Synthetics: composition and varieties

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

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

Many fabrics that are heterochain synthetics contain elements such as fluorine, nitrogen, hydrocarbon, or chlorine. In addition to these basic ones, other elements can enter the fabric 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 a hydrocarbon is taken as a basis. Like heterochain varieties, these tissues are highly elastic.They include polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene fabrics. It should be noted that if a 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 of 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 being released. Such fabrics must be resistant to moisture, low temperatures, bright light. An essential characteristic of such materials is strength. Also, dyes, which are part of almost all synthetic materials, must be resistant to external factors.

Polymeric fabrics are favorites with many users, but with regard to some features, opinions on such material are divided into opposite ones. Before buying one or another artificial matter, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of synthetics. Among the positive aspects are the following.

• Synthetic clothing is significantly less expensive than natural fabrics such as wool and silk. At the same time, in terms of efficiency during operation, artificially created analogs are often not inferior to fabrics of natural origin.
• Another advantage of synthetics is that it comes in a huge variety. Among synthetics, you can find clothes of various textures and thicknesses.
• Items based on polymer fibers can have different prints, which are not always seen on fabrics of natural origin.
• This type of material has a long service life. If, over time, fungus, mold and even rot can form on natural fibers, then such dangers are not threatened by polymer materials.
• Linen, silk and wool fabrics can quickly fade or lose color brightness. But synthetics are able to retain their original characteristics, since the technology of their dyeing occurs in a special way. The polymer material is first subjected to bleaching, and only then is it treated with a dye. This also contributes to its durability.
• Synthetic materials are significantly lighter than natural counterparts. Even bulky synthetics are usually lighter than wool sweaters.
• Unlike linen and cotton fabrics, synthetic fibers do not deform as much. Many polymer fabrics practically do not wrinkle, therefore they do not require hanging on hangers. Some synthetic items may not even be ironed after washing.
• It is also worth noting that textiles made from synthetic materials dries faster after washing than fabrics made from natural raw materials.

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

• Such tissues 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 fabrics is at a low level, then unpleasant odors are very easily absorbed 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 tissues.
• Among synthetic fabrics, there are toxic materials that can adversely affect health.Therefore, it is not recommended for young children to wear artificial clothing.
• 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.

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

This type of fabric was obtained in 1938. Subsequently, such well-known materials as nylon, taslan, perlon, jordan, nylon, and also velsoft were made from it. The main advantages of these fabrics are their increased strength, absolute resistance to deformation. Clothing and coverings made from this material are not subject to abrasion and tearing. Also, such fibers are capable of repelling 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, under certain conditions, creates discomfort when using the material. The texture of such synthetic fabrics can be quite tough, yet they have a low level of UV resistance. Also, static electricity can accumulate in the fibers of matter.

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, these fabrics dry quite quickly. However, such materials have many disadvantages: they do not retain heat well, under the influence of 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 cloth. It does not deform, is able to pass air, is also not subject to shedding and is very pleasant to the touch.

Tergal, terylene, lavsan, dacron, as well as some other synthetic materials belong to the category of polyester materials, the production of which began in 1941. Among the well-known fabrics, this variety includes raincoat fabric, microfiber, and polyester. The canvases usually have a high level of strength, while being reasonably light and soft to the touch. Also, this nonwoven material is often added to the composition of natural fabrics, making them more durable, but at the same time less expensive.

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

One of the most popular polyester fabrics is fleece. It retains heat well, while being lightweight and does not allow air to pass through. Such fabric is quite elastic, quick-drying and does not need to be ironed. The advantage of the material is its hypoallergenicity, but over time, the fabric can stretch.

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

Polyvinyl chloride fabrics, also called vignon, teviron, chlorin, are famous for their high level of resistance to the effects of 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 these materials is quite dense.

The polyurethane fibers are called elastane, spandex, dorlastane, lycra, and neolane. It is a highly stretchable fabric that has a smooth texture. Despite the high level of elongation, such fabrics do not lose their original shape after stretching. Their weak side is 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 allowing air to pass through.

Among such materials one can find such as vinol, vinylon, mtilan, curalon 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 effects of various chemicals, but at the same time they can deform under the influence of moisture.

This group includes such types of synthetics as polyethylene and polypropylene fabrics, which are the lightest of all artificial materials. They are also impervious to water, do not sink in water, and are able to withstand fairly low temperatures. Also, these fibers retain heat well. But they are not elastic. On the market, among such materials, you can find texmilon, spectrum, ulstren, meraklon, herkulon, found, dinema fabrics.

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

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

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

To choose the right synthetic material for household and interior purposes, as well as to choose clothes made from similar fabrics, it is necessary to take into account a number of signs that influence the choice of such products.

• Individual characteristics of the organism. Many people are allergic to artificial materials, and people with sensitive skin can also experience discomfort. If you have such problems, then it is better not to stop the choice on entirely synthetic fabrics, but to prefer natural products, which only partially contain synthetic fibers. Try to opt for fabrics that allow air and water to pass through, such as microfiber. When choosing clothes, it is recommended to give preference to things that contain no more than 30% synthetic fibers.
• Consider the main purpose of purchasing this or that accessory or thing. Density and durability and the ability to withstand climatic influences are the main criteria for choosing sports and outdoor equipment.
• Humidity and climate of the room or area where the item will be used. Most materials are quite resistant to moisture, but not all of them react normally to temperature fluctuations.
• Smell is an important criterion. If the fabric smells unpleasant, then it contains toxic synthetic elements that will exude a characteristic aroma after each wash or heat treatment.

To make the synthetic fabric last longer and not lose its original appearance, it is necessary to carry out simple correct care:

• it is advisable to wash delicate fabrics by hand at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees or in a delicate machine wash;
• most fabrics do not need to be ironed, since they do not tolerate high temperatures;
• when drying elastic products, do not stretch as they may lose their shape.

For information on how synthetic thread is made, see the video below.