Acrylic Fibers: Versatile Man-Made Textile Material
Acrylic fibers, also known as polyacrylonitrile fibers or acrylate fibers, are synthetic fibers made from polyacrylonitrile or modified polyacrylonitrile. They were first developed in the mid-20th century and have become a popular alternative to wool in knitting clothing and textiles. Some key facts about it:
Production Process
The production of it begins with the polymerization of acrylonitrile monomer to form polyacrylonitrile. In this process, acrylonitrile is mixed with other compounds and introduced into a reactor where it undergoes radical polymerization. The resulting polyacrylonitrile is spun into Acrylic Fibers through either wet or dry spinning techniques and drawn to increase strength. The drawn fibers are then crosslinked and stabilized at high temperatures to form the final acrylic fiber.
Properties and Uses
They have several properties that make them a versatile material for textiles and clothing. They are durable, washable, reasonably priced and have high warmth-to-weight ratio. They also have good dyeability and can be engineered to be water-resistant or moisture-wicking. Some common uses are:
- Sweaters, jackets and other knitwear: They are often used blended with wool or other fibers in knitted apparel for its soft feel and warmth.
- Indoor/outdoor furnishings: Products such as blankets, upholstery, carpets utilize acrylic fiber blends for durability and stain resistance.
- Art/craft materials: Fibers are utilized in knitting, crochet, weaving for their workability.
- Specialty industrial uses: In wicks, fishing lines, ropes and safety fabrics.
- Apparel linings: Lining and interlining fabrics use acrylic fibers for shape retention and warmth.
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