Given their many advantages over natural materials, synthetic fabrics are now a necessary component of contemporary apparel. Man-made fibers, created by a variety of chemical processes, are used to make these fabrics. They have changed dramatically over time, becoming more robust, adaptable, and reasonably priced.
Synthetic fabric production calls for the application of cutting-edge technology and creative methods. This enables producers to produce materials that are robust and resilient to deterioration. These qualities make synthetic materials perfect for a range of apparel items, from sportswear to daily wear.
The versatility of synthetic fabrics is one of their main benefits. They can be made to have properties similar to those of natural fibers, or they can have entirely different features, like elasticity, quick drying, and moisture wicking. Their extensive use in the fashion industry and other fields can be attributed to their versatility.
Production Features | Use Cases |
Synthetic fabrics are made from chemical compounds, primarily petroleum-based. | Commonly used in activewear due to their durability and moisture-wicking properties. |
Manufacturing involves processes like polymerization and extrusion to create fibers. | Widely used in everyday clothing for their affordability and versatility. |
Often enhanced with additives for specific properties like UV resistance. | Ideal for outdoor gear due to their resistance to weather and wear. |
Can be produced in large quantities, making them cost-effective. | Used in fashion for their ability to mimic natural fabrics while offering greater longevity. |
The fashion industry uses synthetic fabrics extensively because of their affordability, durability, and versatility. In order to produce them, synthetic fibers made of chemicals are used, which enables producers to customize the fabrics’ characteristics to meet particular requirements like stretch, moisture resistance, or a lightweight feel. Synthetic fabrics have a lot going for them, but they also cause environmental problems, so it’s important to weigh their benefits against environmentally friendly production and usage methods.
- Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fabrics
- Features of production
- What synthetic textiles are made of?
- Carbon-chain synthetics
- Heterochain synthetics
- Types and names of synthetic fabrics
- Video on the topic
- Artificial and synthetic materials
- Technology 5th grade (Lesson No. 10 – Artificial and synthetic materials.)
- Technology 7th grade (Lesson No. 14 – Features of the production of artificial and synthetic fibers.)
- The main properties of artificial fibers and features of their production.
- Features of the production of artificial and synthetic fibers.
Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fabrics
The use of synthetic materials has benefits and drawbacks. There are several benefits to synthetic material despite the vast availability of natural fabrics.
- Lightness of fabric. Unlike natural materials, synthetic fabric has a slight weight.
- Durability. Clothes made of synthetic material are less susceptible to wear and tear and retain color fastness well. This is achieved through special treatment of the material. That is why you can wear things for a long time without fear that they will fade. However, some types deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
- Quick drying. Almost all synthetic materials do not absorb much moisture, and drying does not take much time.
- Cost. The low price of the material is achieved due to the low cost of the original product. It is profitable for enterprises to manufacture such fabrics, which is why their production volumes increase every year.
The business is growing every day. Large customers’ requests can be taken into consideration by fabric manufacturers when altering the fabric’s properties.
The primary drawback of these materials is their potential to have detrimental effects on health. Because synthetic fabric gathers static electricity, it becomes electrified. Each person may be tolerant of this fabric differently. It is not a very hygienic material because it essentially does not absorb moisture. Since synthetic materials are unable to allow air to pass through, everyday wearable underwear made of spandex or polyester is not very comfortable.
Conversely, synthetic fabric will come in very handy during inclement weather because it can shield a person from precipitation more effectively than natural fabric.
Features of production
In 1930, the first patent for manufacturing synthetic fabric was filed. German scientists were able to obtain polyamide after they first learned how to isolate polyvinyl chloride fibers. This substance was first referred to as nylon. Only in 1939 was its production placed on a conveyor belt.
Synthetic clothing was first manufactured in the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. It was merely an inexpensive replacement for natural fabric at first. It wasn’t until many years later that they realized it had a useful purpose and started producing unique apparel that could shield wearers from harmful environmental elements and was extremely wear-resistant.
The cost of the raw materials and the specifics of production are different for synthetic and artificial materials. Using synthetics doesn’t cost a lot of money. Fiber is created during the fabric-making process from low-molecular substances. The raw material needs to be melted or dissolved in order to produce the material. After that, a thread can be taken out of the sticky substance. The thread may be twisted into a bundle, single, or complex. Additionally, molten material can be used to create individual pieces of apparel and footwear.
What synthetic textiles are made of?
Synthetic fibers come in a wide variety these days. New kinds of material are continuously being produced by specialists. They are separated into two groups, each with distinct traits, for convenience’s sake.
Carbon-chain synthetics
Its production involves the use of hydrocarbon. The following selection of fabrics is part of this variety:
- polyethylene;
- polyacrylonitrile;
- polypropylene;
- polyvinyl chloride;
- polyvinyl alcohol.
Heterochain synthetics
This kind of fabric is made from a variety of chemical elements in addition to hydrocarbons. These include fluorine, chlorine, and nitrogen. The components aid in enhancing the material’s qualities.
The following textiles are part of this group:
- polyester;
- polyurethane.
- polyamide.
Because of these materials, products made with heterochain synthetics have extra qualities on top of the standard ones, which are essential when making workwear.
Types and names of synthetic fabrics
At this point in its development, the textile industry thus offers a wide range of synthetic material options. But how can one sort through such a selection without becoming lost and determine which fabric satisfies every requirement? These are some brief details about the most common kinds of synthetic materials.
It resists wear well. The fabric is resistant to shrinking and can tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations of up to + 115 degrees. retains its form for a very long time. Water cannot pass through the material, which is hard to the touch. The majority of the time, curtains are made with the fabric. In order to improve the wear resistance of products, it is far less frequently added to natural raw materials used in the manufacture of suits.
It has synthetic fiber in it. It looks like wool, the natural kind. Warm, extremely soft material. It is breathable and elastic. The material is simple to clean, wash, and take care of. The main benefit is that it saves a lot of time because it doesn’t need to be dried and ironed for a long period. The fabric is frequently utilized in the creation of apparel for kids. The item stretches with regular use, which is a drawback that causes it to lose shape quickly. It is possible for fleece to build up static electricity.
Polyester or cotton are added during the production process. There are several benefits to the material. It has a shiny surface, is simple to wash, and retains its shape without wrinkling. It is frequently used in the manufacture of curtains, bed linens, and upholstery for furniture. Made from this kind of fabric, bed linen "with a 3D effect" is fashionable and well-liked.
Although this fabric resembles wool, it is far more useful than natural fiber. It does not let moisture through and holds its shape for a long time. The material doesn’t shrink, is simple to clean, and isn’t exposed to UV radiation. Additionally, it is combined with wool.
Outerwear is sewn using acrylic. Since this fabric cannot absorb water, it is also used in conjunction with wool to make children’s mattresses. It adds strength when combined with natural fibers. Acrylic is able to hold its shape for a very long time and does not pellet. It does have one minor disadvantage, though: objects made of this fabric are extremely electrified. Knitting threads often include acrylic added to them.
Polyethylene and Polypropylene are the two types of fibers that are distinguished by this group. Among the synthetic fabric types, they are the lightest. Water cannot submerge such fabric. It can withstand heat. The material is resistant to all weather conditions and is not prone to stretching.
Withstands heat sources up to +115°C. It is extensively employed in the manufacturing of apparel for tourists and sports enthusiasts, such as hunters, skiers, climbers, and fishermen. Additionally, hosiery and underwear are made from the material. However, fabric with natural fibers must be taken for this purpose.
The apparel business has completely changed due to the adaptability, affordability, and durability of synthetic materials. These materials, in contrast to natural fibers, are designed to fulfill specific requirements. They have benefits like stain, moisture, and wrinkle resistance, which makes them very useful for daily use.
Because of their high efficiency during production, synthetic fabrics can be produced in large quantities for less money. This promotes textile design innovation and increases accessibility to fashion while producing a vast array of textures, patterns, and finishes.
Despite the many advantages that synthetic fabrics provide, it is important to take the environment into account. Because of the potential for pollution from their production and disposal, it is essential to investigate sustainable practices like recycling and the creation of environmentally friendly substitutes.