Synthetic fiber: Difference between revisions
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'''Synthetic fibers''' are the result of extensive research by [[scientist]]s to improve upon naturally occurring [[animal]] and plant [[fiber]]s. In general, [[Synthetic chemical|synthetic]] fibers are created by forcing, usually through [[extrusion]], fiber forming materials through holes (called spinnerets) into the air, forming a thread. Before synthetic fibers were developed, artificially manufactured fibers were made from [[cellulose]], which comes from [[plants]]. These fibers are called [[cellulose fiber]]s. |
'''Synthetic fibers''' are the result of extensive research by [[scientist]]s to improve upon naturally occurring [[animal]] and plant [[fiber]]s. In general, [[Synthetic chemical|synthetic]] fibers are created by forcing, usually through [[extrusion]], fiber forming materials through holes (called spinnerets) into the air, forming a thread. Before synthetic fibers were developed, artificially manufactured fibers were made from [[cellulose]], which comes from [[plants]]. These fibers are called [[cellulose fiber]]s. |
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Synthetic |
Synthetic fibers account for about half of all fiber usage, with applications in every field of fiber and textile technology. Although many classes of fiber based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them - nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin - dominate the market. These four account for approximately 98 per cent by volume of synthetic fiber production, with polyester alone accounting for around 60 per cent.<ref>[http://www.woodheadpublishing.com/en/book.aspx?bookID=510]</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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* [[Modal (textile)|Modal]] (1960's) |
* [[Modal (textile)|Modal]] (1960's) |
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* [[Dyneema|Dyneema/Spectra]] (1979) |
* [[Dyneema|Dyneema/Spectra]] (1979) |
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* [[Polybenzimidazole |
* [[Polybenzimidazole fiber|PBI]] (Polybenzimidazole fiber) (1983) |
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{{ColBreak}} |
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* [[Poly(p-phenylene sulfide)|Sulfar]] (1983) |
* [[Poly(p-phenylene sulfide)|Sulfar]] (1983) |
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==Industry structure== |
==Industry structure== |
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During the last quarter of 20th century, Asian share of global output of synthetic |
During the last quarter of 20th century, Asian share of global output of synthetic fibers doubled to 65 per cent.<ref>[http://www.fibersource.com/F-Info/fiber%20production.htm]</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 01:40, 9 May 2010
Synthetic fibers are the result of extensive research by scientists to improve upon naturally occurring animal and plant fibers. In general, synthetic fibers are created by forcing, usually through extrusion, fiber forming materials through holes (called spinnerets) into the air, forming a thread. Before synthetic fibers were developed, artificially manufactured fibers were made from cellulose, which comes from plants. These fibers are called cellulose fibers.
Synthetic fibers account for about half of all fiber usage, with applications in every field of fiber and textile technology. Although many classes of fiber based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them - nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin - dominate the market. These four account for approximately 98 per cent by volume of synthetic fiber production, with polyester alone accounting for around 60 per cent.[1]
History
The first artificial fiber, known as artificial silk, became known as viscose around 1894, and finally rayon in 1924. A similar product known as cellulose acetate was discovered in 1865. Rayon and acetate are both artificial fibers, but not truly synthetic, being made from wood. Although these artificial fibers were discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, successful modern manufacture began much later (see the dates below).
Nylon, the first synthetic fiber, made its debut in the United States as a replacement for silk, just in time for World War II rationing. Its novel use as a material for women's stockings overshadowed more practical uses, such as a replacement for the silk in parachutes and other military uses.
Common synthetic fibers include:
- Rayon (1910) (artificial, not synthetic)
- Acetate (1924) (artificial, not synthetic)
- Nylon (1939)
- Modacrylic (1949)
- Olefin (1949)
- Acrylic (1950)
- Polyester (1953)
- Carbon fiber (1968)
Specialty synthetic fibers include: Template:MultiCol
- Vinyon (1939)
- Saran (1941)
- Spandex (1959)
- Vinalon (1939)
- Aramids (1961) - known as Nomex, Kevlar and Twaron
- Modal (1960's)
- Dyneema/Spectra (1979)
- PBI (Polybenzimidazole fiber) (1983)
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- Sulfar (1983)
- Lyocell (1992)
- PLA (2002)
- M-5 (PIPD fiber)
- Orlon
- Zylon (PBO fiber)
- Vectran (TLCP fiber) made from Vectra LCP polymer
- Derclon used in manufacture of rugs
Other synthetic materials used in fibers include:
- Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)
Modern fibers that are made from older artificial materials include:
- Glass Fiber is used for:
- industrial, automotive, and home insulation (Fiberglass)
- reinforcement of composite and plastics
- specialty papers in battery separators and filtration
- Metallic fiber (1946) is used for:
- adding metallic properties to clothing for the purpose of fashion (usually made with composite plastic and metal foils)
- elimination and prevention of static charge build-up
- conducting electricity to transmit information
- conduction of heat
In the horticulture industry synthetics are often used in soils to help the plants grow better. Examples are:
- expanded polystyrene flakes
- urea-formaldehyde foam resin
- polyurethane foam
- phenolic resin foam
Industry structure
During the last quarter of 20th century, Asian share of global output of synthetic fibers doubled to 65 per cent.[2]
See also
References
- The original source of this article and much of the synthetic fiber articles (copied with permission) is Whole Earth magazine, No. 90, Summer 1997. www.wholeearth.com
