Synthetic Fiber

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Synthetic

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Synthetic

Information About

Synthetic Fiber

Common synthetic fibers include:

Rayon (1910) (an artificial fiber, but not truly synthetic)

Acetate (1924)

Nylon (1939)

Modacrylic (1949)

Olefin (1949)

Acrylic (1950)

Polyester (1953)

PLA (2002)

Specialty synthetic fibers include:

Vinyon (1939)

Saran (1941)

Spandex (1959)

Vinalon (1939)

Aramid (1961) - a forerunner of Nomex and Kevlar

Modal (1960's)

PBI (1983)

Sulfar (1983)

Lyocell (1992)

Zylon

( M-5 )

Dyneema/Spectra

Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)

Modern fibers that are made from older artificial materials include:

Glass Fiber is used for:

--- industrial, automotive, and home insulation ( Fiberglass )

--- reinforcement of composite and plastics

--- specialty papers in battery separators and filtration

Metallic Fiber (1946) is used for:

--- adding metallic properties to clothing for the purpose of fashion (usually made with composite plastic and metal foils)

--- elimination and prevention of static charge build-up

--- conducting electricity to transmit information

--- conduction of heat

REFERENCES

The original source of this article and much of the synthetic fiber articles (copied with permission) is Whole Earth magazine, No. 90, Summer 1997. www.wholeearth.com

SEE ALSO

Inventory of Synthetic Fibers