Artificial Fibers of Fabrics and Textiles for Interior Design and Decorating Soft Furnishings
Listed below are properties and descriptions of synthetic fibers.
Acrylics
Acrylics are made from petroleum. They have wool like fibers. It is not as strong as polyester/nylon but it is soft and warm to handle.
It washes and drycleans well. It is very resistant to UV light but sensitive to heat. It is mothproof. Modacrylics are also named because they have been chemically modified to offer good flame resistance.
They don't wrinkle or crease easily. It can shrink with hot heat. Trade names include (unmodified) Acrilian, Orlon, Verel, Sef, Zefran, and Dynel (which also comes modified).
Olefin
Olefin includes the varieties polyethylene and polypropylene. A very light fiber, Olefin particularly resembles wool, it is soil resistant and is a good heat insulator. Herculon and Vectra are trade names.
Polyesters
Polyester is a petroleum/oil byproduct. It is very strong and easy to wash. It dries quickly and has good shape retention. It is shrink and crease resistant. It is resistant to sunlight, perspiration and moths and has a low absorbency. A light fiber resembling wool or silk, polyester is often blended with natural fibers. It is an ideal fiber for sheeting when mixed with cotton. Dacron, Fortrel, and Kodel are trade names. Dacron is used as a substitute for down in cushions and upholstery.
Polyamide (nylon)
Nylon is made from coal, tar and petroleum. It is a very strong resilient fiber with high strength and good elasticity. It drapes well and doesn't absorb moisture and it won't shrink. It tends to attract dirt but it is easy to wash and is crease resistant. It has a poor resistance to UV light. It is one of the first and most useful synthetics. Many types are now available. It is frequently used in blends. Ace, Antron and Cordura are familiar trade names. It is used widely in carpeting.
Fiber Blends
Two or more fibers can be combined in one yarn to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each. For example, natural and artificial fibers can be combined to retain the texture and appearance of the natural yarn while gaining the durability and dirt resistance of the synthetic. Many man made and synthetic fibers are made to imitate natural fibers as their processing can provide similar properties usually at a reduced cost.
Mineral Fibers
These are technically natural but have non-organic origins.
Glass
Fiberglass is a thin spun strand of glass, it qualities are fire and moisture resistance but with abrasion the fibers are not strong and break and shed easily. It is difficult to sew.
Metals
In combination with other fibers, gold, silver, copper and stainless steel can be used as a fiber in the form of thin strands. Imitation metallics can be manufactured by coating a plastic with a metallic finish. Conductive metal strands can be manufactured into rugs to eliminate static buildup. Lurex and Melton are trade names.
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