MAN - MADE FIBRE

Acetate
Fibre: Cellulose
Weave: Plain
Characteristics: Acetate, one of the first manufactured fibres is soft and has a crisp feel. It has the lustrous appearance of silk and excellent drapability. It is not a strong fibre, as it's resistance to abrasion is poor. It does resist shrinkage, moths, and mildew and does not absorb moisture readily. It's yarns are pliable and supple and will always sprig back to their original shape. It is fast drying and when heated becomes more pliable. Acetone and alcohol dissolve acetate fibres. Special dyes are required if it is be coloured. Today Acetate can be found in a variety of colours.
Uses: Organic solvents such as perfume and nail polish remover. Clothing, uniforms, lingerie, carpets, bathing suits, draperies, automobile upholstery, fillings for pillows, interlinings.


Acrylic
Characteristics: It is manufactured fibres of acrylonitrile. It is a durable fibre with a soft, woolly feel. It has an uneven surface, making it different from most manufactured fibres. It comes in a variety of colours, and can be dyed easily. It is resistant to sun and chemicals.
Uses: Often used as a replacement for wool.


Aramid
Characteristics:This strong fibre does not have a melting point and is flame proof. It retains it's shape, even at high temperatures and is resistant to stretch.


Asbestos
Uses: Often used as a replacement for wool.


Charvet
Weave: Herringbone
Uses: It is a soft, silky fibre with high luster and a warp face. It originated as a silk fibre but is now made of manufactured fibres.


Elastomer
Characteristics: It is a synthetic rubber that can be stretched to at least three times it’s original length. Once the exerted pull force is released, this fibre returns to it’s original length.


Latex
Characteristics: Natural and synthetic fibres are made from this raw material. Natural Latex is a white milky emulsion.


Manufactured Fibre
Characteristics: It’s commercial use is still fairly recent. It was only one hundred years ago that Manufacture Fibres were utilized in this fashion, beginning with artificial silk in 1889. It is very flexible and versatile and can be cared for easily. It is wrinkly free, flame resistant and very comfortable.


Modacrylic
Characteristics:It is very resilient and soft. It retains it's shape and is resistant to chemicals, flames and abrasion.



Nylon
Characteristics: This manufactured fibre is very strong and is resistant to both abrasion and damage from many chemicals. It is elastic, easy to wash and is quite lustrous. It returns easily to it's original shape and is non-absorbent. It is fast drying, resistant to some dyes, and resistant to moths and other insects, water, perspiration and standard dry-cleaning agents.
Uses:Women's hosiery, knitted or woven lingerie, socks and sweaters, rugs and carpets, tents, sleeping bags, duffle bags, racquet strings, fishing lines, sails, tire cord, machine belting, filter netting, fish nets, laminates, and ropes.


Olefin Fibre
Characteristics: It is very lightweight yet strong. It is resistant to abrasion, soil, stains and deterioration from mildew, and damage from chemicals. It is also quick drying and colourfast.
Uses: Various uses such as apparel, interior parts of automobiles, furniture and carpets.


PBI
Characteristics:Highly resistant to flame. When exposed to heat, is prone to low shrinkage. Has exceptional thermal and chemical stability.



Polyester
Characteristics:It is an extremely resilient fibre that is smooth, crisp and particularly springy. It's shape is determined by heat and it is insensitive to moisture. It is lightweight, strong and resistant to creasing, shrinking, stretching, mel dew and abrasion. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight or weather and is resistant to moths and mildew.
Uses: Vary, depending on blend.


Protein Base Fibres
Fibre: Cellulose
Characteristics: This cellulose fibre is highly absorbent. It’s drapability and dyeability are excellent and it is fairly soft.



Rayon
Fibre: Cellulose
Characteristics: This cellulose fibre is highly absorbent. It’s drapability and dyeability are excellent and it is fairly soft. Rayon does have a tendency to shrink but does not melt in high temperatures. It is resistant to moths and is not affected by ordinary household bleaches and chemicals.
Uses:Clothing, draperies, upholstery, carpets, tablecloths, bedspreads, automobile tires, conveyor belts, hose.


Spandex
Characteristics: It is an elastomeric fibre that can be stretched up to five times it’s original length without being damaged. It is lightweight and flexible. It resists deterioration from perspiration, detergent ad body oils. It is characterized by it’s strength and durability.
Uses: Main uses are athletic wear and foundation garments.


Sulfur
Characteristics:It is a nonconductive fibre that is retardant to flame. It has excellent resistance to a variety of damaging chemicals and severe temperatures. This high-performance fibre retains it's supreme strength, even in unfavorable conditions.



Vivyon
Characteristics:This is a non-toxic fibre with a high resistance to chemicals. It softens at low temperatures.