Synthetic Fibers - Mans' Attempt To Improve On Nature

Until the 19th century, the lone fibres that were available for weaving fabrics were nature's own; linen, wool, silk and cotton. A listing of some man-made fibers, and information about each:

Rayon -

The first man-made fiber was produced about 1855 and it was primarily used as a substitution for silk. It went by the name Viscose. This fibre did not actually go commercially feasible until 1924 when more than than modern production methods made it more economical to produce, when it was renamed Rayon. Rayon is technically not synthetic, nor is it natural. It is made from wood cellulose. It stays a versatile fibre for clothing as it have many of the same creature comforts as natural fibers. Rayon makes not reserve organic structure heat energy very well, so it is mostly used in clothing made for hot and humid seasons and climates. It is not only used for apparel, but in bedspreads, blankets, curtains, upholstery, yarn, medical surgery merchandises and other items.

Nylon -

Developed by the DuPont chemical company, nylon began to be manufactured in 1939. It is the first truly man-made fiber, as it is made entirely of petrochemicals. With the eruption of World War II, the handiness of silk for military applications dropped because most silk came from Asia. Nylon replaced silk in parachutes, and was also used in tires, tents, ropes and other military items. Nylon is used in many applications. A few illustrations are clothing, carpeting, pantyhose, Velcro, toothbrushes, guitar strings, fishing line, and many more than uses.

Acrylic -

DuPont developed acrylic fiber in 1944 and began to commercially bring forth it in 1950. At first it was primarily used in out-of-door applications, but is now used in clothing and carpeting. When used for clothes it is light weight and warm, very similar to wool. It have been used as a inexpensive option to cashmere.

Polyester -

Yet another fibre created by men of science at DuPont, experimentation with the fibre was shelved with the approaching of World War two and the accent on nylon. Polyester was introduced to United States in 1951 under the trade name of Dacron. Currently, it is the most widely used of any man-made fibre in the United States. It is used for apparel, pillow stuffing, wood finishing products, bottles, filters, tarps, and a immense listing of other uses. Because polyester defies wrinkling, it is many modern times combined with other natural and man-made fibres to bring forth wrinkle-free fabrics.

Micro fibre -

This is a type of polyester that have very thin strands, while retaining its strength. It was introduced in 1986, and can be used to do cloths and stuffs that are sheer, very strong, and very absorbent. These qualities do micro fibres very utile in cleansing and shining applications, as well as combining them with other synthetic and natural fibres to add its characteristics.