Nylon First commercially available synthetic fiber Polyamide, ISO equivalent of nylon Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 - most commonly used Derived from petroleum products o Limited production of bio-based nylon Thermoplastic, melt spun Dominates hosiery, carpet, and activewear industries Recyclable; carpet fiber is available with certified recycled content 2010-2012 TSC Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Fiber Structure Varying sizes o Microdenier and finer fibers apparel o Coarser yarns - rugs and carpets Varying shapes o Round cross-section - common o Trilobal - carpets o Hollow - insulation Inherently lustrous o Delusterant - medium or low luster
Nylon Performance Highlights Strength varies depending on extent of drawing and heat setting o Very high strength - seat belts and industrial products o High strength - carpets o Moderate strength - apparel High flex and flat abrasion resistance Drape varies Excellent wrinkle resistance High elastic recovery and resilience High extensibility Good dimensional stability
Nylon Performance Highlights Low moisture absorbance, hydrophobic o Not very comfortable in hot/humid conditions o Can be engineered to enhance liquid transport (wickability) o Dry quickly o Prone to static buildup Damaged by sunlight Rot resistant, not biodegradable Melts, thermoplastic
End Uses Apparel o Nylon/spandex blends: swimwear, leotards, and form-fitting garments requiring stretch o Legwear, hosiery, lingerie, socks o Tightly woven nylon fabrics: wind- and rain-resistant apparel Textiles for Interiors o Coarse nylon fibers with excellent crush resistance - residential tufted carpets
End Uses Household & Institutional Textiles o Flocked blankets and upholstery fabrics Technical Textiles o Luggage, bags, and belts o Outdoor tents, sleeping bags, and other sporting goods o Automobile upholstery, headliners, interior panels, and carpets
Care Launder or dry clean o Not damaged by detergents, stain removal agents or dry cleaning solvents Dry at low temperature; remove promptly Attracts soil and oil o Scavenger fiber o Clinging soil makes nylon grey and dingy o Easily stained in wash water by dyes from other items Ironing o Iron with care at low temperature
Polyester Derived from petroleum Poly(ethylene terephthalate), or PET, is most frequently used Elasterell-p -generic name of a sub-class of inherently elastic polyester Triexta - generic name of a sub-class of inherently stain resistant polyester, stronger than PET Thermoplastic, melt spun
Versatility of Polyester Easily blended with most fibers o Apparel and home furnishings o Similar to cotton in modulus (resistance to extension), and better suited than nylon for blending with cotton Engineered to resemble natural fibers o "linen look o silk-like o wool-like
Polyester Performance Highlights Strength varies from medium to high, depending on extent of drawing and heat setting Excellent abrasion resistance o Susceptible to pilling; pills do not readily detach Drape varies o Microfiber fabrics drape well Excellent wrinkle resistance High elastic recovery and resilience o Stretches and recovers well at low levels of elongation, but does not recover well when at higher levels of elongation
Polyester Performance Highlights Good dimensional stability, good shape retention in use Low moisture absorbance, hydrophobic o Not comfortable during hot/moist conditions o Blended with cellulosic fibers o Engineer to improve wickability o Dries quickly when wet o Prone to static buildup; clings in dry conditions Bulked fibers provide thermal insulation by trapping air between fibers Not damaged by sunlight Rot resistant, not biodegradable Melts, thermoplastic
Examples of End Uses Apparel o Blend with cotton or rayon- strong, easy care, comfortable garments o Blend with wool- men's suits o Pants, shirts, children's clothes, and outerwear fabric o High performance, moisture transport properties -sportswear Textiles for Interiors o Draperies, bedspreads, upholstery, tufted carpets and rugs o Recycled - upholstered furniture and carpets
End Uses Household & Institutional Textiles o Blends - bed linen, comforters, blankets, and table linen o Hollow fiberfill - comforters, pillows, and cushions Technical Textiles o Sleeping bags, tents, sails, ropes, fishing line, car seat belts, webbing, and luggage and other bags o Recycled - nonwoven fabric outdoor applications
Care Wash or dry clean o Not damaged by detergents, stain removal agents or dry cleaning solvents o Easy-to-care-for fiber o Oleophilic fiber; oil-based stains are difficult to remove Dry at low temperature, and remove promptly Iron at low temperature
Polyester recycling Physical recycling o PET bottles cleaned, chipped, melted and made into fibers o More common and less expensive Chemical recycling o Waste is chemically depolymerized, monomers used to create new polymers o More expensive Used for bags, floor coverings, furniture, apparel, and outdoor products