Acrylic

Everything about acylic fiber.

1. ACRYLIC FIBRE BY RANJEETA MATHUR

2. Contents Books referred Introduction History of acrylic Chemical composition Properties Burn test Types and kinds of Acrylic Comparison of the durability of acrylic with that of wool Comparison of care for acrylic and wool Uses of acrylic

3. BOOKS REFERRED FABRIC SCIENCE BY J J PIZUTOO TEXTILES BY SARA .J. KADOLPH TEXTILES FIBER TO FABRIC BY BERNARD . P. CORBMAN

4. INTRODUCTION ACRYLICS: A MANUFACTURED fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units .   These fibers have an average molecular weight of ~100,000, about 1900 monomer units.  Acrylonitrile: The substance from which acrylic fibers are made and from which the generic name is derived was first made in Germany in 1893 .

5. HISTORY OF ACRYLICS The clear liquid acrylonitrile was first made in Germany in 1893 by mourean , but it remained a laboratory curiosity . Interest was revised in the late 1920’s with the granting of a variety of German patents . Dr. carother ‘s discovery of the fiber-forming properties of linear super polymers spurred researchers everywhere to investigate the fiber forming possibility of a host of polymers . It was the research at Du-pont that produced the first acrylic fiber initially called “ Fiber A “ and subsequently named “ Orlon “ . Production of Orlon acrylic fiber started in May 1950 .late 1952 operations of another plant started in Alabama for another developed fiber “ Acrilan “ . In 1958 production of “ creslan “ started. Development of “ zefran “ was begun in 1949 .

6. The marketing of acrylic fibers frequently takes advantage of their wool like characteristics . Terms like virgin acrylic moth proof and moth resistant appeal to consumers but do not convey anything significant since acrylics are inherently moth resistant and are not currently recycled . Basically acrylic is a type of plastic. The FTC definition classifies a group of chemically related fibers and accounts for similarities in some of their properties . However there are differences in their specific chemical compositions , molecular structures , physical appearances and methods of production. The production of acrylonitrile as a byproduct of the synthetic rubber industry made it a readily available raw material .From this chemical source an increasing number of fibers have been produced .The TFPIA separated the fibers in the general group into two groups according to their chemical make up ---- Acrylic Modacrylic Modacrylic is a modified acrylic fiber that contains at least 35% and at most 85%  acrylonitrile  monomer. The comonomers   vinyl chloride ,  vinylidene chloride  or  vinyl bromide  used in modacrylic give the fiber flame retardant properties. End-uses of modacrylic include faux fur, wigs, hair extensions and protective clothing.

7. Producers and trade marks E. I. du pont deNemours and company Inc. –Kevlar , Nomex . American Cyanamid company Cytec industries inc.0 Mann industries Inc.: zefkrome,zefran,biokryle ( antimicrol ) Monsanto chemical company: Acrylic,Pil-troll (low pilling )

8. Chemical Composition and molecular arrangement of Acrylic CH 2 CH | CN

9. Types and kinds of acrylic yarns and fibers Photopolymer Copolymer Graft polymer Bicomponent Blends of various deniers Blends of homopolymer and copolymer Helical, nonreversible crimp Reversible crimp Surface modified Various cross section—round, acorn,dog-bone Variable dyeability –cationic,disperse,acidic,basic Solution dyed

10. Modacrylic fiber Cross – section of acrylic fibers

11. Cross section of acrylic fiber

12. Acrylic Burn Test Acrylic as a group burn slowly and with difficulty , tending rather to melt away from the flame . They are thermoplastic . Beads are hard, dark, and with irregular shapes. They continue melting after flame is removed and are self-extinguishing. When burning, they give out strong acrid, fishy odor . Although no ash is left but their black smoke and fume are hazardous.

13. FAVOURABLE UNFAVOURABLE Light weight Has only fair strength 20% weaker when wet Good drape, Wool like hand Hydrophobic fiber(1 1/2% moisture regained ) Good resiliency and elasticity Static and pilling a frequent problem Excellent resistance to sunlight and weathering Abrasion resistance is fair May be washed or dry-cleaned Resistant to water borne stains and odors Good quality of wicking which adds to comfort in wearing Durable Highly degradation resistant to dilute acids, both organic and mineral .orlon is resistant to strong acids as well .also to dilute Alkalis ,likely to be found in home cleansing agents. Dyeable to bright shades with excellent fastness PROPERTIES

14. Summary

15. Manufacturing process of acrylic

16. Comparison OF Acrylic and wool S.NO FIBER PROPERTIES ACRYLIC WOOL 1 EFFECT OF ALKALIES Resistant to weak Alkalis Harmed 2 EFFECT OF ACIDS Resistant to most acids Resistant to weak acids 3 EFFECT OF SOLVENTS Can be dry cleaned Dry-cleaning recommended 4 EFFECT OF SUNLIGHT excellent resistance Low resistance 5 STABILITY Generally retains shape Subject to letting shrinkage 6 PERMANENCE OF CREASES Creases can be set and removed by heat Creases set by heat and moisture 7 EFFECT OF HEAT Thermoplastic sticks at 450-490 o F Scorches easily , becomes brittle at high temperatures 8 RESISTANTANCE TO MOTHS AND FUNGI resistant HARMED BY MOTHS ,mildew forms on soiled , stored wool 9 EFFECT OF WATER None May felt or mat, noticeable odor when met.

17. Raw wool acrylic

18. Summary of the performance of acrylic in apparel and furnishing fabrics Aesthetics wool like Durability moderate Abrasion resistance moderate tenacity moderate elongation moderate to high comfort moderate absorbency poor thermal retention moderate Appearance retention moderate resiliency moderate dimensional stability moderate elastic recovery moderate Recommended care machine wash , follow care label (apparel) Dry clean or dry extraction method (furnishings)

19. Uses of Acrylic The principal end uses for this fiber include: Dresses Blankets Carpeting Children’s Garments Outdoor products such as bunting and canopies. Sweaters Gloves mats