Elastomeric FibersElastomeric Fibers
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Most elastomeric fibers stretch over 400% and return back to their original size
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Rubber
o
Natural rubber
o
Synthetic rubber
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Spandex
o
Most commonly used elastomer
o
Elastane -
ISO equivalent of spandex
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Lastol
o
Sub-group of olefin
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Elastoester
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2010 -
2012 TSC Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Elastomeric Fibers Performance HighlightsElastomeric Fibers Performance Highlights
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Rubber
o
Natural
Least expensive
Deteriorates
o
Synthetic
Damaged by dry cleaning solvents, chlorine bleach, sunlight, perspiration, oil, and ageing
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Spandex
o
Consists of segments of polyurethane and a comonomer
o
Susceptible to heat
o
Susceptible to chlorine except chlorine resistant variations
o
Weak
o
Low abrasion resistance
o
Highly elastic
Elastomeric Fibers Performance HighlightsElastomeric Fibers Performance Highlights
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Lastol
o
Sub-class of olefin
o
Good resistance to heat, chemicals, and chlorine bleach
o
Easier to dye than spandex
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Elastoester
o
Polyester and polyether
segmented copolymer
o
Stretch and recovery not as high as spandex
o
Good resistance to wet heat and bleach
o
Easier to dye than spandex
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Elasterell-p
o
Stretches 100%, not 400%
o
Sub-class of olefin
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Term that describes fabrics with about 10%-15% stretch
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2%-5% of spandex or other elastomeric fiber combined with other fibers to add stretch in woven fabrics
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Fabrics have moderate elasticity
Comfort StretchComfort Stretch
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Stretch 30%-50% with good recovery
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Figure-controlling
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Sportswear and foundation garments
o
Bare elastomeric yarns -
weaker and less expensive
o
Covered/wrapped elastomeric yarns -
stronger
Power StretchPower Stretch
End UsesEnd Uses
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Apparel
o
Swimwear, leotards, tights, and other close-fitting garments
o
Socks, undergarments, hosiery, and elasticized waistbands
o
Stretch jeans, pants, and suits
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Technical Textiles
o
Medical applications, support hose, elasticized bandages
CareCare
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Laundering and dry cleaning requirements vary
o
Some spandex fibers degrade in chlorine
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Ironing instructions vary
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Storage
o
Rubber -
susceptible to ageing
o
Lastol -
good resistance to ageing
PLA, PLA, PolylacticPolylactic
acid acid
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Fiber-forming substance is composed of at least 85% by weight of lactic acid ester units derived from naturally occurring sugars
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Made from chemicals derived from the sugars in corn and sugarcane
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Biodegradable
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Good flame resistance
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Excellent UV resistance
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Uses:
o
Fiberfill and nonwoven applications
o
Limited uses for apparel and home furnishings
o
Non-fiber applications, disposable plastic products such as cups for cold beverages
ModacrylicModacrylic
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Contains less than 85% but at least 35% acrylonitrile
plus copolymer
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Properties vary considerably
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Heat resistant
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Excellent shape retention
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Low strength
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Low abrasion resistance
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Good wrinkle resistance
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Rot resistant
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Not easily damaged by sunlight
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Uses:
o
Faux (artificial) furs
o
Hair pieces that retain curls created with heated curling irons
o
Flame resistant blankets
o
Sun and weather resistant outdoor fabrics
Aramid FibersAramid Fibers
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Polyamides with aromatic units in the polymer
o
Properties -
distinctive from nylon
Meta-aramid
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Very strong
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Somewhat flexible and dyeable
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Inherently heat and flame resistant; does not melt at high temperatures
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Examples -
Nomex®
and Teijinconex®
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Uses:
o
Firefighter uniforms, protective apparel, seat covers for planes, and electrical insulation
Aramid FibersAramid Fibers
Para-aramid
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Very strong fibers; cut resistant and impact resistant
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Very low flexibility
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Inherently bright yellow and difficult to dye
o Examples -
Kevlar®
and Twaron®
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Uses:
o Bullet proof vests and cut resistant fabrics
Metallic FibersMetallic Fibers
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Historically made with fine gold and silver fibers
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Majority are plastic-coated strands of laminated and slit plastic/foil/plastic sheet
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Also produced by:
o
Covering a core yarn with a metal strip
o
Coating the surface of the yarn with metal vapor
o
Attaching the metal to the surface of the yarn with resin
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Some made of fine metallic fibers
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Uses:
o
Decoration
o
Technical textiles
Metal filament, woven or knitted to produce "smart" textiles
Conduct static charge
