Synthetic fabric – types and list of names, what they are made of, properties, photos

We use synthetic materials in everything we wear and carry around in our daily lives. These synthetic materials provide a multitude of qualities that natural fabrics may not always match. You can choose better for your home and wardrobe if you are aware of the various synthetic fabric types and materials.

We’ll look at several kinds of synthetic fabrics in this post, including acrylic, polyester, and nylon. We’ll break down each of these materials’ distinct qualities and applications so you can weigh their advantages and disadvantages. To help you better understand the look and texture of these fabrics, we’ll also share some photos and an explanation of the materials they’re made of.

By the end, you’ll have a firm understanding of the various synthetic materials and how they can satisfy your demands for style, comfort, and durability. This guide will provide you with the necessary insights, regardless of whether you’re shopping for new clothes or trying to learn more about your existing wardrobe.

History

Humanity has always struggled to live better lives, and this includes finding reasonably priced seasonal clothing, having multiple sets of underwear, and avoiding wearing the same outfit for decades.

Only the nobility had access to silk, satin, or brocade due to their high cost. For example, after her death, there were just over 3,700 dresses remaining in the wardrobe of the well-known spendthrift and major shopaholic of her era, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. The Empress, following twenty years of reign and fifty-two years of age. However, back then, dresses weren’t thrown away!

The problem was solved with the invention of chemical fibers, which allowed for the production of affordable, long-lasting materials. Specifically, synthetic materials.

The DuPont company, which remains the global leader in the chemical industry, and America are credited with starting it all. Early in the 20th century, DuPont experts created combat poisons (like hydrocyanic acid), devised defense strategies for the US Army against enemy gas attacks, and created decontamination reagents for contaminated surfaces and areas.

DuPont carried out research in numerous of its own laboratories concurrently, with the intention of leveraging the findings to bolster the nation’s military might.

Dr. Wallace Carothers of organic chemistry began working in one of these Delaware laboratories in the late 1920s. It was his group that produced the first synthetic polyester and artificial rubber, or neoprene. But a significant historical advance was the development of a low-cost polymer known as "nylon" that produced exceptional operational qualities.

It was the heyday of synthetics: in the initial months of their release, nylon stockings cost twice as much as silk and could be taken apart in an instant.

Because nylon was used to manufacture tents, parachutes, and even car tires, it helped save the United States a great deal of money during World War II. There was a political moment when America was rescued from its reliance on raw materials and outdated lighting by new inventions. For military purposes, cotton, jute, and hemp effectively replaced nylon, rubber, and neoprene. Tarpaulins were first manufactured from plastic materials.

The Midwest states’ oil production and economic expansion were fueled by the need for raw materials for industrial development, which in turn sparked the emergence of the mineral fertilizer industry. The US government intended to address the effects of the Great Depression and revive the economy after entering the war. They were successful.

Following the victory, military advancements were progressively shifted toward light industry. Synthetics came of age.

What is synthetics

Synthetic fiber is a triumph of human reason, while flax, wool, silk, and cotton are products of centuries of experience for farmers and livestock breeders. According to the head of DuPont’s apt description, "coal, air, and water" are the sources of everything that is commonly referred to as synthetics.

It appears as though there are three parts! However, the list of synthetic fabrics has long surpassed one hundred, and it is continually being updated with new brands that are designed specifically for particular purposes.

Because of their qualities, synthetics—despite their somewhat disparaging name—have firmly established themselves in modern life, making it more comfortable.

General characteristics and properties

Whatever the kind, synthetic fabric has a lot of benefits, like being resilient to wrinkles, flexible, and long-lasting. Products don’t break or change significantly when used; for example, if you snap a picture of a dress right away and then after ten washes, you won’t notice a difference.

Fabrics made of synthetic materials:

• cheap, widely available;
• durable, wear-resistant;
• easy to dye, retain color for a long time;
• resistant to household chemicals.

On the other hand, the high temperatures cause them to melt and become electrified. Certain substances may be harmful, particularly when exposed to sunlight and human perspiration.

Man-made materials called synthetic fabrics are derived from chemicals and have a variety of qualities, including stretchability, durability, and wrinkle resistance. This article examines and describes the composition, properties, and applications of several synthetic fabric types, such as acrylic, polyester, and nylon. We’ll help you understand what makes each fabric special and how to use it to make clothes with the help of lucid photos and straightforward explanations.

What raw materials are used

The waste from the processing of fossil hydrocarbons, such as oil, coal, and gas, is used as the raw material for production. Changes in temperature, pressure, or hydration have an impact on the resulting phenol, benzene, or ethanol. Reagents are added to produce a mass from which polymer threads are extracted. Fabrics are woven from the threads once they reach the necessary density.

Since the process of making chemical fibers is hazardous, it is advised to rinse the product thoroughly in warm water before donning it.

What types are there

Depending on the polymers used to make them, synthetic materials vary.

There are two major groups of polymers:

1. Carbochain (consisting only of carbon): polyvinyls, polyacrylics, polypropylenes.
2. Heterochain (contain carbon and other elements): polyamides, polyesters, polyurethane.

Synthetic fabrics with the same composition, but from different manufacturers and in different countries, have different names because of patented trademarks.

Polyamide

Fabrics made of polyamide are smooth, soft, incredibly durable, and able to bear heavy loads. Cotton is not nearly as strong as polyamide!

Frequently used polyamides

• Jordan;
• VelSoft;
• Taslan;
• Nylon;
• nylon.

It is uncommon to find 100% polyamide; instead, we typically speak of compositions made up of various thread types. To enhance the qualities of other yarns and fabrics, polyamide threads are also added.

Polyurethane

The fashion industry adores fabrics with a polyurethane component because of their shape memory, stretchability (5-7 times), protective qualities, and water resistance. Some examples of these fabrics are:

• lycra;
• spandex;
• neolan;
• espa (spancel);
• eco-leather.

Materials coated with polyurethane are advised to be placed on a lining.

Polyvinyl alcohol

The mechanical properties of fabrics made of polyvinyl alcohol vary depending on the production technology used. However, they are generally very robust, incredibly durable, and resistant to light, acidic, and alkaline effects:

Fabrics made of polyvinyl alcohol are more hygroscopic than others.

Polyester (polyester)

Polyester, one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics worldwide, is made from polyester fibers. It can range from being nearly identical to linen to having the perfect resemblance to silk or wool:

• lavsan;
• microfiber;
• tergal;
• dacron;
• davsan.

Polyester materials are wrinkle- and fade-resistant, elastic, and heat-resistant.

Polyacrylonitrile

Delicate PAN textiles, which are soft and evocative of light wool, are growing in popularity:

• acrylic and polyacrylic;
• nitrona;
• redon;
• crelon.

Pure PAN makes up the majority of knitted and crocheted products on the market, particularly those in the lower price range. It is better than sheep wool in some aspects, such as not shrinking or shedding, but it also doesn’t warm up or form uncomfortable pellets.

Polyvinyl chloride

Because PVC has protective qualities and is used to make workwear, screens, and medical underwear, modern industry cannot function without it.

PVC is used to make accessories (wallets, purses) with an intriguing relief surface by using high temperatures.

Polyolefin

The least expensive fabric is polyolefin, which is primarily utilized for technical applications rather than in the light industry.

There are many options available in synthetic fabrics, each with special qualities and applications. Whether for daily use or specific applications, these materials are made to fulfill a variety of needs, from the comfort of nylon to the durability of polyester. Selecting the appropriate fabric for your project or wardrobe can be made easier if you are aware of the various types.

Chemical processes are used to blend fibers to create these fabrics, which give them desired properties like stretchability, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. You can choose the synthetic fabric type that best suits your wardrobe and way of life by being aware of the materials it is made of and its unique characteristics.

Synthetic fabrics come in a lot of options and can be a great addition to your wardrobe. There’s probably a synthetic option out there that meets your needs, whether you’re looking for something breathable and light or a fabric that maintains its shape. Examine your options and select the ideal fabric for your upcoming project or clothing.

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