Manufactured Synthetic Fibres Learning Objectives Understand the sources

Manufactured Synthetic Fibres Learning Objectives: • Understand the sources, properties and uses of manufactured synthetic fibres. • Identify the advantages and disadvantages of manufactured synthetic fibres.

Manufactured Synthetic Fibres – Polyamide (Nylon) Properties: • Very strong • Hard-wearing • Does not decompose (rot) • Melts as it burns • Not very absorbent so it dries quickly • Crease resistant • Resists alkalis but can be damaged by acids. • Versatile - can be made into many types of products. Advantages: • Strong when wet • Inexpensive • Resists bacteria • Durable and long lasting Disadvantages: • Can be damaged by sunlight which discolours it and makes it weak. • Low absorbency • Not always comfortable to wear. Uses: Fabric Names: • Clothing • Nylon • Ropes • Tactel • Carpets & rugs • Tactel Micro • Seat belts

Manufactured Synthetic Fibres. Polyester Properties: • Very strong • Can be made flame resistant • Thermoplastic – can be heat set into pleats and shapes. • Does not decompose • Resists most alkalis but can be damaged by acids. • Versatile as it can be made into many types of products. Fabric Names: Uses: • Sportswear • Ties • Sewing threads • Medical textiles • Net curtains Terylene Polar Fleece Trevira Finesse Miratec Dacron • Carpets Advantages: Disadvantages: • Strong when wet • Poor absorbency so it is difficult to dye. • Dries quickly • Crease resistant • Cheap • Resists bacteria

Manufactured Synthetic Fibres Acrylic Properties: • Strong when it is dry but weaker when wet. • Shrinks away from heat. • Thermoplastic • Burns slowly then melts. • Soft • Warm • Easy to wash and dry. Uses: Knitwear Upholstery fabrics Fake fur Sportswear Toys Advantages: • Warm Disadvantages: • Poor absorbency • Soft • Insulating • Inexpensive • Dries quickly Fabric Names: Courtelle Amicor

Manufactured Synthetic Fibres Elastane Properties: • Very elastic • Lightweight • Very strong • Resists chemicals • Not damaged by perspiration • Aids crease resistance Uses: • Swimwear • Sportswear • Jeans Advantages: Disadvantages: • Very stretchy • Very poor absorbency • Keeps its shape • Always needs to be blended with other fibres. It is too stretchy and elastic to be used on its own. • Resistant to damage by sun and seawater • Lightweight • Strong • Makes garments comfortable to wear Fabric names: Lycra

Regenerated Cellulose Fibres Regenerated cellulose fibres are made from wood pulp and chemicals. They are similar to cotton. Names of regenerated fibres: Viscose Rayon Acetate Triacetate Modal Tencel Lyocell Properties of Regenerated Cellulose Fibres: • Highly absorbent These are environmentally friendly fibres because they reuse waste chemicals in the production process. Uses: • Lyocell is used as a non woven fabric for medical wipes and swabs. • Fashion clothing • Washable • Lingerie • Soft • Ribbons • Smooth • Protective clothing • Comfortable to wear • Drape well • High strength when wet