In the field of textiles, spandex is one of the most popular fibers. It is used in apparel, men’s suits, bed linens, shoes, women’s wear, and medical and industrial applications.
It is produced by a series of synthetic methods, the most common of which is dry spinning. A diphenylmethane diisocyanate monomer is mixed with micro polyester in a reaction vessel. The resulting pre-polymer is reacted with other components to produce the polymer backbone of spandex fibers.
Environmental Impact
Spandex fibers are a standard synthetic fabric used to make hosiery, underwear, and swimwear. They are also popular in sportswear because they provide stretchiness, which is essential for athletic activities.
The production of spandex fibers involves using a chemical process that is highly resource-intensive and is not biodegradable. It uses fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources.
Fortunately, several companies have tried making the best spandex fabric more sustainable.
Elasticity
Spandex fibers are known for their extraordinary elasticity. They can stretch up to 500% and return to their original shape without breaking. This makes them a popular choice for girdles, underwear and sportswear.
The elasticity of spandex can be explained by its helical structures, which are composed of long amorphous segments and short rigid sectors. When force is applied, the amorphous components stretch while the authoritarian sectors remain in their original form. When the force is removed, the amorphous segments recoil and the fibers return to their relaxed state.
The elasticity of spandex is a critical factor in its success, which has resulted in it becoming one of the most widely used artificial fibers. It is mainly used in fitness, swimwear and athletic wear.
Durability
Spandex fibers are durable and can stretch more than 500 percent without breaking. Its high flexibility makes it a popular option for fabrics used in sportswear and other clothing items.
The fibers are produced by a chemical process that combines various raw materials. These include pre-polymers that make the thread’s backbone, stabilizers that protect the polymer’s integrity and textile colorants.
These are mixed and reacted in the reaction vessels until they form the polymer backbone. There are two pre-polymers: a flexible macro-glycol and a stiff diisocyanate.
The macro-glycol can be made from various materials, including polyester, polyether, polycarbonate, and polycaprolactone. Diisocyanate is a shorter-chain polymer with an isocyanate (-NCO) group on both ends. This part of the polymer is responsible for the strength and rigidity of the spandex fiber.
Stretchability
Spandex fibers can be stretched from four to seven times their length, reverting back to their original shape when the tension is released. This is a significant feature of the fiber and helps garments to fit and perform better than other materials used for the same purpose.
The fabric is popular for performance-stretch apparel such as figure skating costumes, dance wear and sportswear. It also helps garments to stay in place during physical activity.
It can also resist damage by body oils, perspiration or lotions. It can withstand heat, UV and chlorine exposure to prevent breakdown over time.
Spandex is a long-chain synthetic polymer consisting of soft and rubbery segments of polyester or polyether polyols combined with rigid components of urethane or urethane-urea. These segments are bonded to create a fiber with exceptional stretchability and recovery.
Heat Resistance
Significance of Spandex Fibres
One of the significant aspects of spandex fibers is their heat resistance. This is a crucial factor for designers, as it allows them to create various products that can be used in multiple environments.
The spandex fibers are also incredibly flexible, which means they can be made into various products. This includes seat cushions, furniture covers, and more.
The fibers are mixed with dyes and other additives during production to give them a specific color and texture. This process can take up a lot of time and energy, and it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of this process.
Regarding heat resistance, spandex is an excellent choice for garments exposed to high temperatures. The material is also highly resistant to stains, and its color will stay intact even after repeated exposure to sunlight.
Chemical Resistance
Often used in hosiery, swimwear, cycling shorts and motion capture suits, spandex fibers are highly resistant to wear. They can stand up to sweat, detergents, body oils, lotions, and other substances that could damage other fabrics.
Spandex is produced from a long polyurethane chain (also known as Lycra or elastane). This synthetic fiber is known for its incredible elasticity and durability.
It is an elastomeric fiber that can be stretched to more than 500% of its original length and returns to its original shape when the load is removed. It can also be dyed and abrasion resistant, making it ideal for many textile products.
Its elasticity makes it a popular choice for form-fitting consumer apparel, including sports bras, leggings, t-shirts, tights, bikinis and undergarments. There are numerous other uses for it as well. However, it can harm your health if worn for long periods because it traps moisture and sweat near the skin.
