Fiber is an important material that makes human life more convenient.
Among them, chemical fibers are deeply entrenched in our daily lives and industry as a whole.
Unlike natural fibers, chemical fibers are artificially made and have the advantage of being able to be designed to have desired properties.
In this time, we will learn about the main types of chemical fibers and their characteristics.
Polyester
Polyester is the most widely used synthetic fiber and boasts excellent durability. Polyester fibers do not wrinkle easily, have excellent shape retention, and show little shrinkage or deformation even after washing.
These properties make it widely used in clothing, home textiles, sportswear, etc.
Main advantages
Strong durability
excellent shape retention
moisture resistance
quick drying after washing
Nylon
Nylon is a chemical fiber first developed in the 1930s and is a material that brought great innovation to the textile industry.
Nylon has good elasticity and is resistant to abrasion, so it is often used in stockings and sportswear. Nylon fiber is light yet strong, making it versatile.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a fiber with a texture similar to natural wool, so much so that it is called ‘artificial wool’. Acrylic is warm and soft, and is mainly used in knitted clothing, blankets, and decorative cushions.
Acrylic is widely used in fashion and home decoration because it is inexpensive and dyes vivid colors.
Main advantages
high strength and durability
excellent elasticity
resistant to friction
resistant to water
Rayon
Rayon is a ‘regenerated fibre’, made from chemically treated cellulose.
It feels similar to natural fiber and is soft and absorbent, so it is often used in underwear.
However, it has the disadvantage that it is weak against moisture and its strength may decrease.
Main advantages
soft and breathable
excellent hygroscopicity
cool and comfortable to wear
Spandex
Spandex is a stretchy fiber that is used in combination with other fibers.
It is mainly used to make sportswear, swimsuits, leggings, etc.
Spandex is used to make form-fitting clothing thanks to its high elasticity.
Main advantages
Excellent elasticity
quick return to original state
close fit to the skin
Acetate
Acetate is a fiber derived from cellulose that provides a shine and feel similar to silk.
It is mainly used for clothing, lining, and dresses, and is dyed in vivid colors.
However, its durability is relatively low and care must be taken in its maintenance.
Key advantages
Luxurious luster
dyes well
soft texture
Chemical fibers play an important role in various fields depending on their properties and advantages.
polyester and nylon are used in everyday clothing and industrial products.
Acrylic and rayon are used in fashion and home textiles;
Spandex is used in clothing for sports and active lifestyles.
The functionality and comfort of clothing vary depending on which fiber you choose, so it is important to understand its properties.
Find the optimal fiber for you by considering the unique characteristics of each chemical fiber!