Elastomeric Fibers Most elastomeric fibers stretch over 400% and return back to their original size Rubber o Natural rubber o Synthetic rubber Spandex o Most commonly used elastomer o Elastane - ISO equivalent of spandex Lastol o Sub-group of olefin Elastoester 2010-2012 TSC Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Elastomeric Fibers Performance Highlights Rubber o o Natural Least expensive Deteriorates Synthetic Damaged by dry cleaning solvents, chlorine bleach, sunlight, perspiration, oil, and ageing 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 Highlights Lastol o Sub-class of olefin o Good resistance to heat, chemicals, and chlorine bleach o Easier to dye than spandex 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 Elasterell-p o Stretches 100%, not 400% o Sub-class of olefin
Comfort Stretch Term that describes fabrics with about 10%-15% stretch 2%-5% of spandex or other elastomeric fiber combined with other fibers to add stretch in woven fabrics Fabrics have moderate elasticity
Power Stretch Stretch 30%-50% with good recovery Figure-controlling Sportswear and foundation garments o Bare elastomeric yarns - weaker and less expensive o Covered/wrapped elastomeric yarns - stronger
End Uses Apparel o Swimwear, leotards, tights, and other close-fitting garments o Socks, undergarments, hosiery, and elasticized waistbands o Stretch jeans, pants, and suits Technical Textiles o Medical applications, support hose, elasticized bandages
Care Laundering and dry cleaning requirements vary o Some spandex fibers degrade in chlorine Ironing instructions vary Storage o Rubber - susceptible to ageing o Lastol - good resistance to ageing
PLA, Polylactic acid Fiber-forming substance is composed of at least 85% by weight of lactic acid ester units derived from naturally occurring sugars Made from chemicals derived from the sugars in corn and sugarcane Biodegradable Good flame resistance Excellent UV resistance 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
Modacrylic Contains less than 85% but at least 35% acrylonitrile plus copolymer Properties vary considerably Heat resistant Excellent shape retention Low strength Low abrasion resistance Good wrinkle resistance Rot resistant Not easily damaged by sunlight 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 Fibers Polyamides with aromatic units in the polymer o Properties - distinctive from nylon Meta-aramid Very strong Somewhat flexible and dyeable Inherently heat and flame resistant; does not melt at high temperatures Examples - Nomex and Teijinconex Uses: o Firefighter uniforms, protective apparel, seat covers for planes, and electrical insulation
Aramid Fibers Para-aramid Very strong fibers; cut resistant and impact resistant Very low flexibility Inherently bright yellow and difficult to dye o Examples - Kevlar and Twaron Uses: o Bullet proof vests and cut resistant fabrics
Metallic Fibers Historically made with fine gold and silver fibers Majority are plastic-coated strands of laminated and slit plastic/foil/plastic sheet 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 Some made of fine metallic fibers Uses: o Decoration o Technical textiles Metal filament, woven or knitted to produce "smart" textiles Conduct static charge