabric for furniture, children's mattresses, sewing outerwear and making faux fur. Acrylic does not pill, making it an indispensable addition to wool knitting yarns. Blended yarns have less stretch and are stronger and lighter.

Trade namespolyacrylonitrile materials: acrylan, nitron, kashmilon, dralon, dolan, orlon.

Spectra and Dynema: polyolefin fibers

This group distinguishes between polyethylene and polypropylene fibers. The lightest of all types of synthetics, polyolefin materials do not sink in water, are characterized by low hygroscopicity and good thermal insulation properties, the extensibility of the fiber is almost zero. They have low temperature stability - up to +115 °С. They are used to create two-layer materials, for sewing sports and fishing clothes, filter and upholstery materials, tarpaulins, carpets. In combination with natural fibers - for the production of underwear and hosiery.

Trade names: Spectrum, Dynema, Tekmilon, Herculon, Ulstren, Found, Meraklon.

PVC synthetic fabrics

The material is highly resistant to chemically aggressive substances, low electrical conductivity and unstable to temperature effects (destroyed at 100°C). Shrinks after heat treatment.

In its pure form, protective clothing is made from it. With its help, a dense synthetic fabric is obtained - artificial leather, artificial fur and carpets are also made.

Trade names: teviron, chlorine, vignon.

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers

This group includes vinol, mtilan, vinylon, curalon, vinalon. They have all the advantages of synthetics: durable, wear-resistant, resistant to light andtemperature influences. In terms of extensibility and elasticity, they have average indicators. A distinctive feature is that they absorb moisture well, products made from synthetic fabrics of this group have a high hygroscopicity, comparable to the properties of cotton products. Under the influence of water, vinol lengthens and shrinks a little, its strength decreases. Compared to other chemical fibers, it is less resistant to chemical attack.

Vinol is used for the manufacture of clothing, underwear, in combination with cotton and viscose - for the production of hosiery. The material does not roll, does not wipe, has a pleasant sheen. The disadvantage of wine products is that they quickly become dirty.

Mtilan is used for the production of surgical sutures.

The combination of different fibers gives interesting technological characteristics. A striking example is microfiber, which is widely known today. It is made from a combination of nylon and polyester fibers. Microfiber does not roll, does not shed, has a high hygroscopicity, and dries quickly. It is used for the production of knitted fabrics, woven and non-woven fabrics. Depending on the thickness of the fiber and its modification, the softness and wear resistance of the final product vary. Microfiber is not mixed with other fibers, the care of products is extremely simple - they are not afraid of washing, dry cleaning and temperature effects. Due to the many air pores, the fabric helps to maintain optimal body temperature, but at the same time perfectly protects from the wind. Microfiber is used to make sports andouterwear, home textiles, cleaning wipes and sponges.

As you can see, chemically synthesized fibers are widely used in the production of light industry goods. They are used to make sportswear and overalls, fabrics for furniture and interior decoration, the whole range of everyday clothes: from underwear to materials for coats and faux fur. Modern fabrics have a number of advantages inaccessible to their predecessors: they can be hygroscopic, "breathable" and retain heat well. The combination of different fibers in one thread, as well as the creation of multilayer fabrics, allow manufacturers to fully meet the demands of the modern world.