Popular synthetic material acrylic is valued for its affordability and adaptability. It’s commonly utilized in upholstery, outdoor gear, and apparel. Acrylic is a useful material for a variety of applications since, strangely, it can imitate the texture and warmth of natural fibers like wool despite being man-made.
The capacity of acrylic fabric to hold color and not fade even after several washings is one of its key benefits. It’s frequently used in winter apparel like sweaters and scarves because it’s soft, lightweight, and warms. If you’re searching for a less expensive substitute for natural fibers, acrylic provides a comparable feel without the additional cost.
Apart from its affordability, acrylic fabric is renowned for its ease of maintenance. Because it is resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and moth damage, it is a sturdy choice for regular use. Although some people favor natural materials, acrylic’s ability to combine comfort and functionality demonstrates that synthetic fibers can rival, if not outperform, their natural counterparts in some circumstances.
| Features | Description |
| Material Type | Acrylic is a synthetic fabric made from polymer fibers, offering softness similar to wool. |
| Durability | Acrylic is resistant to wear, sunlight, and moisture, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. |
| Warmth | This fabric provides good insulation, making it a popular choice for sweaters, blankets, and scarves. |
| Care | Acrylic fabric is easy to wash and dries quickly, but high heat can cause it to shrink. |
What is acrylic fabric
Modern synthetic fabrics hold a special place in the collection for acrylic fabrics. Synthetic acrylic resin is the translation of the name "acrylic" (Acrylic).
Acrylic fibers are artificially produced, yet the resulting fabric is light and fluffy. remarkably similar to wool that is natural. This must be the reason it’s frequently referred to as "artificial wool." This is caused by more than just the outward resemblance. Certain qualities indicate that acrylic fiber is better than wool yarn. It is smoother, more resilient, and produces fabric with a more pronounced pattern.
History of origin
The USA-based DuPont company was actively developing a new material in the mid-1900s to rival nylon, which was the industry standard at the time, in terms of quality and properties. These investigations led to the development of the synthetic fiber "Orlon," which was separated from polymers. The substance proved to be immensely useful and, in many ways, better than many of its artificial and natural counterparts at the time.
The new fabric did have one major drawback, though: the fibers were essentially immune to dyeing. It took DuPont chemists four years to figure out the solution to this issue. They essentially produced a revised iteration of an earlier-developed fabric that now complied with all specifications. Most importantly, it had exquisite color.
This is regarded as the birthdate of acrylic fabric, which expanded rapidly in the textile industry and eventually outperformed nylon in many ways. The ubiquitous acrylic fabric was referred to as "nitron fiber" or "nitron" in the USSR. We can argue that, from this point on, the world of high-quality clothing production began to shift toward artificial wool and fashionable materials, which have dominated the industry for the past 200 years.
What are acrylic
Natural gas is the starting point for the synthesis of chemical compounds, which is how synthetic fibers are made. Acrylic fibers are produced using them.
In this process, acrylonitrile predominates, and polyacrylonitrile is produced by polymerization with catalysts. To obtain fibers that meet international production standards, the composition of raw materials must include at least 85% acrylonitrile.
The primary constituent of acrylic fiber is a chemical that is hazardous by nature. However, using the resultant fiber is safe. Because acrylonitrile readily dissolves when mixed with other ingredients during the synthesis process.
Acrylic fiber is created into a continuous thread from a polyacrylonitrile resin solution through a sequence of chemical reactions. Because of the unique structure of acrylic threads, the resulting material is smooth, of excellent quality, and has a distinct weaving pattern; it is used to make home textiles and clothing.
Manufacturers spin fibers using either a wet or dry method to produce a variety of products.
After synthesizing raw materials, the techno sends the solution—which takes the form of a colorless fluid—to a container filled with water or air, where it rotates and is squeezed through specialized machinery. There, the fiber hardens following some processing. After that, it is cleaned, dried, and chopped to the required length.
Balls made of drooping threads are used to weave acrylic canvas using a variety of techniques, including Rogozhkova, knitted, linen, and jacquard.
Cut into the stitches, creating narrow strips of the same size, to restore matter to its original "woolen" structure after processing. They are entwined into threads that resemble wool. The knitted goods for the home are cozy and suitable for both adults and kids.
One of the characteristics of acrylic tissue is its unique staining pattern. Unlike what is typically the case, paint is added to the raw material during its production rather than coloring pigments being impregnated into the finished fabric. This technology produces very good results. Long-lasting paints saturate the fabric with vibrant color by penetrating deep into its structure.
Manufacturers create a variety of colored textiles. The material can be printed in a monochromatic style or with geometric, floral, or pattern designs.
The majority of acrylic fiber is made in Spain, Russia, China, and the USA.
Versatile and less expensive than natural fibers like wool, acrylic fabric provides the warmth and softness of wool without requiring as much maintenance. It is a fierce rival in the fashion and home textile markets thanks to its robustness, resistance to fading, and ability to replicate the texture and appearance of natural textiles. Acrylic can be a comfortable substitute for real wood for people looking for affordability, practicality, and style without sacrificing quality, even though it is man-made.
Acrylic composition
Acrylonitrile is the polymer on which acrylic fiber is based. Furthermore, pure synthetic fiber is rarely encountered, even though it is capable of existing as a stand-alone entity and being utilized.
Usually, it has different amounts of synthetic or natural fibers. Viscose, cotton, wool, and polyester are a few examples of additives used by manufacturers that greatly enhance the material’s initial qualities.
- Viscose increases the elasticity of the fabric, giving it softness and silkiness.
- Polyester makes the fabric more durable and moisture-resistant.
- Wool improves the appearance of the material and increases its performance properties.
- Cotton gives the synthetic fabric the hygienic properties of natural material.
Acrylic – is it a natural or synthetic material?
This is a question that buyers frequently ask when they first see this fabric, and you can confidently respond to it because you have studied the composition of acrylic. This material is synthetic based on the manufacturing process and the raw materials utilized. It is also produced artificially. However, the fact that acrylic fabric is derived from petroleum products does not mean that it should be avoided.
The fabric is tested for quality and safety against the environment at every stage of production. The advice to use the material’s many varieties in the creation of children’s clothing is the best assurance that it won’t cause harm. Additionally, clothes made of acrylic fabric are safer the more natural fibers it contains.
Acrylic properties
The substance is resilient, elastic, and wear-resistant.
Acrylic fabric does not fade, shrink, or deform when washed. It is also resistant to acids and alkalis. However, the structure can alter with continuous UV light exposure; it can shrink and become rigid.
The fabric melts when it burns, sintering into a hard lump and producing black smoke with a sour smell common to synthetic fabrics. You can tell that this is synthetic fiber rather than natural fiber based on these indicators.
Wearing the fabric is comfortable, and allergies are rare.
Pros and cons of the fabric
Based on customer reviews, a list of benefits and drawbacks has been compiled to support the main theme of this content.
Among the benefits, the majority of them mention the following:
- brightness of colors and shades, variety of colors and patterns;
- the material is soft in texture, pleasant to the touch;
- environmental safety;
- hypoallergenic fabric;
- good heat-saving properties and moisture resistance;
- easy care: the fabric hardly wrinkles and keeps its shape well, is easy to wash, dries quickly, does not shrink;
- acrylic clothes are comfortable due to their elasticity: nothing restricts movement;
- the fabric is not damaged by moths;
- does not fade in the sun and does not fade when washed with powder;
- the affordable price is attractive: acrylic items and yarn are always on sale.
It is important to note the drawbacks:
- acrylic clothes are electrified and attract dust – you can deal with this problem with the help of antistatic agents;
- in hot weather, you can quickly sweat in such clothes, the fabric does not “breathe” well – the problem is solved if you use a material that, in addition to acrylic, contains at least 30% of natural fibers;
- with long wear, the fabric rolls and pellets may appear on its surface – the clothes can be cleaned;
- oil and greasy stains that get on clothes are absorbed instantly and are difficult to wash out;
- when drying, things become stiff and even more electrified;
- not all types of acrylic fabric are suitable for children"s clothing;
- things can stretch and deform if not cared for properly.
Acrylic garments dry quickly after washing and hold heat well. These fabric qualities are frequently utilized when sewing winter models. However, acrylic fabric is also a common addition to summer apparel. It is frequently employed in the creation of airy knit garments.
Types of acrylic fabrics
Pure acrylic can be combined with synthetic and natural fibers to create new materials with enhanced characteristics. For instance, spraying acrylic fabric with vinyl or polyurethane enhances its ability to repel water and strengthens its resistance to abrasion.
Polyacrylic
Consists of 5% wool, cotton, and angora threads and 95% acrylic fibers. Clothes made of polyacrylic is incredibly cozy, convenient, and warm. It is easily able to replace items made of natural wool or angora in terms of quality.
Polyacrylic and acrylic are essentially the same substance. The prefix "poly" denotes that this fabric was made using polymer fibers.
Modacryl (modified acrylic)
Its production involves the use of vinyl and polyacrylic fibers. Most frequently, curtains and drapes for window décor are sewn from this fabric.
Microacrylic
Both by hand and on a knitting machine, acrylic yarn threads are used to knit clothing.
Acrylic yarn
The terms acrylic, acrylic, acrilik, acrylique, PAN (bulk), cashmilon, nitron, orlon, acrylane, dralon, courtel, and prelan are all used to refer to a long-lasting synthetic fiber derived from polyacrylonitrile, which is used to make yarn with characteristics and a structure similar to wool.
The notion that wool and acrylic fabric are interchangeable is untrue. They differ from one another in addition to sharing certain traits, looks, and areas of application in common.
Producing acrylic is less expensive. In terms of strength, shine, color brightness, elasticity, light weight, resistance to moisture, and exposure to high temperatures, it outperforms natural materials in terms of thermal insulation. Items made of acrylic dry quickly, don’t shrink after washing, and don’t prickle.
There are drawbacks as well: the fabric gets worn out easily (as anyone who has knit socks from acrylic will attest to), pellets accumulate on it that are challenging to remove, and it gets electrified. Items made of artificial wool lack the warmth of natural wool.
Every material, whether synthetic or natural, has advantages and disadvantages. In order to reduce the drawbacks of each and enhance their quality, producers frequently create blended fibers in varying ratios. For instance, if 100% wool is diluted with acrylic, the resulting yarn has increased wear resistance and does not shrink after washing.
Additionally, acrylic knitwear is a great substitute for wool for those who experience allergic reactions.
Among the many advantages that acrylic fabric provides, it is a particularly adaptable synthetic material. It is a popular option for both home textiles and clothing because of its strength, feel, and capacity to replicate the warmth and softness of natural fibers. It is also lightweight.
Acrylic is competitive with natural materials even though it is synthetic, particularly in terms of cost and upkeep. It’s a useful choice for daily use because it dries fast, doesn’t wrinkle, and keeps its vivid colors over time.
Although acrylic lacks the plush feel of wool or the breathability of cotton, it still manages to combine affordability and comfort well. Acrylic is a good alternative to more expensive natural textiles that is definitely worth taking into account.
