Chapter 8 Synthetic fibers PDF

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SYNTHETIC FIBERS Learning objectives: By the end of the topic students should be able to: 

Know the characteristics common to most synthetic fibers

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Identify the synthetic fibers used in apparel and interiors

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Describe similarities and differences in characteristics and performance among synthetic fibers

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Integrates common synthetic fibers with target market needs

Introduction -

Regenerated fibers are produced from naturally occurring polymers while the synthetic fibers are made from synthesized simple molecules

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Synthetic fibers are made from synthetic polymers

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Different chemical produce nylon, polyester, olefin and acrylic

Consumers view synthetic fibers negatively because: 

inappropriate end use

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poor fashion image

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damage to the environment

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poor comfort characteristics

Properties Common to Synthetic Fibers Properties Heat sensitive

Importance to consumer 

Fabrics shrinks an melt in excess heat, holes may appear

Resistant to most chemicals

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Pleats, creases and 3D Shapes can be set

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Yarns can be textured for bulk

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Used in chemical applications in which chemical resistance is required

Resistant to insects, fungi and

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Used for sandbags, fish lines and tents

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Resist stains, uncomfortable in humid weather,

rot Low moisture absorbency

difficult to dye Oleophilic

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Oil and grease must be removed with dry cleaning agents

Abrasion Resistant

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Resistant to wear

Resilience Excellent

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Easy to care

Flame resistant

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Varies with fabric

Sunlight resistant

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Used in outdoor furniture

Manufacturing Process 

Manufacturing processes are; melt spinning, drawing and heat setting

Common Fiber Modification Fiber may be altered for different characteristics in terms of; 

Fiber shape and size

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Low pilling fibers

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High tenacity fibers

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Low elongation fibers

Identification of Synthetic Fibers 

Burning test can be used because of melting and dripping

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Microscopic appearance is not reliable

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Solubility tests and sophisticated spectroscopic instrumental analyses are the only procedures that differentiate among the synthetic fibers

SYNTHETIC FIBERS 1. NYLON Nylon was the first synthetic fiber to be discovered Table Showing the Summary of Performance of Nylon in Apparel and Interior Textiles

Aesthetics

Variable

Durability

Excellent

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Abrasion resistance

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Excellent

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Tenacity

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Excellent

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Elongation

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high

Comfort

Poor

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Absorbency

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Poor

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Thermal retention

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moderate

Appearance retention

High

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Resiliency

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High

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Dimensional stability

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High

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Elastic recovery

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excellent

Recommended care

Machine wash apparel Absorbent powder method for interior textile

Sustainability 

Nylon resists natural degradation and does not degrade quickly



Nylon is processed from petrochemicals which harm environment

Uses 

Widely used for carpets, lingerie, women’s tights and hosiery, umbrellas, luggage etc.

2. POLYESTER Polyester is widely used It is a synthetic polymer made of an ester of a substituted aromatic carboxylic acid 

It is known for excellent durability

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High appearance retention

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Poor comfort

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Used widely for apparel interiors, fiberfill

Sustainability Production of polyester uses less energy than production of nylon but more energy than cotton production Polyester is extensively recycled using chemical or mechanical processing

3. OLEFIN It is a manufactured fiber of synthetic ethylene propylene or other olefin units It has: 

High durability,

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Moderate comfort,

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Excellent appearance retention

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Low absorbency

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Oleophilic nature

Sustainability It easier to recycle Uses- used in blends active wear, exercise apparel and athletic wear, carpets

4. ACRYLIC Has wool like characteristics It is manufactured fiber in which the polymer is composed of synthetic acrylonitrile 

Moderate durability

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Comfort

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Appearance retention

Sustainability Acrylic is resistant to natural sources of degradation including mold, mildew, rot or any chemical Uses- fleece fabrics, sweaters, socks, active sportswear, crafts yarn, upholstery fabrics...