SYNTHETIC FIBER

'Synthetic fibres' are the result of extensive research by scientists to increase and improve upon the supply of naturally occurring animal and plant fibres that have been used in making cloth and rope.
In general, synthetic fibres, or man-made fibres, are created by forcing, usually through extrusion, fibre forming materials through holes (called spinnerets) into the air, forming a thread.
Common synthetic fibres include:

★ Rayon (1910) (an artificial fibre, but not truly synthetic)

★ Acetate (1924)

★ Nylon (1939)

★ Modacrylic (1949)

★ Olefin (1949)

★ Acrylic (1950)

★ Polyester (1953)

★ PLA (2002)
Specialty synthetic fibres include:

★ Vinyon (1939)

★ Saran (1941)

★ Spandex (1959)

★ Vinalon (1939)

★ Aramids (1961) - known as Nomex, Kevlar and Twaron

★ Modal (1960's)

★ PBI (Polybenzimidazole fibre) (1983)

★ Sulfar (1983)

★ Lyocell (1992)

★ Dyneema/Spectra (1979)

★ M-5 (PIPD fibre)

★ Orlon

★ Zylon (PBO fibre)

★ Vectran (TLCP fibre) made from Vectra LCP polymer
Other synthetic materials used in fibres include:

★ Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)
Modern fibres that are made from older artificial materials include:

★ Glass Fiber is used for:

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★ industrial, automotive, and home insulation (Fiberglass)

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★ reinforcement of composite and plastics

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★ specialty papers in battery separators and filtration

★ Metallic fiber (1946) is used for:

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★ adding metallic properties to clothing for the purpose of fashion (usually made with composite plastic and metal foils)

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★ elimination and prevention of static charge build-up

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★ conducting electricity to transmit information

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★ conduction of heat

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References

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

See also

★ Inventory of Synthetic Fibers