TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

SYNTHETIC FIBERS

      In this blog about the synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are produced from simple organic chemicals, obtained mainly from petroleum. They are thus distinct from natural fibers and those made from regenerated natural polymers such as, cellulose. In particular the dyeing of synthetic fibers is quite different from that of natural fibers and the progress of each synthetic fiber has involved new dyeing technologies.

     The major polymers used for synthetic fibers are poly-amides, polyesters and poly acrylonitrile. The first two are products of poly condensation reactions and the latter of radical addition polymerization. Synthetic fibers have many excellent textile properties and comprise over 40% of all fibers consumed. Every type is available in a wide variety of modifications to suit market requirements. These includes mono or multi filaments or staple fiber of any denier or length and with a variety of different physical and chemical properties. Advantages of synthetic fibers is the relative ease with which physical and chemical modifications are possible. The favorable economics of the mass production of nylon, polyester and acrylic fibers are the result of solving many technical problems their production and use. The introduction of new types of synthetic fiber in the foreseeable future is often considered unlikely, but such pessimism may not be warranted.

 

     All synthetic fibers are produced by extrusion of continuous filaments, either of the molten polymer or of it is solution in a solvent, through tiny holes in a metal plate. This is called a spinneret. Extrusion of polymer filaments is called spinning but must be distinguished from the spinning of yarns of staple fibers by drawing an twisting. In melt spinning, the solid polymer filaments are obtained by rapidly cooling the extruded molten poly met, where as in solution spinning they remain after evaporation of the solvent, or coagulation in a bath of suitable chemicals.