Acrylonitrile, the substance from which acrylic fibers are produced, was first made in 1893 in Germany and was used as another chemical in research for the DuPont Company. First used for outdoor purposes, technology has allowed acrylic to come a long way, and it is now most commonly used in apparel and carpets. DuPont ceased production of acrylic in 1991, and only a handful of companies produce acrylic today.
Acrylic fibers create a fine, soft and luxurious fabric with the bulk and hand of wool.
Production of Acrylic Acrylic fibers are produced from a petrochemical called acrylontrile and are dry spun or wet spun. In dry spinning, the polymers are dissolved in a suitable solvent, extruded into warm air, and solidified by the evaporation of the solvent. After spinning, the fibers are stretched hot, three to ten times their original length, and then crimped, and marketed as cut staple or tow. In wet spinning, the polymer is dissolved in solvent, extruded into a coagulating bath, dried, crimped, and collected as tow . 1 Acrylic fibers are usually modified to create special properties best suited for their end-uses and are unique because of their uneven surface.