SYNTHETIC FIBRES: Man-made Fibres
Acrylic (PC)
• Wool substitute
• Synthetic fibre from acrylonitrile
• Lightweight, soft, warm → wool substitute
Surface
• Wet-spun: kidney-shaped cross-section
• Dry-spun: dog-bone shape
• Resembles wool in look/feel
• Lightweight, sof
• Durable, warm
• Prone to pilling (needs treatment)
Care
Nylon (PA)
• First synthetic fibre (1939, USA)
• Thermoplastic, made from petrochemicals • Common types: Nylon 6, Nylon 66
Surface
• Melt-spun, cross-section shape adjustable • Usually circular
Characteristics
• Smooth, soft
• Extremely durable (even when wet)
• Heat sensitive, melts easily
• High elasticity, great shape retention
Care
Polyester (PL/PES)
• Synthetic, petroleum-based fibre
• Durable, easy-care, wrinkle & shrink resistant
Surface
• Smooth, straight, round cross-section
• Can be engineered into different shapes/sizes
Characteristics
• Soft, drapes easily
• Shape retention, holds pleats (heat-set)
• Highly durable
• Pill resistant (filament form)
Care
Polyurethane (PU)
• Synthetic rubber
• Stretchable, durable, used in knitwear
• Names vary by region (Spandex, Elastane, Lycra®)
Surface
• Filaments usually circular cross-section
• Can distort (non-circular) when drying
Characteristics
• Lightweight, smooth, soft
• Very durable
• Superior elasticity & recovery
• Pill resistant
