The fiber Spandex, also known as Lycra and Elastane is a man made fiber carries the property of extended elasticity. It was first invented in 1958 at Dupont chemical company which is a polyether and polyeurea copolymer. To make it 85% polyurethane and 15% natural latex are used. The generic name of this fiber is mainly spandex where different location prefers to use different trade name such as Elastane in Europe and Lycra is in UK and Latin America. Lycra is the trade name of Dupont which is being used mostly among all the names. This fiber has increased the diversity of fabric making with great comfort for men, women and kids product. Blend with multiple fiber is now popular where spandex are mostly used for elasticity. Dimensional stability depends on the percentage of this fiber is used in making of fabric.
Physical Properties of Spandex Fiber:
Cross sectional area: Though this fiber is produced and extruded through circular orifices it may appear as non circular cross sectional shapes with wide range of forms.. To make multi-filament yarns individual filaments are usually fused together where 12 to 50 filaments can use to make a yarn. The linear density of filaments ranges from 0.1 to 3 tex (g/km).
Density: It depends on the requirement and orifices but it ranges from 1.15 to 1.32 g/cc.
Moisture regain: This is ranges from 0.8 to 1.2%.
Length: Since it is filament fiber so it can be of any size as required.
Colour: Closely white or transparent.
Luster : Looks a bit dull and less bright.
Strength: It is weaker than any other filament fiber.
Elasticity: It carries excellent elasticity.
Heat: The heat resistance varies considerably amongst the different degrades over 300 degree F.
Flammability: It burns slowly.
Electrical conductivity: It has Low electrical conductivity.
Breaking tenacity: 0.6 to 0.9grams/denier.
Chemical Properties of Spandex Fiber:
Acid: It shows quite good resistance power to most of acids unless long exposure in atmosphere.
Alkalies: Resistance power against alkali is also good.
Organic solvents: It has resistance to dry cleaning solvent.
Bleaches: It is affected by bleaching agent and lost the elastic recovery.
Dyeing: Affinity to dyestuffs is good.
Uses of Spandex Fiber:
- Active wear
- Athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
- Belts
- Bra straps and side panels
- Competitive swimwear
- Cycling jerseys and shorts ski pants
- Skinny jeans
- Socks and tights
- Swimsuits/bathing suits
- Underwear
- Wetsuits
- Triathlon suits
- Compression garments such as:
- Foundation garments
- Bra cups
- Support hose
- Gloves
- Hosiery
- Leggings
- Orthopedic braces
Spandex Fiber | Elastan Fiber | Properties and Uses of Lycra
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The fiber Spandex, also known as Lycra and Elastane is a man made fiber carries the property of extended elasticity. It was first invented in 1958 at Dupont chemical company which is a polyether and polyeurea copolymer. To make it 85% polyurethane and 15% natural latex are used. The generic name of this fiber is mainly spandex where different location prefers to use different trade name such as Elastane in Europe and Lycra is in UK and Latin America. Lycra is the trade name of Dupont which is being used mostly among all the names. This fiber has increased the diversity of fabric making with great comfort for men, women and kids product. Blend with multiple fiber is now popular where spandex are mostly used for elasticity. Dimensional stability depends on the percentage of this fiber is used in making of fabric.
Physical Properties of Spandex Fiber:
Cross sectional area: Though this fiber is produced and extruded through circular orifices it may appear as non circular cross sectional shapes with wide range of forms.. To make multi-filament yarns individual filaments are usually fused together where 12 to 50 filaments can use to make a yarn. The linear density of filaments ranges from 0.1 to 3 tex (g/km).
Density: It depends on the requirement and orifices but it ranges from 1.15 to 1.32 g/cc.
Moisture regain: This is ranges from 0.8 to 1.2%.
Length: Since it is filament fiber so it can be of any size as required.
Colour: Closely white or transparent.
Luster : Looks a bit dull and less bright.
Strength: It is weaker than any other filament fiber.
Elasticity: It carries excellent elasticity.
Heat: The heat resistance varies considerably amongst the different degrades over 300 degree F.
Flammability: It burns slowly.
Electrical conductivity: It has Low electrical conductivity.
Breaking tenacity: 0.6 to 0.9grams/denier.
Chemical Properties of Spandex Fiber:
Acid: It shows quite good resistance power to most of acids unless long exposure in atmosphere.
Alkalies: Resistance power against alkali is also good.
Organic solvents: It has resistance to dry cleaning solvent.
Bleaches: It is affected by bleaching agent and lost the elastic recovery.
Dyeing: Affinity to dyestuffs is good.
Uses of Spandex Fiber:
- Active wear
- Athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
- Belts
- Bra straps and side panels
- Competitive swimwear
- Cycling jerseys and shorts ski pants
- Skinny jeans
- Socks and tights
- Swimsuits/bathing suits
- Underwear
- Wetsuits
- Triathlon suits
- Compression garments such as:
- Foundation garments
- Bra cups
- Support hose
- Gloves
- Hosiery
- Leggings
- Orthopedic braces
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