Shahzad H. Sh.

Taimur Mir Sana Asif Huma Saeed

Acrylic fibres are synthetic fibres which are made entirely from chemicals. The other most widely used kinds of synthetic fibers are nylon (polyamide), polyester and olefin. Acrylic fibres contains up to 85 % polymers from polyacrylonitrile also referred to as PAN. PANs are a softer type of plastic, more fibrous and rubbery than a hard plastic.

The acrylonitrile monomers is usually combined with small amounts of other chemicals to improve the ability of the resulting fiber to absorb dyes. These days fabrics are made from acrylics fibres because they are cheap and produce in large quantity. The first acrylic fabric fiber was spun in the 1940s by Dupont and was called Orlon. Orlon was rough and stiff. The process of creating acrylic fabrics has developed since the forties to produce a range of fabrics that are much softer.

The polymer of acrylic fibers are formed by polymerization method. The fiber is then produced by dissolving the polymers in a solvent by mixing N,N-dimethylformamide or aqueous sodium thiocyanate. Later it passes through a multi-hole spinnerette and coagulating the resultant filaments in an aqueous solution of the same solvent. Washing, stretching, drying technique are used and in the end crimping process complete the processing.

Production occurs in two ways of Acrylic fibers. Either by wet spinning or by dry spinning method. Using solvents to dissolve the poylmers, each process then extrudes the polymers and spins them to solidify them. In the dry spinning process, the polymers are dissolved in a suitable solvent, which is forcefully pushed into warm air for solidification by the evaporation of the solvent. After the spinning part is over, it is stretched hot from 3 to 10 times of its original length and then crimped. Example filament fibers it produces.

In the wet spinning process, the polymer is dissolved in solvent and extruded into a coagulating wet substance. It is then dried, crimped and collected as the resulting fabric. For example staple fiber it produces. The fiber is stretched and pulled during its creation creating a tensile strength in the resulting fiber. Fibers are then altered according to the needs of the purchaser. Color, specific stain resistance and tighter weaves can all be modifications to an acrylic fabric.

Main properties of acrylic fibers are: It is ideal for blends with wool . Feels like wool, with high bulk. Very good heat retention and fastness to light. Very good shape retention It is very durable material. It can be easily care and have quick dry qualities. For sport wear training acrylic fibers have low water absorption, quicker water transport, light and weather resistance.

It is lightweight, soft, and warm. It absorbs and releases moisture quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". It is resilient, retains its shape, and resists shrinkage and wrinkles.

Main properties of acrylic fibres are: It has flexible aesthetics for wool-like, cottonlike or blended appearance. It has excellent pleat retention quality. It is static. It suffers from piling and abrasion problems. Acrylic has recently been used in clothing as a cheaper alternative to cashmere, due to the similar feeling of the materials.

Not only, the acrylic fabrics are high in performance but also they have a luxurious feel and they also drape very well. They are lightweight but have more bulk. This is due to their quality of lower specific gravity. They are odor and mildew resistant too. In cold weather acrylics provide excellent insulation and warmth without any extra weight.

Acrylic has recently been used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere, due to the similar feeling of the materials. The disadvantages of acrylic are that it tends to fuzz or pill easily and that it does not insulate the wearer as well as wool or cashmere. Many products, like fake pashmina or cashmina, use this fiber to create the illusion of cashmere.

Acrylic has a bad reputation amongst many knitters - however cheap the yarn is, its performance does not come near natural fibers. Also, some knitters complain that the fiber "squeaks" when knitted. Acrylic fabrics is a kind of the synthetic fibre that is artificially manufactured. Acrylic fabrics can also be referred as the imitation of wool. Acrylic fabrics are known for their stiffness and ability of wear and tear resistance. Acrylic also does not losses the glaze for a longer period of time.

Acrylic has a warm and dry hand like wool. Its density is 1.17 g/cc as compared to 1.32 g/cc of wool. It is about 30% bulkier than wool. It has about 20% greater insulating power than wool. It has a tenacity of 5 gpd in dry state and 4-8 gpd in wet state. Breaking elongation is 15% ( both states). It has a elastic recovery of 85% after 4% extension when the load is released immediately.

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fabric tends toward fast drying, natural stain resistance, durability and color fastness. Acrylic fabric holds a bright steady color and ultraviolet ray resistance and is great for rugged outdoor wear. It removes dampness, moving it away from the skin and toward the outer portion of the weave thereby allowing the moisture to evaporate more quickly than a natural fabric.

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stretchy quality keeps the shape of the garment far longer than natural fabrics. Acrylic fabrics do not shrink and are moth proof. There are those who find acrylic fabrics to be itchy and uncomfortable and some who claim they are allergic to acrylic. Static electricity is a hazard when wearing acrylic because it builds up between the skin and the fabric as a person moves.

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is resistant to moths, oils, chemicals, and is very resistant to deterioration from sunlight exposure. However, static and pilling can be a problem. Acrylic can irritate the skin of people with eczema. They are comfortable to wear due to high moisture management. Dyes can be easily applied to them and they are colorfast.

It dyes to bright colors with excellent fastness. It is resistant to moths, oil and chemicals, and sunlight degradation. It has an outstanding stability towards commonly bleaching agents. It has a good resistance to mineral acids. The resistance to weak alkalies is fairly good, while hot strong alkalies rapidly attack acrylic.

It has a good thermal stability. When exposed to temperatures above 175 deg C for prolonged periods some discolouration takes place. Acrylic has a moisture regain of 1.5-2% at 65% RH and 70 deg F.

Major Acrylic Fiber Uses Apparel: Sweaters, socks, fleece wear, circular knit apparel, sportswear and childrens wear Home Furnishings: Blankets, area rugs, upholstery, pile; luggage, awnings,curtains, outdoor furniture , Carpets and rugs. Other Uses: Craft yarns, sail cover cloth, wipe cloths . Industrial Uses: Concrete and stucco reinforcement , technical products, carbon fibres.