Synthetic fiber

== Description ==
Fibers manufactured from substances that have been produced or modified by chemical reactions. Artificial fibers were first made in 1842 when molten glass was formed into filaments. By the late 1880s, man-made fabrics were being made from Cellulose nitrate and Rayon fibers. Current examples include: Acetate, Acrylic, Alginic, Anidex, Aramid, Azlon, Casein, Cupro, Nylon, Novoloid, Nytril, Modacrylic, Modal, Olefin, Polyester, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Saran, Spandex, Sulfar, Triacetate, Vinal, and Vinyon.
==Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 1)==
Fiber 	Composition 	Development date 	Common trade name 	Density 	Density 	Denier (g/9000m)	Tenacity (g/denier) 	Elongation at break (%) 	Elongation at break (%) 	Initial modulus	Moisture regain (%)
acetate 	cellulose triacetate 	1919 	Celanese; Arnel; Tenite 	1.25-1.35	1.25-1.35	 	1.1-1.4 (dry); 0.65- 0.75 wet) 	25-35 (dry); 35-45 (wet) 	25-35 (dry); 35-45 (wet) 	35-40 	6.5
acrylic 	>85% acrylonitrile 	1950 	Acrilan, Creslan, Courtelle, Orlon	1.16-1.18	1.16-1.18	2-8 	2-3.6 (dry) 	20-55 	20-55 	25-63 	1.0-3.0
aramid (meta) 	poly-m-phenylene terephthalamide	 	Nomex, Conex 	1.38 	1.38 	2-5 	3-6 	2-30 	2-30 	130-150 	3.5
aramid (para) 	poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide	1965 	Kevlar 	1.44 	1.44 	1.0-1.5 	25-30 	3-6 	3-6 	500- 1000 	7.0
azlon 	protein 	1930s 	Aralac, Ardil, Lanital 	1.25-1.3 	1.25-1.3 	 	0.9-1.1 (dry); 0.3- 0.6 (wet) 	60-70 	60-70 	 	14
modacrylic 	35-85% acrylonitrile 	1949 	Dynel; Verel, SEF 	1.35-1.37	1.35-1.37	2-8 	1.8-2.5 (dry); 1.7- 2.4 (wet) 	35-48 	35-48 	25-56 	0.4-4.0
nylon 6 	polycaprolactam 	1939 	Perlon; Kapron, Power silk 	1.14 	1.14 	1.5-5 	3.8-8.3 (dry); 3.5- 7.1 (wet) 	16-50 (dry); 19-55 (wet) 	16-50 (dry); 19-55 (wet) 	25-35 	3.5-5.0
nylon 6,6 	polyhexamethylene adipamide 	1935 	Fiber 66; Antron; Stainmaster 	1.14 	1.14 	1.5-5 	4.6-9.0 (dry); 4.0- 7.7 (wet) 	19-40% (dry); 32- 46% (wet)	19-40% (dry); 32- 46% (wet)	33-46 	3.8-4.5
nytril 	>85% vinylidene dintrile 	1955; discontinued in 1970s	Darvan 	1.18 	1.18 	 	2.0 (dry); 1.7 (wet) 	30 	30 	 	2-3
polyester 	polyester terephthalate 	1941 	Dacron, Terylene; Hollytex 	 	 	1.5-5 	2.2-9.5 	10-50 	10-50 	25-50 	0.1-0.4
polyethylene 	high density polyethylene 	1954 	Tyvek; Reevon 	0.95-0.96	0.95-0.96	2-10 	5.0-8.0 	14-20 	14-20 	 	<0.1
polypropylene 	polypropylene 	1957 	Herculon, Marvess 	0.85-0.94	0.85-0.94	2-10 	3.5-9.0 	15-35 	15-35 	29-45 	<0.1
polyurethane 	>85%polyurethane 	1958 	spandex, Lycra 	1.20-1.25	1.20-1.25	2.5-20 	0.5-1.5 	500-700 	500-700 	 	0.3-1.2
polyvinyl chloride	>85% vinyl chloride units 	 	vinyon; Evilon, Thermovyl 	1.38-1.40	1.38-1.40	 	2.7-3.0 (wet or dry) 	12-20 	12-20 	 	0
rayon (cupro) 	regenerated cellulose 	1890 	Cuprama; Cupresa 	1.54 	1.54 	2-3 	1.7-2.3 (dry); 1.1- 1.135 (wet) 	10-17 (dry); 17-23 (wet) 	10-17 (dry); 17-23 (wet) 	 	11-12.5
rayon (viscose) 	regenerated cellulose 	1892 	Avtex 	1.46-1.54	1.46-1.54	2-3 	2.0-2.6 (wdry); 1.0- 1.5 (wet) 	13-15 (dry); 20-40 (wet) 	13-15 (dry); 20-40 (wet) 	 	11-16.6
vinal 	>50% vinyl alcohol units 	1924 	Synthofil; Vinylon 	1.26-1.30	1.26-1.30	 	3.0 -8.5 (dry); 3.2- 7.6 (wet)	9-26 (dry); 10-27 (wet) 	9-26 (dry); 10-27 (wet) 	 	3.0-9.0
==Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 2)==
Fiber 	Degradation 	Degradation 	Dyes used 	Dyes used 	Microscopic characteristics 	Microscopic characteristics 	Microscopic characteristics 	Applications 	Applications 	Applications
acetate 	Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis 	Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis 	disperse 	disperse 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters
acrylic 	Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge 	Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge 	basic, disperse, pigment 	basic, disperse, pigment 	variable cross section 	variable cross section 	variable cross section 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters
aramid (meta) 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	 	 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing
aramid (para) 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	 	 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements
azlon 	Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths 	Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths 	 	 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	silk substitute 	silk substitute 	silk substitute
modacrylic 	Resistant to alkalis and acids 	Resistant to alkalis and acids 	 	 	 	 	 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents
nylon 6 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery
nylon 6,6 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes
nytril 	Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects. 	Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects. 	 	 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends
polyester 	Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson. 	Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson. 	disperse, pigment 	disperse, pigment 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics	permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics	permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics
polyethylene 	Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight	Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight	basic, disperse pigments 	basic, disperse pigments 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications
polypropylene 	Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration 	Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration 	basic, disperse pigments 	basic, disperse pigments 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics
polyurethane 	Chlorine causes slow degradation 	Chlorine causes slow degradation 	acid, disperse, reactive, vat 	acid, disperse, reactive, vat 	 	 	 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes
polyvinyl chloride	Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light 	Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light 	basic, disperse, pigment 	basic, disperse, pigment 	irregular cross section 	irregular cross section 	irregular cross section 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc) 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc) 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc)
rayon (cupro) 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	 	 	circular cross section with no striations 	circular cross section with no striations 	circular cross section with no striations 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments
rayon (viscose) 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	direct 	direct 	lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal	lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal	lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal	rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane) 	rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane) 	rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane)
vinal 	Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals. 	Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals. 	 	 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings. 	raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings. 	raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings.
==Fiber Burn Tests==
Fiber 	Appearance 	Odor 	Residue
Natural fibers 	Natural fibers 	Natural fibers 	Natural fibers
Cotton 	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper 	burnt paper 	burnt ends look bushy
Linen 	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper 	burnt paper 	burnt ends appear melted together
Silk 	Burns and bubbles faster than wool with a yellow flame 	burnt hair (mild) 	black, brittle, spherical beads
Weighted silk 	Does not burn; the fabric will char 	burnt hair (faint) 	fabric retains shape
Wool 	Burns slowly; bubbles while burning; easy to put out flame 	burnt hair (strong) 	black, brittle, irregular beads
Synthetic fibers 	Synthetic fibers 	Synthetic fibers 	Synthetic fibers
Acrylic 	Burns readily with smoky flame 	acidic 	hard ash
Aramid 	Does not burn 	 	
Cellulose acetate 	Burns fast with a yellow flame; may melt and sputter 	burnt paper 	hard, black beads; similar to silk
Modacrylic 	Self-extinguishing 	 	
Nylon 	Melts first, then ignites and burns rapidly. 	burnt plastic 	
Polyester 	Difficult to ignite, self-extinguishing. Burns with shiny, yellow-orange, sooty flame.	sweet 	hard ash
Polyethylene 	Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. Softens at 120 C. 	 	
Polypropylene 	Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. 	 	
Polyurethane 	Burns with bright flame and minimal smoke 	 	
Polyvinyl chloride 	Burns with green smoky flame, self- extinguishing. 	acidic; releases hydrochloric acid	
Rayon (regenerated cellulose)	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper 	burnt paper 	light, white ash
Vinal 	Does not burn 	 	
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
synthetic fibers; man-made fiber; manmade fiber; man-made fibre; fibras sintéticas(Esp.)
== For easy printing and to download ==
== Resources and Citations ==
* Wikipedia: Synthetic fiber Accessed Oct. 2024
* Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
* Rosalie Rosso King, Textile Identification, Conservation, and Preservation, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985
* Marjory L. Joseph, Introductory Textile Science, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Fort Worth, TX, 1986
* J.Gordon Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:II Man-made Fibres, Merrow Publishing Co. , Durham, England
* Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
* Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory:ComparisonsCategory: Sheet, Fabric