Many do not know what kind of fabric is spandex, what are its features and composition. You should learn more about this modern polyurethane material, as it is very widely used in the world of textiles.
Material Content:
Description and composition of the material
Spandex is a synthetic polymer made from polyurethane rubber. It was first produced in North America in the late 50s. The name itself comes from the English word "expands" (translated as "expands, stretches"). At the very beginning, the material was conceived as an alternative to far from expensive rubber, but very soon many realized its incredible qualities and began to use it in weaving. In Europe, the name has become more familiar - elastane.
Elastic polyurethane fibers can stretch up to 6 times and quickly restore their original length. This is due to the complex structure of the threads - long and tensile, short and stiff.
There are two types of material:
- two-dimensional - there is extensibility only in length or in width;
- four-dimensional - extensibility in all directions.
The addition of this polymer even in a limited amount to natural or synthetic fabrics miraculously transforms their appearance and quality characteristics. Products made from such fabrics become stretchable, retain freshness, color and original appearance for a long time. It is spandex that is the main component of the varieties of many modern materials - opelon, neolane, lycra.
Spandex Fabric Technology
Now the main producer of spandex is China, and it also accounts for the bulk of consumption. Demand for material is growing every year. According to statistics, about 400 thousand tons of this raw material is produced annually in all countries of the world.
Polyurethane fibers
Industrial methods for producing such fibers are different. The most common are polymer melt extrusion, chemical, dry or wet molding from a solution. More than 80% of world production is occupied by the dry molding process.
Cotton spandex
Adding spandex to natural cotton not only does not improve the positive qualities of this fabric, but also eliminates its inherent disadvantages - lack of elasticity. The appearance of such material was made possible thanks to the constant desire of manufacturers to improve the quality of the products offered.
Polyamide Fabric
Synthetic fibers are obtained through the processing of oil, natural coal and gas. The process is divided into several stages. First, the synthesis of the polymer, then the molding of raw materials and textile processing.
Advantages and disadvantages of the thread
Spandex fibers are lightweight, have a smooth and shiny surface, and stretch perfectly.
Spandex in the fabric gives it new positive properties:
- elasticity and resilience;
- high strength and wear resistance;
- shine;
- low hygroscopicity;
- ease of coloring and long retention of color;
- undemanding care.
Products from such materials, as a rule, almost do not crease and have a rather low cost.
A striking example is flax:
- This natural fabric has unique hygienic properties: it absorbs moisture well, allows air to pass through, cools in the hot season, and warms in the cold.
- But this material has serious drawbacks - it wrinkles strongly and is characterized by poor elasticity, therefore linen clothes very quickly lose their original neat appearance, wrinkle, wrinkle, become covered with creases.
Adding elastane in no way affects the presence of positive qualities, but helps to remove the disadvantages. Spandex in the composition of flax gives it the lack of elasticity and resilience, such a material holds its shape well, does not crease and stretches well.
Of the shortcomings, it must be mentioned that these elastic fibers are not strong enough, which is why they quickly wear out in a short time. For example, swimwear rarely withstands more than 2 seasons. For this reason, in its pure form, this material is rarely used, more often as an additive.
There are also such disadvantages:
- high thermal conductivity;
- photosensitivity (burns out under sunshine);
- the possibility of shrinkage and the formation of puffs.
In the hot season, to be in such clothes is not very comfortable, since it does not absorb sweat and does not allow air to pass through well, and in a cold room it absolutely does not retain heat.
Clothing for cyclists, gymnasts, dancers, a variety of tracksuits, as well as swimwear, stockings, tights, socks, bright evening tight dresses, clothes for carnivals, shapewear, are mainly made from elastane.
Wool in combination with polymer is used to make thermal underwear, cotton with elastane - clothes for sports and outdoor activities, polyester with spandex - swimwear and tracksuits.
How to care for spandex items
There is nothing complicated in leaving. On any thing there is a label on which the basic requirements and composition of the fabric itself are indicated.
Common requirements:
- Prefer should be hand wash in warm water, machine washable only in synthetics or delicate fabrics.
- Do not use bleach or detergents with chlorine.
- You can’t squeeze out such things and tightly twist it. It is better to squeeze them slightly, let the water drain and hang to dry.
- Drying should be natural, not in the sun and at a respectful distance from radiators and heating elements.
- Dry cleaning in many cases is unacceptable and is allowed only as a last resort.
- Ironing is optional, as the clothes themselves straighten on the body. But if such a need arises, a thing can be ironed with a slightly heated iron.
Gentle washing and gentle drying help keep the original appearance of your favorite things as long as possible.
This material has long entered our everyday life and won a worthy place in it. New technologies are used in the production of spandex, as a result of which the material is improved and acquires new improved characteristics.
