SPANDEX

ASSIGNMENT 1
FABRIC SCIENCE
BY- HRISHIKA AGARWALA
(BFT/19/96)
 Spandex is a synthetic polymer.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
 It is an elastomer, which means it can 1)Tensile strengths
be stretched to a certain degree and it range – 2)Elongation: 450-
616-994 kg/cm ² 700%.
recoils when released.
(8800-14200 lb/in²)
 These fibers are superior to rubber
because they are stronger, lighter, and
more versatile.
 Spandex fibers are produced as 2.a).At 500% elongation 2.b)At 200 % elongation
-> 90% elastic recovery. ->98% elastic recovery.
monofilaments, e.g. of round cross-
section, or as partly-fused
multifilament.
3)Moisture regains: Is
4)Specific gravity: 1.2 to
low 1.0 to 1.3 per cent.
1.25.
(Vyrene has about 0.3%)
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Effect of Sunlight:
Resistance generally is
excellent, with discoloration
occurring in some cases on
prolonged exposure.
Acids: Most fibres have a
Effect of Age: Spandex good resistance to cold
Alkalis: Resistance to
fibers show little dilute acids, but may be
alkalis is really good.
deterioration on ageing. attacked under more severe
conditions.

General: Good resistance

Spandex fibers are
commonly thermoplastic,
sticking becoming
noticeable in some cases as
low as 150°C, but in others
as high as 280°c.
to most common Organic Solvents: Good
chemicals, including resistance to most common
Melting points are in the chemicals, cosmetic oils, solvents, including dry
range 230-290°C. lotions and bleaches. Good cleaning solvents.
resistance to oxygen.

Most spandex fibers are not Insects: Completely Micro-organism:

damaged by temperature resistant completely resistant
used in ironing, dry
cleaning, laundering, low
ironing temperature.
GLYCOL
STRUCTURE DIISOCYANATE

Chemically, it is made up of a long-chain polyglycol combined with a

short diisocyanate, and contains at least 85% polyurethane.
 USES:
• Garments where comfort and fit are desired: Hosiery, swimsuits,
aerobic/exercise wear, ski pants, golf jackets, disposable diaper, waist bands.
• Compression garments: Surgical hose, support hose, bicycle pants, foundation
garments
• Shaped garments: Bra cups.
 THE FUTURE
• Scientists have found that by changing the starting prepolymers they can
develop fibers which have even better stretching characteristics.
• Other characteristics can be improved by using different prepolymer ratios,
better catalysts, and various fillers
• Advanced fabrics will be produced which incorporate spandex fibers with
conventional fibers.
• Currently, nylon/spandex fiber blends are available. Finally, improvements in
manufacturing will also be discovered. These will focus on producing fibers
faster and more efficiently.
 THANK YOU!
REFERENCES
:HANDBOOK OF TEXTILE FIBRES VOL.II BY J GORDON COOK
TEXTILES FIBER TO FABRIC BY BERNARD P. CORBMAN
WWW.MADEHOW.COM