Every year, the textile industry reaches new heights, thanks to which synthetics are in no way inferior to natural materials in terms of characteristics. In order for things made of synthetic fabric to last as long as possible, you should familiarize yourself with its properties, as well as learn the rules of care. Few people pay attention to this, but there are different types of synthetic fabrics, so it is worth knowing which synthetic care is correct in each case.
The fabric should be beautiful and high-quality, not cause skin reactions and unpleasant sensations when in contact with the body. Synthetic materials have the aforementioned properties and characteristics.
The introduction of new technologies in production helps to improve the canvas and add new properties, taking into account the purpose of the material. For example, holofiber retains heat no worse than down, and microfiber transmits moisture better than some natural analogues.
History of origin
For the first time, the production of synthetic fabrics was launched in 1935. These were nylon fibers created by employees of the American company Dupont. The material was distinguished by its special strength, elasticity and versatility. The success of the undertaking was proved in the following year, when the scale of production was calculated. About 64 million pairs of pantyhose were sold in the US during the year.
Until the 70s of the last century, synthetic fibers were mainly used only as additives to natural ones. However, over time, canvases began to be used as an independent material, as a result, the production of synthetics increased greatly and occupies a high position to this day.
Types and properties of synthetic fibers
Synthetic fibers are divided into types based on the names of the products that were used to produce them. The prefix poly indicates that these substances are polymers.
- Polyamide
Differ in strength and elasticity. The fabric can be rubbed and bent, nothing will happen to it for a long time. In addition, polyamide fibers withstand the effects of chemicals and low temperatures well. Bacteria and microorganisms do not develop in such materials. However, fibers do not withstand prolonged exposure to heat and light. Typical polyamide fabrics are nylon, silon, anid, kapron.
- Polyurethane
Polyurethane fibers stretch well and easily return to their former shape. They have high strength and wear resistance and withstand the effects of chemical reagents well. A significant drawback is that they do not retain heat well. Polyurethane synthetic fabrics include lycra, neolan, spandex.
- Polyvinyl alcohol
The main advantage of polyvinyl alcohol fibers is high hygroscopicity. The material is strong and wear-resistant, well withstands the effects of ultraviolet light, chemical reagents and temperature changes. However, such fibers can deform under the influence of moisture. Typical materials: vinol, mtilan, kurlon, vinylon.
- Polyester (polyester)
Elastic and heat-resistant polyester is particularly wear-resistant. The material retains heat well and practically does not shrink after washing. Unlike other representatives of synthetic fabrics, polyester does not tolerate the effects of chemicals. The canvases are very rigid, accumulate static electricity and do not allow moisture to pass through.
- Polyacrylonitrile
Fibers resemble natural wool. The material holds its shape well and does not wrinkle, prevents the development of bacteria and microorganisms. Less resistant to abrasion than other synthetic fabrics. The most popular are acrylic and nitro.
- PVC
Strong and dense PVC fibers are mainly used to create fabrics intended for sewing protective clothing. Canvases withstand the influence of external factors and chemicals well. Despite this, when exposed to high temperatures, PVC fibers can deform and shrink. Such materials include Vignon, Teviron, Chlorine.
- Polyolefin
These are polyethylene and polypropylene fibers. They are created from a melt of polyethylene and polypropylene, and are used mainly for technical purposes. They are resistant to moisture and microorganisms. Very light, but at the same time strong. Excellent resistance to chemical substances. A significant disadvantage is absolute instability to high temperatures. Canvases can shrink, even after washing in water at 50-60 degrees.
Types of synthetic fabrics
Sometimes when choosing, it is difficult to rely on the complex names of the synthetic fibers included in the product. To determine the quality of the material, it is worth studying the brief characteristics of the main types of synthetic fabrics.
- Lavsan. It has strength and durability, keeps its shape well. Does not pass moisture and withstands high temperatures. In its pure form, it is used for the production of window textiles. Sometimes mylar is added to the natural material to increase its density.
- Fleece. Outwardly, the material is similar to natural wool. The soft and warm fabric allows air to pass through well, and at the same time retains heat. Fleece products are easy to care for, so it is often used for sewing everyday adult and children’s clothes. The main disadvantages are the ability to accumulate static electricity and loss of shape.
- Polysatin. It is used for sewing home textiles. The material is easy to care for and practically does not wrinkle. It looks very impressive from the outside thanks to the shiny surface.
- Acrylic. It is most often used in tandem with wool for the production of knitted items. Improves the characteristics of natural fibers, thanks to which clothes are worn longer, do not wrinkle and do not lose their shape for a long time. Disadvantage – accumulates static electricity.
- Dyneema and spectrum. They are made of polyolefin fibers. It is the lightest synthetic fabric that does not even sink in water. It has high strength and resistance to shrinkage and deformation.
- Microfiber. Increases the quality characteristics of natural fabrics from which sports equipment and underwear are made.
Pros and cons of synthetics
Until recently, synthetics were considered an unsuitable material for clothing, but now non-natural fabrics have all the necessary properties.
The main advantages of synthetics include:
- strength and durability;
- air permeability;
- ease of care and easy drying;
- a wide variety of colors, as fibers easily absorb dyes;
- lack of reaction to ultraviolet light (does not burn out);
- hypoallergenicity;
- fast and low-cost production, and, as a result, an affordable price.
Despite the considerable list of advantages, synthetic fibers still have certain disadvantages. The fabric accumulates static electricity, absorbs odors, and some of its types are poorly permeable to moisture. In view of the mentioned disadvantages, always pay attention to the quality of the synthetic material. If you choose underwear or underwear, there should be no such flaws. Otherwise, there is a risk of the development of a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and microorganisms, and, as a result, the occurrence of dangerous diseases.
What is sewn from synthetics
It is worth noting that synthetic fibers in their pure form are rarely used to create materials. Most often, they are added to natural fabrics to improve their characteristics. example:
- non-stretchy fabrics can be made more elastic with the help of lycra or elastane;
- PVC fibers are used to create artificial leather and fur;
- the high level of heat insulation of polyolefin fibers allows you to use them to create overalls, tourist equipment and other clothes;
- polyvinyl alcohol fibers are used to create pantyhose and stockings;
- polyacrylonitrile fibers are used to create cloths with pile and artificial fur;
- polyester fibers are used for the production of technical items, knitted fabrics and home clothes.
Almost all groups of clothing, footwear, and home textiles are made from synthetic fibers.
Care of synthetic products
The main advantage of synthetic fabrics is simple care, which includes only a few rules:
- Wash synthetic clothes only in lukewarm water, which does not exceed 30-40 degrees. The only exception is polyester, which can withstand washing in hot water up to 60 degrees.
- Dry products only in natural conditions. Do not tumble dry or place items on heating devices. If these rules are not followed, the material may deform or shrink.
- Iron clothes with a low-heat iron without additional moisture.
How to choose synthetics correctly
To choose the right synthetic fabric or clothes from it, pay attention to a number of features that you should consider when buying. They include:
- Features of the organism. If you have an increased sensitivity to chemicals, it is better to prefer things made of natural fabrics or products with a level of synthetic fibers in the composition, which does not exceed 30%. Make sure that the material is well permeable to moisture and air.
- Appointment. If you choose sports clothes or tourist equipment, the presence of synthetics in the composition of products will only be a plus, since the clothes will be more durable and wear-resistant. If you buy underwear or clothes for everyday wear, pay attention to how the material lets moisture and air pass.
- Climate and weather. Not all synthetic materials breathe well or react to temperature changes. Some do not pass moisture and absorb odors, which in a hot climate will only cause discomfort.
How do synthetic fabrics differ from artificial ones?
Do not confuse synthetic and artificial fabrics. These materials have significant differences, since synthetics are made from raw materials that are obtained by chemical synthesis of substances, and artificial fabric is created by industrial processing of natural raw materials (wood, cellulose or protein).
How to check: cotton or synthetics
You will be able to determine what material is in front of you using visual and tactile sensations. Synthetic fabrics have a characteristic sheen that pure cotton lacks. Barely noticeable coils on the surface will also indicate the unnatural origin of the material. When bending, a bend will remain on the natural material, and it will straighten out quickly on the synthetic material.
Run your hand over the surface. Pure cotton glides well, and synthetics will stick to the palm a little. If the surface of the material remains cold after touching it with your hand, you have a synthetic canvas in front of you.
You should not be afraid of synthetic fabrics, especially if unnatural fibers do not predominate in the composition of the fabric. Such materials have all the characteristics of natural raw materials, but have additional synthetic properties that increase their strength, elasticity and wear resistance.