Spandex (elastane, lycra) is a modern elastic fiber, the main component of which is polyurethane rubber. The creation of this artificially derived polymer created an incredible sensation in the fabric industry. The main advantage of this material is its high elasticity, which contributes to the long-term preservation of the fabric and has many advantages.
Elastane was originally conceived as a substitute for expensive rubber and was produced by the American chemist Joseph Schiffers at the DuPont plant, one of the largest chemical plants in the world, in 1959. Even the term spandex itself (from English - “stretch”) speaks of the extraordinary properties of this polymer. By adding 2-3% of this element to the fibers of already familiar fabrics, such as cotton, linen, viscose and others, their wear resistance increases tenfold. That is why you can often read the word “elastane” on the composition tags of sports and casual clothing.
In the 70s of the twentieth century, spandex conquered Europe and Japan. The first production of this polymer in the territory of the former Soviet Union was opened in 1975 in the city of Volzhsky, Volgograd region.
This synthetic material is a lightweight, durable fiber with a shiny surface. To understand what lycra looks like without impurities in its pure form, you can recall the famous American comedy “The Mask” with Jim Carrey. That green smooth mask that stuck to the body like a second skin is spandex.
Elastane consists of plastic threads obtained from oil refining and contains 85% polyurethane, thanks to which the fibers are able to stretch and compress to their original state.
If you add it to the composition of the fabric, its properties will change dramatically:
There are two types of spandex based on the degree of stretch: two-dimensional and four-dimensional. The first one stretches only upwards or sideways, while the second one stretches in all directions.
@stayer.su
Pure spandex is used to make clothes for cyclists, figure skaters and gymnasts. Polyfiber is also added to swimsuits, but with regular use of swimming pools, swimsuits wear out faster.This happens because elastane deteriorates from bleach. In order to preserve the appearance of your swimsuit longer, you should wash it in cool water after each visit to the pool.
In addition to chlorine, spandex is afraid of hot temperatures; clothes should be washed at a temperature not exceeding 60°C. After washing, clothes must be wrung out very carefully so as not to damage the elastic threads. Products made from elastane should not be ironed, but if the item is made of natural fabric with the addition of this material, then ironing should be done through gauze.
This synthetic polymer is so in demand that every year factories around the world collectively produce at least 400 tons of elastane. Its capabilities are not fully known, so scientists regularly discover new properties of this amazing material and find application for it in various areas of our lives.
0
