1. Manufactured Synthetic Fibres Learning Objectives: Understand the sources, properties and uses of manufactured synthetic fibres. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of manufactured synthetic fibres.

2. Manufactured Synthetic Fibres – Polyamide (Nylon) Properties: Very strong Hard-wearing Does not decompose (rot) Melts as it burns Not very absorbent so it dries quickly Crease resistant Resists alkalis but can be damaged by acids. Versatile - can be made into many types of products. Advantages: Strong when wet Inexpensive Resists bacteria Durable and long lasting Disadvantages: Can be damaged by sunlight which discolours it and makes it weak. Low absorbency Not always comfortable to wear. Fabric Names: Nylon Tactel Tactel Micro Uses: Clothing Ropes Carpets & rugs Seat belts

3. Manufactured Synthetic Fibres- Polyester Properties: Very strong Can be made flame resistant Thermoplastic – can be heat set into pleats and shapes. Does not decompose Resists most alkalis but can be damaged by acids. Versatile as it can be made into many types of products. Uses: Sportswear Ties Sewing threads Medical textiles Net curtains Carpets Advantages: Strong when wet Dries quickly Crease resistant Cheap Resists bacteria Disadvantages: Poor absorbency so it is difficult to dye. Fabric Names: Terylene Polar Fleece Trevira Finesse Miratec Dacron

4. Manufactured Synthetic Fibres - Acrylic Properties: Strong when it is dry but weaker when wet. Shrinks away from heat. Thermoplastic Burns slowly then melts. Soft Warm Easy to wash and dry. Uses: KnitwearUpholstery fabrics Fake furSportswear Toys Advantages: Warm Soft Insulating Inexpensive Dries quickly Disadvantages: Poor absorbency Fabric Names: Courtelle Amicor

5. Manufactured Synthetic Fibres - Elastane Properties: Very elastic Lightweight Very strong Resists chemicals Not damaged by perspiration Aids crease resistance Uses: Swimwear Sportswear Jeans Advantages: Very stretchy Keeps its shape Resistant to damage by sun and seawater Lightweight Strong Makes garments comfortable to wear Disadvantages: Very poor absorbency Always needs to be blended with other fibres. It is too stretchy and elastic to be used on its own. Fabric names: Lycra

6. Regenerated Cellulose Fibres Regenerated cellulose fibres are made from wood pulp and chemicals. They are similar to cotton. Properties of Regenerated Cellulose Fibres: Highly absorbent Washable Soft Smooth Comfortable to wear Drape well High strength when wet Names of regenerated fibres: ViscoseRayonAcetate TriacetateModalTencel Lyocell These are environmentally friendly fibres because they reuse waste chemicals in the production process. Uses: Lyocell is used as a non woven fabric for medical wipes and swabs. Fashion clothing Lingerie Ribbons Protective clothing