Synthetics: composition and varieties

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

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

The composition of many fabrics belonging to the number of hetero-chain synthetics includes elements such as fluorine, nitrogen, hydrocarbon or chlorine. In addition to these basic ones, other elements that affect its characteristics can also enter the fabric. This composition is most characteristic of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane fibers.

To obtain carbochain materials, a chemical element such as a hydrocarbon is taken as the basis. Like heterochain varieties, such fabrics are very flexible.They include polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene fabrics. It is worth noting that if the 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 clothes, including those used under different weather conditions, there are GOST standards, according to which the composition of the material must pass a series of tests before releasing products. Such fabrics must be resistant to moisture, low temperatures, and bright light. A mandatory characteristic of such materials is strength. Also, the coloring substances that make up almost all synthetic materials must be resistant to external factors.

Polymeric fabrics are the favorites of many users, but with respect to some signs, opinions about such material are divided into opposite. Before buying this or that artificial matter it is recommended to get acquainted with the main advantages and disadvantages of synthetics. Among the positive aspects are the following.

• Synthetic clothing is significantly inferior in price to things made from natural fabrics such as wool and silk. Moreover, in terms of efficiency during operation, artificially created analogues are often not inferior to fabrics of natural origin.
• Another advantage of synthetics is that it is presented in a huge variety. Among synthetic things you can find clothes of various textures and thicknesses.
• Things based on polymer fibers can have various prints that can not always be 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 polymeric materials do not face such dangers.
• Fabrics made of linen, silk and wool can quickly fade or lose color brightness. But synthetics are able to preserve the original signs, since the technology of its coloring occurs in a special way. The polymeric material is first subjected to bleaching, and only then - processing a dye. This also contributes to its longevity.
• Synthetic materials have significantly lower weight compared to natural counterparts. Even voluminous synthetics are usually lighter than woolen sweaters.
• Unlike linen and cotton materials, synthetic fibers do not undergo so much deformation. Many polymer fabrics practically do not crease, therefore they do not require hanging on their shoulders. Some synthetic items may not even be ironed after washing.
• It is also worth noting that textiles made from synthetic materials dry faster after washing than fabrics made from natural raw materials.

But despite all its advantages, fibers made of synthetic material also have a number of negative characteristics.

• Such tissues do not provide normal heat transfer of the body. This is due to the fact that the material does not absorb moisture well. Therefore, clothes made of such fabrics are not suitable for hot weather.
• If the hygroscopicity of the tissues is low, then unpleasant odors are very easily absorbed into some synthetic fibers and remain there until the item is washed. Therefore, the need for washing clothes may become more frequent.
• Such material is not safe for allergy sufferers. Some of them may cause skin irritation after contact with polymer tissues.
• Among synthetic fabrics, toxic materials are found that can adversely affect health. Therefore, young children are not recommended to wear clothing made of artificial material.
• 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 minus of synthetics depends only on individual style preferences.

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

This type of tissue was obtained in 1938. Subsequently, famous materials such as nylon, taslan, perlon, Jordan, kapron, and also velsoft were made from it. The main advantages of these fabrics is their increased strength, absolute resistance to deformation. Clothing and coatings made of such material are not subject to abrasion or tearing. Also, such fibers are able to repel water, which allows them to be used as a waterproof material.

Among the disadvantages of this dense tissue, the main thing 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, while they have a low level of resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Also, static electricity can build up in the fibers of matter.

This group includes some of the most popular fabrics among female consumer audiences - capron and nylon. The main advantage of these materials is their combination of lightness and strength. Also, such fabrics dry quite quickly. However, these materials have many drawbacks: they do not retain heat well, under the influence of sunlight the color of such products may acquire a yellowish tint, and polyamide synthetics do not absorb moisture.

A separate type of polyamide material is velsoft, a fleecy dense material comparable to terry. It does not deform, is capable of passing air, is also not subject to molting and is very pleasant to the touch.

Tergal, terylene, lavsan, dacron, as well as some other synthetic materials belong to the category of polyester, the start of production of which was laid in 1941. Among the well-known fabrics of this variety include raincoat fabric, microfiber, as well as polyester. Cloths usually have a high level of strength, while being quite light and soft to the touch. Also, this non-woven 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, and 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 operate, 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 a 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 tissue can stretch.

In combination with cotton fibers use a polyester synthetic fabric - polysatin. It has a dense texture, which at the same time is smooth and a little shiny. It does not dry for long, does not deform during washing and does not fade. Such 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 workwear.However, high temperatures negatively affect such matters, causing destruction (at +100 degrees Celsius) or deformation (shrinkage). The texture of such materials is rather dense.

Polyurethane fibers are called elastane, spandex, dorlastan, lycra and neolane. It is a well-stretching matter that has a smooth texture. Despite the high level of extensibility, such tissues do not lose their original shape after stretching. Their weakness is instability to the effects of high temperatures: the fiber loses its original elasticity. Polyurethane yarns are added to other materials, making them more elastic, while being resistant to light rays and transmitting air.

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, exposure to light, as well as temperature. Compared with 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 chemistry, but they can be deformed under the influence of moisture.

This group includes such varieties of synthetics as polyethylene and polypropylene fabrics, which are the lightest of all artificial materials. They also do not let water through, do not drown 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 fabrics of tecmilon, spectrum, ulstren, meraclone, herculon, found, dynema.

Several types of synthetic materials are often used to create specific fabrics. The most relevant example is microfiber, which is based on nylon as well as polyester raw materials. The main characteristics of this material is its sufficiently high hygroscopicity in combination with the ability to quickly dry after wet processing. It is also not subject to molting and rolling, therefore it is resistant to temperature and chemical influences. This material 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 applied depends on which group of synthetic fabrics it belongs to.

• Polyvinyl chloride materials are actively used to create artificial leather, carpets, as well as faux fur.
• Due to their high thermal insulation and hygroscopicity, polyolefin fabrics are often used in overalls, in the manufacture of camping equipment, upholstery, underwear, and socks.
• Among the polyvinyl alcohol synthetic materials, the most popular is Vinol, from which underwear, tights and stockings are made.
• Mtilan is the main raw material for creating surgical sutures.
• Microfiber is the main material for household textiles, outerwear, cleaning accessories, sportswear, upholstery.
• Polyurethane synthetic fabrics are popular mainly for the production of sportswear.
• Polyamide synthetics can most often be found in tights, stockings, leggings. Velsoft is an excellent fabric for the production of plaids, warm bathrobes, pajamas, towels, as well as clothes for the smallest.
• Also, such material as fleece is used to produce children's clothing and toys.
• Polysatin is most in demand for creating home textiles, for example, curtains, bedding. Also, scarves, ties and home wardrobe items are made from it.

In order to choose the right synthetic material for domestic purposes and the interior, as well as to choose clothes from similar fabrics, you need to consider a number of signs that affect the selection of such products.

• Individual characteristics of the body. Many people are allergic specifically to artificial materials, and people with sensitive skin may also experience discomfort. If you have similar problems, then it is better not to stop the choice on entirely synthetic fabrics, but rather 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, which include no more than 30% synthetic fibers.
• Consider the main purpose of acquiring this or that accessory or thing. Density and durability and ability to withstand climatic influences are the main criteria for choosing sports and tourist equipment.
• Humidity and climate of the room or area where the thing will be used. Most materials are quite resistant to moisture, but not all of them react normally to temperature jumps.
• An important criterion is the smell. If the fabric smells unpleasant, then its composition contains toxic synthetic elements that will exude a characteristic aroma after each wash or heat treatment.

So that the service life of the synthetic fabric is longer and it does not lose its original appearance, it is necessary to carry out simple proper care:

• it is advisable to wash thin fabrics manually at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees or in the delicate machine wash mode;
• most materials do not need to be ironed, since they do not tolerate high temperatures;
• When drying, elastic products should not be stretched, since they can lose their shape.

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