Spandex Fiber | Elastan Fiber | Properties and Uses of Lycra

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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Moisture Regain and Moisture Content of Different Fibers

Moisture Regain: It is the ratio between the weight of water with the oven dry weight of the material express in percentage.

Moisture Content: It is the ratio between the weight of water with the total weight of the material express in percentage.

Fiber  -  MR%  -  MC%

Cotton   - 8.5      -  7.34
Jute      -  13.75    -  12.1
Viscose - 11.0    -   9.91
Silk       - 11.0    -   9.91
Wool     - 16.0    -  13.8
Acrylic   - 1.5     -  0
Flax       - 12.4    -  10.4
Hemp    - 12.4   -   10.4
Nylon     - 4.0    -   3.1
Polyester  - 0.4   -  0
Acetate    - 6.0    -  0


Olefin, Polypropylene, Carbon, Graphite, Glass fiber has no Moisture Regain or Moisture Content.

Moisture Regain and Moisture Content of Different Fibers

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Moisture Regain: It is the ratio between the weight of water with the oven dry weight of the material express in percentage.

Moisture Content: It is the ratio between the weight of water with the total weight of the material express in percentage.

Fiber  -  MR%  -  MC%

Cotton   - 8.5      -  7.34
Jute      -  13.75    -  12.1
Viscose - 11.0    -   9.91
Silk       - 11.0    -   9.91
Wool     - 16.0    -  13.8
Acrylic   - 1.5     -  0
Flax       - 12.4    -  10.4
Hemp    - 12.4   -   10.4
Nylon     - 4.0    -   3.1
Polyester  - 0.4   -  0
Acetate    - 6.0    -  0


Olefin, Polypropylene, Carbon, Graphite, Glass fiber has no Moisture Regain or Moisture Content.

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Spandex Fiber | Properties of Lycra | Elastane Fiber

Spandex Fiber

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of a segmented polyurethane. Dupont Company first produced spandex as Lycra in 1959. Lycra is a trade name of spandex fiber was given by "Dupont" The others trade name of spandex is Elastane, Elaspan, Linel, ROICA and ESPA according to the manufacturers. Now Spandex is widely used for producing stretch fabrics such as knit fabrics, denim, twill, canvas, etc.

Available fiber formation

• Spandex Textile Filament Fiber

Raw Materials of Spandex

• Polyurethane
• Natural latex

Properties of Spandex fiber

• Outstanding stretch and recovery.
• Extensibility is maximum 700%
• Stronger, more durable and higher retractive force than rubber
• Lightweight, soft, smooth, supple
• Widely use in garments for comfort and fit.
• Heat-settable — facilitates transforming puckered fabrics into flat fabrics, or flat fabrics into permanent rounded shapes
• Easily Dye-able
• Resistant to deterioration by body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents
• Abrasion resistant
• Available in fiber diameters ranging from 10 denier to 2500 denier
• Available in clear and opaque lustrous
• Easily sew-able with no needle breakage

End Uses:

• Most of the apparels where requires stretch and fit.

 

Spandex Fiber | Properties of Lycra | Elastane Fiber

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Spandex Fiber

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of a segmented polyurethane. Dupont Company first produced spandex as Lycra in 1959. Lycra is a trade name of spandex fiber was given by "Dupont" The others trade name of spandex is Elastane, Elaspan, Linel, ROICA and ESPA according to the manufacturers. Now Spandex is widely used for producing stretch fabrics such as knit fabrics, denim, twill, canvas, etc.

Available fiber formation

• Spandex Textile Filament Fiber

Raw Materials of Spandex

• Polyurethane
• Natural latex

Properties of Spandex fiber

• Outstanding stretch and recovery.
• Extensibility is maximum 700%
• Stronger, more durable and higher retractive force than rubber
• Lightweight, soft, smooth, supple
• Widely use in garments for comfort and fit.
• Heat-settable — facilitates transforming puckered fabrics into flat fabrics, or flat fabrics into permanent rounded shapes
• Easily Dye-able
• Resistant to deterioration by body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents
• Abrasion resistant
• Available in fiber diameters ranging from 10 denier to 2500 denier
• Available in clear and opaque lustrous
• Easily sew-able with no needle breakage

End Uses:

• Most of the apparels where requires stretch and fit.

 

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Olefin/Polypropylene fiber | Manufactured fiber Olefin

Olefin or Polypropylene Fiber

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units, except amorphous (non-crystalline) polyolefins. Commercially it was first produced by Hercules Incorporated(A chemical manufacturing company).




Raw Materials of Olefin

• Ethylene
• Propylene
• Other olefin units

Available Fiber Formation

• Olefin Staple Fiber
• Olefin Filament Fiber
• Olefin Carpet BCF Filament Fiber
• Olefin Film Fiber
• Polyethylene Fiber

Properties of Olefin Fiber

• Excellent abrasion resistant
• Highly strong
• Outstanding color fastness
• Quick drying
• Low static
• Resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, perspiration, rot and weather
• Thermally bond-able
• Stain and soil resistant
• Sunlight resistant
• Very comfortable
• Very lightweight (This fibers have the lowest specific gravity of all fibers)

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Automotive
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial

Olefin/Polypropylene fiber | Manufactured fiber Olefin

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Olefin or Polypropylene Fiber

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units, except amorphous (non-crystalline) polyolefins. Commercially it was first produced by Hercules Incorporated(A chemical manufacturing company).




Raw Materials of Olefin

• Ethylene
• Propylene
• Other olefin units

Available Fiber Formation

• Olefin Staple Fiber
• Olefin Filament Fiber
• Olefin Carpet BCF Filament Fiber
• Olefin Film Fiber
• Polyethylene Fiber

Properties of Olefin Fiber

• Excellent abrasion resistant
• Highly strong
• Outstanding color fastness
• Quick drying
• Low static
• Resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, perspiration, rot and weather
• Thermally bond-able
• Stain and soil resistant
• Sunlight resistant
• Very comfortable
• Very lightweight (This fibers have the lowest specific gravity of all fibers)

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Automotive
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial

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Nylon Fiber | Manufactured Fiber Nylon | Properties and End Uses

Nylon Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85% of the amide-linkages are attached directly (-CO-NH-) to two aliphatic groups. It was first synthetic true fiber, produced by "Dupont Company" on 28 February, 1935.

Raw Materials of Nylon 6, 6

• Adepic acid [ (CH2)4(COOH)2 ]
• Hexamethylene Diamine [ H2N(CH2)6NH2 ]

Raw Materials of Nylon 6

• Polyamides
• Caprolactum

Properties of Nylon Fiber

• Highest strong fiber.
• Elasticity is high.
• Abrasion resistant
• Lustrous
• Easy to wash
• Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
• Can be precolored or dyed in wide range of colors
• Resilient
• Low in moisture absorbency, MR - 4%
• Filament yarns provide smooth, soft, long-lasting fabrics
• Spun yarns lend fabrics light weight and warmth

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial useExtensively use for producing rope

Nylon Fiber | Manufactured Fiber Nylon | Properties and End Uses

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Nylon Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition-A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85% of the amide-linkages are attached directly (-CO-NH-) to two aliphatic groups. It was first synthetic true fiber, produced by "Dupont Company" on 28 February, 1935.

Raw Materials of Nylon 6, 6

• Adepic acid [ (CH2)4(COOH)2 ]
• Hexamethylene Diamine [ H2N(CH2)6NH2 ]

Raw Materials of Nylon 6

• Polyamides
• Caprolactum

Properties of Nylon Fiber

• Highest strong fiber.
• Elasticity is high.
• Abrasion resistant
• Lustrous
• Easy to wash
• Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
• Can be precolored or dyed in wide range of colors
• Resilient
• Low in moisture absorbency, MR - 4%
• Filament yarns provide smooth, soft, long-lasting fabrics
• Spun yarns lend fabrics light weight and warmth

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial useExtensively use for producing rope

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Synthetic Fiber Acrylic | Properties and Uses of Acrylic

Acrylic Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition- A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units (-CH2-CH[CN]-)x. First Commercially produced by "Dupont Company" on 1950s. It is called as synthetic wool for it's cold protecting characteristics. It is produced in the method of dry spinning where hot air is used for fiber formation.


Available Fiber Formation

•     Acrylic Tow Fiber
•     Acrylic Staple Fiber

Raw Materials of Acrylic
Acrylonitrile [  (-CH2-CH[CN]-)x ]

Properties of Acrylic Fiber

• Synthetic wool.
• Good in moisture absorb, MR - 1.5%.
• Excellent wickability & quick drying.
• Flexible aesthetics for wool-like, cotton-like, or blended appearance
• Washed easily
• Well resistant to moths, oil, and chemicals
• Easily dyeable with excellent color fastness
• Excellent resistance to sunlight degradation

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial Use
• Others

Synthetic Fiber Acrylic | Properties and Uses of Acrylic

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Acrylic Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition- A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units (-CH2-CH[CN]-)x. First Commercially produced by "Dupont Company" on 1950s. It is called as synthetic wool for it's cold protecting characteristics. It is produced in the method of dry spinning where hot air is used for fiber formation.


Available Fiber Formation

•     Acrylic Tow Fiber
•     Acrylic Staple Fiber

Raw Materials of Acrylic
Acrylonitrile [  (-CH2-CH[CN]-)x ]

Properties of Acrylic Fiber

• Synthetic wool.
• Good in moisture absorb, MR - 1.5%.
• Excellent wickability & quick drying.
• Flexible aesthetics for wool-like, cotton-like, or blended appearance
• Washed easily
• Well resistant to moths, oil, and chemicals
• Easily dyeable with excellent color fastness
• Excellent resistance to sunlight degradation

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishings
• Industrial Use
• Others

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Polyester Fiber | Raw Materials, Characteristics & Uses of Polyester

Polyester Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition- polyester is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by Polyethelene Terepthalate(PET).

Raw Materials of Polyester

• PET
• Ethelene Glycol

Fiber is available in the form of

• Polyester Tow Fiber
• Polyester Staple Fiber
• Polyester Fiberfill
• Polyester Textile Filament Fiber
• Polyester Industrial Filament Fiber
• PEN Fiber (Polyethylene Naphthalate)

Properties of Polyester Fiber:

• Very strong fiber.
• Low absorbency, MR- 0.4%
• Resistant to stretching and shrinking
• Chemical resistant is definitely high.
• Quick drying
• Crisp and resilient when wet or dry
• Wrinkle resistant
• Mildew resistant
• Abrasion resistant
• Retains heat-set pleats and crease
• Wash easily

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishing
• Industrial Uses

Polyester Fiber | Raw Materials, Characteristics & Uses of Polyester

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Polyester Fiber
FTC(Federal Trade Commission) Definition- polyester is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by Polyethelene Terepthalate(PET).

Raw Materials of Polyester

• PET
• Ethelene Glycol

Fiber is available in the form of

• Polyester Tow Fiber
• Polyester Staple Fiber
• Polyester Fiberfill
• Polyester Textile Filament Fiber
• Polyester Industrial Filament Fiber
• PEN Fiber (Polyethylene Naphthalate)

Properties of Polyester Fiber:

• Very strong fiber.
• Low absorbency, MR- 0.4%
• Resistant to stretching and shrinking
• Chemical resistant is definitely high.
• Quick drying
• Crisp and resilient when wet or dry
• Wrinkle resistant
• Mildew resistant
• Abrasion resistant
• Retains heat-set pleats and crease
• Wash easily

End Uses:

• Apparel
• Home Furnishing
• Industrial Uses

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Textile fibers and their classification

A textile fiber is a matter that can be spun into yarn or thread and finally produce fabrics There are numerous fiber exists all over the world but all of them are not textile fiber. The fibers which are only characterized by having minimum length, strength, crimp, cohesiveness, maturity, flexibility and uniformity are referred to as textile fiber. It is a matter that is either natural or man made that can be spun into yarn or thread the main element of making fabrics by different methods such as weaving, knitting, braiding, felting or twisting. In a word the material who has the ability to spin into yarn is referred to as a textile fiber. Usually, fiber has a common characteristic that it's length is 100 times greater than diameter but to be a textile fiber it would have some others characteristics except this one. Human hair is commonly known as a fiber but it is not textile fiber.

We get all the textile fiber in two different forms.

1. Staple: The fibers which have a length of minumum1cm to a certain limit of length is usually known as staple fiber. Except silk fiber all the natural fibers are staple fiber. Such as cotton, hemp, jute etc.

2. Filament: A long chain of fibrous material which are used to making yarn ( known as filament yarn) are called filament. To make yarn from filament they are used as single or as multiple. The yarn which is made of single filament is called mono-filament yarn and where more than one filaments are used is called multi-filament yarn. Silk is a natural filament and all the manufactured fibers are made as filament.

Types of Textile Fiber:

Textile fibers are divided in following three classes-

1. Natural Fiber

Naturally growing fibers are included here. According to source it is divided in the bellow three kinds

a) Vegetable Fiber

They are collected from the following different parts of plants.

Seed - Cotton, Kapok

Plant - Jute, Hemp, Flax

Leaf - Sisal, Abaca, Pina

b) Animal Fiber (protein fiber) - Wool, Silk, Cashmere, Mohair

c) Mineral Fiber - Glass fiber, Asbestos, Carbon fiber

2. Regenerated Fiber

Regenerated fibers are made from natural fiber through some chemical and physical modification . Cellulosic fibers are main element of making this type of fiber. They are Viscose, Viscose rayon, Acetate, Tri-acetate and lyocell.

3. Manufactured Fiber
These types of fibers are made by human completely. It is known as man made fibers. They develop as filament fiber with the aid of spinneret.  Unlike Natural fiber, the properties of this fiber can be determined or controlled early before the production occurs. Unlike natural, Synthetic fiber is produce in a filament yarn or filament staple yarn base on the end-use. The dimensional appearance can be varies according to the demands usage and in fact, it can be as same-like appearance and properties as the Natural fiber. Wet spinning, Melt spinning and Dry spinning method is used to make synthetic fiber. Man made fiber has more strength and durability, but less comfort than natural fiber. Common manufactured fibers are polyester, nylon, acrylic, tetron, polyacrylic, modacrylic, olefin etc.

Textile fibers and their classification

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A textile fiber is a matter that can be spun into yarn or thread and finally produce fabrics There are numerous fiber exists all over the world but all of them are not textile fiber. The fibers which are only characterized by having minimum length, strength, crimp, cohesiveness, maturity, flexibility and uniformity are referred to as textile fiber. It is a matter that is either natural or man made that can be spun into yarn or thread the main element of making fabrics by different methods such as weaving, knitting, braiding, felting or twisting. In a word the material who has the ability to spin into yarn is referred to as a textile fiber. Usually, fiber has a common characteristic that it's length is 100 times greater than diameter but to be a textile fiber it would have some others characteristics except this one. Human hair is commonly known as a fiber but it is not textile fiber.

We get all the textile fiber in two different forms.

1. Staple: The fibers which have a length of minumum1cm to a certain limit of length is usually known as staple fiber. Except silk fiber all the natural fibers are staple fiber. Such as cotton, hemp, jute etc.

2. Filament: A long chain of fibrous material which are used to making yarn ( known as filament yarn) are called filament. To make yarn from filament they are used as single or as multiple. The yarn which is made of single filament is called mono-filament yarn and where more than one filaments are used is called multi-filament yarn. Silk is a natural filament and all the manufactured fibers are made as filament.

Types of Textile Fiber:

Textile fibers are divided in following three classes-

1. Natural Fiber

Naturally growing fibers are included here. According to source it is divided in the bellow three kinds

a) Vegetable Fiber

They are collected from the following different parts of plants.

Seed - Cotton, Kapok

Plant - Jute, Hemp, Flax

Leaf - Sisal, Abaca, Pina

b) Animal Fiber (protein fiber) - Wool, Silk, Cashmere, Mohair

c) Mineral Fiber - Glass fiber, Asbestos, Carbon fiber

2. Regenerated Fiber

Regenerated fibers are made from natural fiber through some chemical and physical modification . Cellulosic fibers are main element of making this type of fiber. They are Viscose, Viscose rayon, Acetate, Tri-acetate and lyocell.

3. Manufactured Fiber
These types of fibers are made by human completely. It is known as man made fibers. They develop as filament fiber with the aid of spinneret.  Unlike Natural fiber, the properties of this fiber can be determined or controlled early before the production occurs. Unlike natural, Synthetic fiber is produce in a filament yarn or filament staple yarn base on the end-use. The dimensional appearance can be varies according to the demands usage and in fact, it can be as same-like appearance and properties as the Natural fiber. Wet spinning, Melt spinning and Dry spinning method is used to make synthetic fiber. Man made fiber has more strength and durability, but less comfort than natural fiber. Common manufactured fibers are polyester, nylon, acrylic, tetron, polyacrylic, modacrylic, olefin etc.

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