Synthetic fabrics: description, varieties, characteristics. What is synthetic fabric? What are synthetic fabrics

Contrary to popular belief, synthetic fabrics are a separate group of textile fabrics that have nothing in common with artificial materials. This category includes many varieties of materials, differing in raw materials, properties and purpose. To learn to distinguish the types of fabrics containing synthetic fibers, just look at how they look in the photo, and also study the composition and characteristics that are inherent in each of them.

What is the difference between synthetic fabrics and artificial ones?

Most people confuse artificial and synthetic materials. In fact, such textile products, being unnatural, have significant differences from each other. The first fabrics were made from threads obtained artificially from natural raw materials. Artificial fabrics are obtained by processing proteins, metals, and wood. Synthetic materials are made from raw materials obtained through chemical synthesis of substances not found in nature.

With the development of industry, manufacturers have learned to create nanomaterials with unique properties. Thanks to continuous improvement of technological processes modern materials, obtained artificially, in terms of operational and external characteristics are often significantly superior to natural ones. Despite this, they are still separated from natural fabrics.

Types and properties of synthetic fabrics

Fabrics made from synthetic fibers are divided into varieties depending on their composition. The raw materials contained in them determine their properties. This group of matter is divided into 2 subgroups: carbon-chain and heterochain. The first includes fabrics in the manufacture of which hydrocarbons are used: polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl alcohol. The second subgroup consists of fabrics that, in addition to hydrocarbons, contain nitrogen, chlorine or fluorine: polyester, polyurethane and polyamide.

Polyethylene and polypropylene fabrics for technical applications

The cheapest fibers obtained from polyethylene and polypropylene raw materials are called “polyolefion”. The main purpose of these types of synthetics is the production of carpets and materials for technical use. Fabrics containing polyethylene and polypropylene have the following properties:

• high strength;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to mold and other pathogens;
• moisture resistance (when combining polypropylene with polyethylene);
• lightness - thin polyolefion fibers are the lightest among all types of synthetics;
• excellent thermal insulation;
• low extensibility.

The weakness of this type of synthetics is the lack of fire-resistant qualities. Basically, such materials are used for the manufacture of packaging and containers (in particular, bags).

Polyacrylonitrile instead of wool

Polyacrylonitrile fibers are made from polyacrylonitrile (a petrochemical product obtained from natural gas and commonly called acrylic), which is briefly called PAN. In terms of its mechanical properties, this material is close to woolen fabrics, which is why it is often called artificial wool.

This matter has the following characteristics:

• UV resistance;
• heat resistance – retains its qualities at temperatures up to 130 degrees;
• dimensional stability;
• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• softness;
• ability to dry quickly;
• resistance to damage by pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the action of acids, alkalis, gasoline, acetone;
• color fastness.

Acrylic is a rigid, non-hygroscopic, airtight, quickly abrading and easily electrified fabric. During use, pellets form on the surface of this material, and due to its ability to absorb fats, difficult-to-remove stains appear on it.

Polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl alcohol synthetics

Polyvinyl chloride fabric is a fabric made from tightly woven polyester, nylon or lavsan fibers, which are covered with a layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fabrics are woven from fibers obtained from solutions of polyvinyl alcohol. Brief information about the characteristics of these types of synthetics and where they are used is presented in the table:

Popular polyester

Polyester refers to a synthetic fabric made from the melt of polyethylene terephthalate and its derivatives, which accounts for about 65 percent of the textile market. Polyester fabric is characterized by:

• wear resistance;
• color and shape stability;
• resistance to unpleasant odors, the action of aggressive solutions, as well as damage from pathogens;
• low pillability;
• dust and dirt resistance;
• ease;
• ability to dry quickly;
• crease resistance;
• availability;
• ease of care;
• moisture resistance.

Among the disadvantages of fabrics made from this type of synthetics are:

• difficult air exchange in the fibers;
• rigidity;
• poor paintability;
• electrification;
• risk of skin irritation.

Elastic polyurethane

In the list of fabrics made from synthetic fibers, polyurethane occupies a special place. Polyurethane threads obtained from polyurethane rubbers are not used in pure form. They are used as a frame on which other threads are wound. Materials containing such raw materials have a number of advantages:

• ability to restore shape after 6–7 times stretching;
• resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet rays;
• crease resistance;
• color fastness;
• resistance to chemicals.

Among the disadvantages of polyurethane are:

• low heat resistance;
• non-hygroscopic;
• lack of free air exchange in the fibers.

These raw materials are used to make materials for sewing clothing, as well as fabrics for technical and medical purposes. Polyurethane is used to make a water-repellent layer in products intended for divers, divers, fishermen, and tourists.

Fabrics made from polyamide fibers

What are such materials made from? The function of raw materials in the production of fabrics from polyamide threads is performed by compounds including the amide group CONH. Polyamide-based fabrics are characterized by:

• high strength;
• dimensional stability;
• ease;
• resistance to damage by various microbes;
• ability to dry quickly.

Fabrics made from polyamide fibers have low heat resistance, a tendency to yellow when in contact with sweat and ultraviolet radiation, electrification, low hygroscopicity and the ability to retain heat. Thin tights and leggings are made from this material.

Why is synthetics worse than natural fabrics, what are its disadvantages?

U different types Synthetics have certain disadvantages. However, they all have common negative features that distinguish them from natural fabrics:

• ability to cause skin irritation;
• tendency to accumulate static electricity;
• unsatisfactory absorbent properties;
• difficult air exchange, resulting in frequent use synthetic clothing is not comfortable enough;
• predisposition to absorb unpleasant odors.

Positive qualities of synthetic fiber fabrics

What positive features are characteristic of synthetic materials? The strengths of synthetics include:

• availability;
• room for care;
• durability;
• color fastness;
• low creasing;
• dimensional stability;
• ease;
• ability to dry quickly.

Whatever synthetic material is used for sewing clothes, you don’t have to worry about the product maintaining its original properties throughout its entire service life. Allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating women and children should use wardrobe items made from such fabrics with caution.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, humanity's needs in the textile industry grew, and the production of natural fabrics depended on harvesting. Agriculture had difficulty coping with volumes; flax, cotton and wool rose in price due to a shortage of raw materials.

Synthetic fibers came to the aid of natural fibers in the 20th century. The first material under the name was produced in the USA; it did not allow moisture to pass through. A little later, nylon was invented in Germany, from which ropes were woven and women's stockings were made. Further, with the development of technology in the USA, elastane, also known as spandex and stretch, was invented in 1960. The experiments did not stop there, and synthetic fibers began to be mixed with natural ones, thereby reducing strength and cost. From 100% polyester they have learned to make such pleasant fabrics tactile sensations that sometimes they cannot be distinguished from natural ones.

General characteristics and properties

They have positive and negative properties. In some industries it is simply unthinkable to do without them.

Good qualities include:

• do not wrinkle, they practically do not need to be ironed;
• dry quickly after washing;
• have good strength;
• polyester materials are cheap;
• they are hypoallergenic;
• less shedding and fading.

Negative:

• inferior to natural ones in terms of tactile sensations;
• fibers do not allow air to pass through, which gives a greenhouse effect;
• are electrified (some are impregnated with an antistatic agent, thanks to which the static voltage disappears);
• low heat-shielding properties.

A variety of synthetic fibers

Let's look at some in more detail:

• Polyamide - the raw materials are oil, gas and coal. Nylon and nylon are obtained from this species. They produce stockings, socks, thermal underwear, and travel equipment.
• - refining of oil and its secondary products. The resulting fibers are polyester and lavsan, which are used in the manufacture of fabrics for clothing and furniture.
• Polyvinyl alcohol. This type includes materials such as vinol, kuralon. Faux fur, T-shirts, tunics, and sweaters are made from the resulting fabrics.
• Polyolefin - formed due to alloys such as Herculon, Mercalon. Knitwear is made from this type of fiber.

The difference between artificial materials and synthetic ones

Artificial fabrics are made from natural fibers such as viscose (wood, eucalyptus, bamboo). Such fabrics are natural, they are pleasant to the body, warm and breathable. Synthetic fabrics are different types in structure and weaving, but consisting of refined petroleum products, coal and natural gas.

What are the types

Polyester fabrics have found wide application in many spectrums human life. These are clothing, home textiles, curtains, workwear, furniture. They are indispensable in many branches of the textile industry.

Clothes

• - this is a double-sided crepe, the density varies from 240 to 330 g/m2. The composition contains spandex, which provides elasticity. They make dresses, skirts from Barbie, women's suits and trousers.
• - consists of 97% PE and 3% spandex. This is a light, but at the same time opaque fabric, with a matte, silky sheen. Suitable for sewing dresses, skirts, blouses and nighties.
• - jacket membrane material that does not allow wind or moisture to pass through, but at the same time breathes. Jackets, overalls, and trousers are made from it.
• - non-woven fabric with pile, on both sides. Used for sewing hats, sweatshirts, warm tracksuits, and blankets. And also as a lining to insulate clothes.

Bed dress

• - used for sewing bedding sets. It is made of 100% polyester, does not wrinkle and dries quickly after washing. The kits have a low price, and they look quite colorful. The tactile sensations resemble a chill; in the hot season, the body sticks to the surface, as it almost does not breathe.
• - This is a knitted material with thick pile on both sides. Used for bathrobes, blankets and rugs. They are also used for sewing covers for upholstered furniture.

Curtains

• - synthetic material has a rigid structure, holds its shape and is translucent. It is used as tulle, and is also used to decorate weddings and other festive events.
• - curtain, shadow fabric that does not let in the light of the sun. Composed of 100% polyester, the material does not fade for a long time under the sun's rays, dries quickly after washing, as it almost does not absorb moisture.

WITH detailed description, as well as many types you can find in the section.

Care

Fabrics made from polyester are easy to care for. Washing is carried out at a temperature of 40°, daily cycle. Drying is done in ventilated places. Products made from synthetics dry quickly, which gives them advantages over natural ones.

Today, there is a huge range of types and names of synthetic fabrics that are actively used for sewing clothes, bed linen, and curtains. The world first heard about artificial materials in 1900, when polymers were obtained from synthesized petroleum products, which later served as the basis for the production of fabrics. The industrial production of synthetic fabrics and products made from them began in 1938. If in the last century products made from synthetics were considered something cheap and of poor quality, today factories produce products with excellent external and performance properties, in some characteristics even superior to things made from natural fabrics.

What are synthetic fabrics made from? To produce artificial thread, products from oil refining, processing of wood, metals, coal, cotton, and natural gas are used. How do you get thread? It's simple - the raw material is heated and a fiber is pulled out of the molten mass, which is twisted into a thread.

Advantages of synthetic materials

• High strength and density, resistance to mechanical damage, wear, and deformation. Such fabrics retain their original appearance for almost a long time.
• Synthetic products do not wrinkle and do not require ironing.
• The materials are easy to drape.
• Artificial fibers are easy to dye, which allows manufacturers to produce materials in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and patterns.
• The saturation of colors is maintained for the entire period of operation of the product and even with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Long service life.

The characteristics of synthetic fabrics allow the materials to be used not only for sewing ordinary clothes and bed linen, curtains and bedspreads, but also workwear - inexpensive and durable, well tolerated negative impacts, lightweight and comfortable to wear while working.

Disadvantages of synthetic products

• Static electricity accumulates, causing the fabric to crackle and spark. Negative consequences for the body – disruption of the nervous and of cardio-vascular system, which is manifested by problems with sleep, heart rhythm disturbances, headaches, and surges in blood pressure.
• Synthetic fabrics are an environment for the active reproduction of fungal and mold spores, which then penetrate the human body, causing serious health problems, including allergic reactions.
• Low hygroscopicity and breathability, which prevents sweat from evaporating, which provokes the growth of colonies of harmful bacteria, resulting in skin irritation and other problems, the rapid appearance of unpleasant odors.
• Long-term release of volatile components, including toxic ones, the substance that underlies fabric production.

Wearing clothes and using synthetic bedding is contraindicated for people with cancer, benign tumor processes, allergies, asthmatics, skin problems, hyperhidrosis, as well as children, pregnant and lactating women.

Only cheap products consisting of 100% synthetic thread have such disadvantages. Clothes made from artificial fabrics good quality has all the properties of natural, but is quite expensive. But, in any case, it is not recommended to purchase bedding or underwear made from synthetics; the best option is outerwear for autumn, winter and spring.

Variety of fabrics

What types of synthetic materials are there? The industry produces more than 300 artificial fabrics, each of which, in addition to general properties, has a list of its own pros and cons. The most popular materials are:

• Acrylic. Practical and inexpensive material, pleasant to the touch, perfectly warming. Often acrylic is mixed with natural wool, which gives the product the properties of this natural product, and provides an affordable price. Flaw - high degree electrification and the formation of pellets on the surface.
• Viscose. Inexpensive fabric, highly breathable, with average heat-saving properties, lightweight, pleasant to the touch, does not accumulate electricity, with a slight sheen. However, things made of viscose quickly wrinkle, to prevent this, the material is made by combining viscose fibers with acrylic, polyester, etc.
• Nylon (nylon, perlon). Very light and thin, but at the same time durable and elastic, inexpensive material, easy to care for. Disadvantages include poor moisture absorption, strong electrification, stretchability when wet, and instability to ultraviolet radiation.
• Polyester. Cheap fabric that does not wrinkle, shrink, or stretch, but tends to accumulate static electricity and can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergies. Products made from polyester do not allow air to pass through well and absorb moisture, so wearing them on a hot day is not recommended. For the most part, polyester fibers are added to high-quality artificial and natural threads to reduce the creasing of things and increase resistance to fading. A good option for polyester fabric is saplex - a soft, breathable material.
• Lycra (elastane, spandex, neolan). Camping material from polyurethane, which has the ability to stretch well, but quickly return to its original state. Lycra items cannot be washed in hot water as they lose their elasticity.
• Kashibo. The fabric, reminiscent of chiffon, is soft and airy, slightly shiny, pleasant to the skin, stretches well, and has a cooling effect.
• Lavsan. Dense polyester material that is resistant to wear and high temperatures. A fabric made from a mixture of lavsan and natural fibers is used to create faux fur, sewing suits and coats.
• Wet silk. Material made from polyester fibers, treated in a special way, which gives the surface of the material a beautiful and pleasant silkiness. Dry products do not stretch or deform, but after washing they can shrink and change color, which must be taken into account when purchasing and caring for them.
• Microfiber. Lightweight, soft, body-friendly fabric, elastic, absorbs moisture well and retains heat, undemanding in care. Ironing microfiber products is not recommended.
• Fleece. Cozy material, warm and soft, elastic and breathable, but capable of accumulating static electricity and stretching.

Caring for synthetic fabrics

Synthetic products can be washed by hand and in a machine at a temperature of 30-40 degrees without the use of bleaches.

For drying, do not use tumble dryers or place things on a hot radiator. The best option– straighten the products and hang them in the open air, so the material will dry quite quickly.

If fabrics made of artificial and synthetic fiber still need to be ironed, then this should be done with a slightly warm iron without using steam.

Man-made fiber materials are becoming increasingly popular and in demand in the clothing industry, fashion industry and other fields. This is due to the presence of diverse, and even unique, characteristics. At the same time, production costs are relatively low, which further expands the scope of their application. Let's find outwhat are synthetic fabrics made from?what characteristics do they have? We will also consider the main types, advantages and main areas of use.

What is synthetic fabric?

Let's start with a definition, since many people confuse synthetic and artificial materials. So,synthetic fabric isa material that is made from polymer fibers obtained from monomers.

Raw materials in in this case waste from the gas, coal and oil refining industries. Such products are not found in natural conditions. In turn, artificial fibers are obtained from natural raw materials using chemical components.

The production of synthetics was established in the 50s of the last century. At that time, it was used as a supplement and also as a partial replacement for natural products. Nylon was the first to be invented, which turned out to be very durable and inexpensive, which determined the rapid growth of its popularity. 20 years later, synthetics were produced on an industrial scale and used as an independent product.

Today there is a fairly wide assortment that can be combined into the following groups:

• Polyamide- nylon, nylon, silone,
• Polyester- diolene, lavsan, slaughter.
• Polyurethane- lycra, spandex, neolan.
• Polyacrylonitrile- acrylan, nitron.

These also include microfiber, fleece, acrylic, neoprene, supplex and others.

Common characteristics for all groups, regardless of production technology and raw materials used, are:

• high strength indicators;
• wear resistance, long period of use;
• resistance to microorganisms;
• color fastness;
• light weight compared to natural fabric;
• dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance;
• large selection of textures and colors;
• low production costs, cheap raw materials.

Materials made from polymer threads also have a number of features that should be taken into account when using them. So, they do not absorb moisture well; such clothes are uncomfortable in hot weather. Odors, on the contrary, are absorbed very well and disappear only after washing the product. In people prone to allergies and with very sensitive skin, such things can cause irritation and itching.

What is synthetic fabric made from?

If artificial fabrics have a natural base, thenWhat is synthetic made of?In production, fibers of two groups are used - carbon chain and heterochain. The first includes polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, and polypropylene raw materials. The second includes polyamides, polyester, polyurethane.

Such fibers are obtained mainly during the processing of petroleum products, gas, and coal products, with the subsequent use of various reagents. The use of relatively simple technology and cheap raw materials makes it possible to produce a wide range of synthetic fabrics in large volumes.

What kind of synthetic fabric is this and where is it used?

There is probably no industry in which polymer materials are not used. We found,what is typical for synthetic fabricsin general terms, now let's analyze in more detail properties and directions of use of the most popular types:

• Acrylic. Soft to the touch, wool-like material. It retains its shape perfectly, retains heat, and is “inedible” for moths. It is added when sewing clothes for the autumn-winter season.
• Nylon. It has elasticity, wear resistance and durability. Lightweight fabric that washes well and dries quickly. Used in the production of knitted clothing, linen, hosiery.
• Fleece. Pleasant, reminiscent of fur or wool when touched. It is light in weight and has good air permeability. Products made from it can be machine washed in any mode, they dry quickly and do not require ironing. Fleece is used to make clothing for home and outdoor activities, bathrobes, pajamas, and sweatshirts.
• Mircofiber. Consists of the finest threads with high absorbency. Used for the production of home and kitchen textiles.
• Lavsan. Consists of polyester. It is resistant to temperature factors and does not shrink after washing. Accumulates static electricity and does not absorb moisture well. Skirts, jackets, dresses are sewn from lavsan, and it is added to wool, thanks to which the products become durable and do not wrinkle.
• Neoprene. Relatively the new kind, which is highly elastic and repels water. It is used to create suits for swimming, diving, and sports activities. It is used in the medical field - for bandages and special underwear.
• Biflex. Product created on the basis of polyurethane. Very elastic, resistant to deformation, breathable. Suitable for sewing gymnastic leotards and dance costumes.
• Spandex, lycra. They stretch well, are resistant to tearing, do not wrinkle and fit tightly to the figure, but have poor breathability. Added to knitwear when sewing sportswear, used for making stockings and swimsuits.
• Elastane. Thin, lightweight, resistant to wear, UV radiation and moisture. Does not lose its properties and appearance during long-term use. Designed for the production of workout clothes, swimsuits, leggings, stage costumes, added to the main material in the production of jeans, tank tops, and T-shirts.

Thus, we found out what synthetic fabric is, why you shouldn’t be “afraid” of it and consider it a bad product. You just need to take into account its features and choose quality products.

When choosing clothes or accessories for everyday life, it is often difficult to determine what fabric a particular item of clothing is made of. Most modern materials belong to the category of synthetics, which, despite the significant difference with natural fabrics texture, is in great demand and is used in various fields. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a material, it is necessary to have greater awareness of how synthetic fabrics are classified, what are the features of each type, and how to properly care for the material in order to extend its service life. All of the above nuances will be presented in detail in this article.

Compound

Synthetic fabric has special characteristics that are not typical for other materials. The main difference is the minimal amount or complete absence of fabric fibers of natural origin in the composition. Most varieties are created using artificial processing raw materials and production of fibers from various chemical components.

Many heterochain synthetic fabrics contain elements such as fluorine, nitrogen, hydrocarbons or chlorine. In addition to these basic ones, the fabric may also contain other elements that affect its characteristics. This composition is most typical for polyester, polyamide and polyurethane fibers.

To obtain carbon-chain materials, a chemical element such as hydrocarbon is taken as a basis. Like heterochain varieties, such fabrics are very elastic. They include polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene fabrics. It is worth noting that if synthetic fabric is made on the basis of polyvinyl alcohol, then its elasticity decreases, but nevertheless it is much higher than the elasticity of natural materials.

Since synthetic fibers are popular for various types clothing, including those that are used in different weather conditions, there are GOST standards, according to which the composition of the material must undergo a series of tests before the product is released. Such fabrics must be resistant to moisture, low temperatures, and bright lighting. A mandatory characteristic of such materials is strength. Also, the dyes that make up almost all synthetic fabrics must be resistant to external factors.

Advantages and disadvantages

Polymer fabrics are favorites among many users, but with regard to some features, opinions about such a material are divided into opposing ones. Before purchasing any artificial material, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of synthetics. Among positive aspects the following can be distinguished.

• Clothes made from synthetics are significantly inferior in price to items made from natural fabrics such as wool and silk. At the same time, in terms of efficiency during operation, artificially created analogues are often not inferior to fabrics of natural origin.
• Another advantage of synthetics is that they come in a huge variety. Among synthetic items, you can find clothes of different textures and thicknesses.
• Items based on polymer fibers can have various prints that are not always seen on fabrics of natural origin.
• Material similar type has a long service life. If fungus, mold and even rot can form on natural fibers over time, then polymer materials do not face such dangers.
• Fabrics made from linen, silk and wool can quickly fade or lose color brightness. But synthetics are able to retain their original characteristics, since the technology for coloring them occurs in a special way. The polymer material is first bleached, and only then treated with a dye. This also contributes to its durability.
• Synthetic materials have significantly less weight compared to natural analogues. Even bulky synthetic items are usually lighter than wool sweaters.
• Unlike linen and cotton materials, synthetic fibers are not subject to deformation as much. Many polymer fabrics practically do not wrinkle, so they do not require hanging on hangers. Some synthetic items don't even need to be ironed after washing.
• It is also worth noting that textiles from synthetic materials dries faster after washing than fabrics made from natural raw materials.

But despite all its advantages, synthetic fibers also have a number of negative characteristics.

• Such fabrics do not provide normal heat exchange in the body. This is due to the fact that the material does not absorb moisture well. Therefore, clothes made from such fabrics are not suitable for hot weather.
• If the hygroscopicity of tissues is low, then unpleasant odors absorb very easily into some synthetic fibers and remain there until the item is washed. Consequently, the need to wash clothes may become more frequent.
• This material is not safe for allergy sufferers. Some of them may experience skin irritation after contact with polymer fabrics.
• Synthetic fabrics contain toxic materials that can adversely affect health. Therefore, young children are not recommended to wear clothes made of artificial material.
• Natural materials have a more noble appearance. People who care about their image often prefer clothes made of wool and silk to synthetics, because the latter, in their opinion, looks less aesthetically pleasing. However, this disadvantage of synthetics depends only on individual style preferences.

Types of fibers and their properties

There are many types of polymer fabric materials, each of which has its own individual characteristics.

Polyamide

This type of fabric was obtained in 1938. Subsequently, such well-known materials as nylon, taslan, perlon, Jordan, nylon, and also velsoft were produced from it. The main advantages of these fabrics are their increased strength and absolute resistance to deformation. Clothing and coverings made from such material are not subject to abrasion and tearing. Also, such fibers are able to repel water, which allows them to be used as a waterproof material.

Among the disadvantages of this dense fabric, the main one is the lack of hygroscopicity, which in certain conditions creates discomfort when using the material. The texture of such synthetic fabrics can be quite rigid, and they have a low level of resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Static electricity can also accumulate in the fibers of the material.

This group includes some of the most popular fabrics among the female consumer audience - nylon and nylon. The main advantage of these materials is their combination of lightness and strength. Also, such fabrics dry quite quickly. However, such materials have many disadvantages: they do not retain heat well, when exposed to sunlight, the color of such products can acquire a yellowish tint, and polyamide synthetics do not absorb moisture.

A separate type of polyamide fabric is velsoft - a fleecy dense material comparable to terry. It does not deform, is capable of allowing air to pass through, is also not subject to shedding and is very pleasant to the touch.

Polyester

Tergal, terylene, lavsan, dacron, as well as some other synthetic materials belong to the category of polyester, the production of which began in 1941. Among the well-known fabrics of this variety are raincoat fabric, microfiber, and polyester. Canvases usually have high level strength, while being quite light and soft to the touch. Also, this non-woven material is often added to natural fabrics, making them more durable, but less expensive.

Among the disadvantages of polyester fibers, it is worth noting their ability to accumulate static electricity, and they also react poorly to exposure high temperatures. In some cases, the material creates a kind of greenhouse effect, making it uncomfortable to use, especially if it is used as clothing.

One of the most popular polyester materials is fleece. It retains heat well, while being lightweight and airtight. This fabric is quite elastic, quick-drying and does not require ironing. The advantage of the material is its hypoallergenicity, but over time the fabric can stretch.

In combination with cotton fibers, polyester synthetic fabric - polysatin - is used. It has a dense texture that is also smooth and slightly shiny. It does not dry for long, does not deform during washing and does not fade. Such fabrics are usually not prone to wear out quickly.

Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride fabrics, also called vinon, teviron, chlorin, are famous for their high level of resistance to various chemicals. Often these materials are used in the process of creating protective clothing. However, high temperatures have a negative effect on such materials, causing destruction (at +100 degrees Celsius) or deformation (shrinkage). The texture of such materials is quite dense.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane fibers are called elastane, spandex, dorslastane, lycra and neolan. This is a well-stretchable material that has a smooth texture. Despite the high level of elongation, such fabrics do not lose their original shape after stretching. Their weakness is their instability to high temperatures: the fiber loses its original elasticity. Polyurethane threads are added to other materials, making them more elastic, while being resistant to light rays and permeable to air.

Polyvinyl alcohol

Among such materials you can find such as vinol, vinylon, mtilan, kuralon and vinol. Their main advantages are a high level of strength, resistance to wear, light, and temperature. Compared to other groups of synthetic fabrics, these have a high level of hygroscopicity, which is close to that of materials made from cotton. They are very resistant to the influences of various chemicals, but can be deformed when exposed to moisture.

Peoliolefins

This group includes types of synthetics such as polyethylene and polypropylene fabrics, which are the lightest of all artificial materials. They are also waterproof, do not sink in water, and can withstand quite low temperatures. Also, these fibers retain heat well. But they are not elastic. Among such materials on the market you can find tekmilon, spectrum, ulstrene, meraklon, herculon, found, and dyneema fabrics.

Polyamide

Several types of synthetic materials are often used to create certain fabrics. The most current example is microfiber, which is based on nylon as well as polyester raw materials. The main characteristics of this material are its fairly high hygroscopicity combined with the ability to dry quickly after wet processing. It is also not subject to shedding or pilling, therefore it is resistant to temperature and chemical influences. This material is used for both woven and non-woven fabrics.

Having a special porous texture, microfiber maintains optimal body temperature without creating a “greenhouse effect”. At the same time, such fabric perfectly protects from the wind.

Scope of use

Synthetic fibers are used to make a huge range of different products, from clothing to home textiles and even furniture. The area in which this or that material is used depends on which particular group of synthetic fabrics it belongs to.

• Polyvinyl chloride materials are actively used to create artificial leather, carpets, and faux fur.
• Due to their high thermal insulation and hygroscopicity, polyolefin fabrics are often used in workwear, in the manufacture of travel equipment, upholstery, underwear, and socks.
• Among polyvinyl alcohol synthetic materials, the most popular in use is vinol, from which it is produced underwear, tights and stockings.
• Mtilan is the main raw material for creating surgical sutures.
• Microfiber is the main material for household textiles, outerwear, cleaning accessories, sportswear, and upholstery.
• Polyurethane synthetic fabrics are popular mainly for the production of sportswear.
• Polyamide synthetics can most often be found in tights, stockings, and leggings. Velsoft is an excellent fabric for the production of blankets, warm bathrobes, pajamas, towels, as well as clothing for the little ones.
• Also, for the production of children's clothing and toys, material such as fleece is used.
• Polysatin is most in demand for creating home textiles, such as curtains and bed linen. It is also used to make scarves, ties and home wardrobe items.