Chemical fibers and threads. Synthetic fabrics - guests from the future Modern synthetic fibers

General information about textile fibers, threads.

Textile fibers are divided into two main groups: natural and chemical.

Natural - high-molecular compounds of plant and animal origin

Chemical fibers are divided into artificial and synthetic.

Raw materials for artificial fibers:

These are natural high-molecular compounds - wood cellulose (spruce and pine chips); alginic acid from seaweed; milk, wheat, soy proteins; remnants of cotton.

Raw materials for synthetic fibers:

These are products of oil, gas, coal processing by synthesis, when one complex substance is obtained from several simple substances. (synthesis is a compound, hence the name of the fibers)

Fibers can be:

BUT) elementary- do not divide in the longitudinal direction without destruction (cotton, wool); elementary fibers of great length (tens and hundreds of meters) are called elementary filaments

B) complex- fastened (twisted entangled or glued together) in the longitudinal direction (linen, hemp); complex filaments consist of elementary filaments

In addition to natural silk, all complex threads are chemical

Short pieces of artificial or synthetic threads, 35-150 mm long, are called "staples" or staple fibers. In the production of viscose, it is known that these are threads of arbitrary length with a sharp sheen, very smooth. But if the viscose rope is cut into staples and then twisted into a thread, then it loses its luster, smoothness, but also loses its strength. This is how staple fiber was obtained, which became widespread in Russia after the war. Until 1970, viscose was called a staple

Texturized threads- these are threads of modified structures, i.e. the complex thread is specially strongly deformed:

a) curl by twisting it, followed by fixing this curl by heating - get elastic a thread;

b) twist threads with different shrinkage and moisturize; in this case, one thread is reduced in length, while the other does not shrink, it is deformed and forms curls protruding on the surface in the form of loops. So get high-volume yarn.

c) reinforced yarn (thread) has a core and an outer sheath; another fiber (cotton, viscose) is wound (braided) onto the core of a polyamide (kapron) thread; receive reinforced yarn high mechanical strength, softness, fluffiness.

Obtaining artificial fiber:

Receiving a solution:

  1. The remains of spruce or pine chips are dried
  2. Treated with caustic soda until swelling
  3. The mass dissolves, a viscous solution is obtained
  4. The fiber is formed: under pressure, the solution goes through the pipeline, is forced through the spinnerets into the sediment bath with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. (The die is a cap with very small holes with a diameter of 0.07-0.08 mm.)
  5. When the solution and sulfuric acid react, solid, very long and very thin filaments are formed.
  6. Several elementary threads are connected into one complex by rotation, and, by pulling, it is wound on a bobbin

Thread Finish:

  1. Rinse - remove sulfuric acid.
  2. Bleach
  3. Washed with soap to give softness and friability

According to this principle, synthetic threads are obtained

Chemical synthetic fibers.

Synthetic fibers have a great influence on the development of the textile industry - the range of fabrics is significantly expanding, some of their properties are improving, new types of fabrics are being created through the use of blended fibers, fabrics with desired properties can be obtained, production costs are much lower than natural ones.

Synthetic fibers include: kapron, lavsan, nitron.

Kapron- polyamide fiber, obtained by synthesis (connection, compilation, combination)- from several simple substances, one complex one is obtained from the products of oil and coal processing (from synthetic high-molecular substances).

Industrial production was first undertaken in 1932 in Germany.

In Russia in 1939, the production of this fiber played a huge role in the Great Patriotic War: they were used to make aviation tires for heavy bombers, without these tires the planes could not take to the air, since rubber tires could not withstand friction during acceleration, burned out, collapsed.

If there were no nylon, there would be no heavy bombers.

Receipt. Upon receipt of a nylon substance, a liquid stream, in the form of a molten resin, flows out of the spinnerets, is blown with cold air and hardens. To prevent shrinkage, the threads are drawn and treated with hot steam.

Characteristic.

A common negative property of all synthetic fibers is the lack of a single system of pores and holes, which negatively affects the hygienic properties. This is the most durable fiber in the world, 10 times stronger than cotton, 20 times stronger than wool, 50 times stronger than viscose, although strength is lost when wet, so nylon and elastic (a kind of nylon) cannot be rubbed and twisted when washing.

A kapron thread can be turned into a crimped one - an elastic that can stretch and shrink endlessly without changing its qualities (the fiber is 100 times more resistant to bending than viscose, 10 times cotton, 20 times wool, 50 times viscose)

A big disadvantage of kapron fiber is electrification, accumulation of electric charges, sharp shine, high surface smoothness, which causes poor adhesion to threads, because of this, loops are lowered on stockings and knitwear. When wearing products made of mixed fabrics, nylon fibers come out to the surface, forming pellets, violating the structure and appearance of products, and since the strength of nylon is high, pills do not disappear during wear.

Application. Nylon is used to produce thin light fabrics for covers for brides, ribbons, fishing nets, parachutes, ropes, ropes, fishing line, bristles, hosiery, cords for aircraft and car tires, thin linen, tulle, lace, dress, costume fabrics, etc. .Very widely used fibers as an additive to other fibers (for mixed fabrics).

At present, hosiery from micromolecular compounds will be produced using nanotechnology of nylon fiber, which will make it possible to restore the gap in tights in 15 minutes, it is enough just to connect their torn edges.

Lavsan- polyester fibre.

Diolene - Germany, Terylene - England, Dacron USA, Tergal - France

In 1967, a red flag was hoisted on the flagpole of the Ostankino Tower.

Ordinary matter at such a height cannot withstand strong gusts of wind. It was decided that the flag would be made of lavsan. Fibers were first obtained in England in 1941 from petroleum products and coal tar.

The production and production of threads is the same as kapron.

Currently produced in many countries under different names. In our country, they are produced under the name "lavsan" - an abbreviated name - the laboratory of macromolecular compounds of the Academy of Sciences. developed under the guidance of Professor V.V. Kormash.

Characteristic. Lavsan fiber resembles wool in appearance, soft, warm, voluminous to the touch, 3 times cheaper than wool, resistant to sunlight, does not fade, it is elastic, light, very durable, very elastic, because of this, fabrics do not require ironing, products do not crumple, (3 times more wrinkle than wool), resistant to mold, acids and alkalis. Lavsan is used in its pure form, but mainly added to wool, viscose, cotton. to improve their properties and reduce prices.

Products with the addition of lavsan do not crumple, their strength increases, they acquire a beautiful appearance.

The disadvantages include low hygienic qualities and their ability during operation to form pilling on the surface, the ends of broken fibers rolled into balls, which gives the products an untidy appearance.

Application. Lavsan is used to make fibers for carpets, fur, fabric for curtains, dresses, bathing suits, knitwear, tulle; from monofilaments - mesh and bristles.

Due to the noted negative properties, it is more often used in a mixture with natural and chemical fibers.

Currently, 100% lavsan is widely used - synthetic winterizer, which is used in the manufacture of toys, jackets, warm coats, blankets. A variety of synthetic winterizer is sintepuh, halafiber, tensulate - insulation for military and flight jackets, pillow fillers. In the 60s of the 20th century, krimplen was very popular, which did not wrinkle at all, did not require ironing, had a beautiful texture, very bright colors, but did not let air through., poorly absorbed moisture. Crimplene used for men's and women's suits

Complex lavsan threads are twisted and subjected to hot air treatment, which makes them soft and fluffy. They are used for the manufacture of fabrics for knitted tracksuits, towels. bathing suits.

Nitron- polyacrylonitrile fibers.

Orlan. acrylan-USA, cashmere-Japan, courtel-England, dralon-Germany

In our country, they began to produce in 1963

The fiber is spun from polyacrylonitrile copolymers by dry or wet processes.

The fiber is pressed through a spinneret, drawn and heat-treated, (drenched in hot steam) fixing the arrangement of macromolecules.

Produced in the form of fibers. To give them crimp, they are corrugated in special machines. The crimped nitron fiber is similar in appearance to a fine wool fiber. Nitron is a substitute for wool, the warmest in the world of chemical threads.

Characteristic. Nitron fiber has high heat-shielding properties, the warmest of all chemical fibers, with very low creasing and shrinkage, does not fade at all, dyes well, relatively high strength, abrasion resistance: 5-10 times less than nylon and lavsan; products retain 80% of their original strength for one and a half years of operation.

The fiber is fragile, electrified and pilled, but the drank, in the process of wearing, disappear.

Items made of nitron are perfectly washable in warm water with soap, any stains quickly disappear Items can be cleaned with gasoline, acetone. The fiber is of low hygroscopicity, therefore the hygienic properties are poor. but the heat resistance is very high

Application. In terms of light resistance, nitron fibers are superior to all textile fibers; therefore, curtain-tulle, awning and other products are made from it. It resembles wool in appearance and some properties, is produced in the form of fibers and is used similarly to wool: for the production of dress and costume fabrics, faux fur carpets, various knitwear, hats, scarves, blankets, gloves. From threads - curtain-tulle products, fishing tackle.

The combination of wool and nitron makes excellent blended fibers for beautiful, thin, warm knitted suits.

Characteristics of synthetic fibers


P.p.
Characteristics and properties capron lavsan nitron
1 surface smooth smooth rough
2 shine cutting weak matte
3 strength significant, decreases when wet, cannot be rubbed and twisted when washing large, does not shrink when wet
4 Fiber length arbitrary arbitrary arbitrary
5 combustion melts, and then ignites with a bluish-yellow flame, the smell of sealing wax is released, a speck is formed from which the thread can be pulled out hot, the remainder is a dark solid ball burns with a slightly yellow color with the release of black thick soot, a solid black ball is formed burns with flashes, intensively, emitting black soot, the flame is yellow, a dark influx of irregular shape is formed
6 creasing small Very small average
7 hygroscopicity low low low
8 thermal protection small high significant
9 crumbling big big small
10 shrinkage small small small
11 drape small small small
12 wear resistance significant big significant
13 thread spreading significant small small
14 permeability small small small

Man-made fibers - viscose, acetate, triacetate.

Viscose - (viscous, sticky) is a concentrated solution of natural compounds - hydrated cellulose fibers

The fiber was obtained in the 80s of the 19th century by the botanist Negeli, who established that cotton fiber consists of cellulose. This discovery led to the idea that it was possible to produce a fiber similar to cotton, but from cheaper cellulose raw materials - wood residues. Attempts to obtain such a fiber were crowned with success in 1892, when the Americans Cross, Beaven, Beadle patented the viscose method, which was improved and modernized.

Receipt. The remains of spruce chips and cotton fluff are treated with an alkali solution (sodium hydroxide), alkali cellulose is obtained, which is then treated with carbon disulfide and the resulting raster is pressed through spinnerets - plates with tiny holes - material streams are obtained that harden and form filaments.

Russian scientists foresaw the bright future of viscose fiber. DI. Mendeleev wrote in 1900: “Russia is replete with all sorts of plant products...

Cellulose does not deplete the soil, it is not suitable for food ... if we turned the garbage into products from viscose, we would get richer more than from all our trade”

Characteristic. Viscose fiber is the most versatile of the chemical fibers, it is close to cotton. The fiber has a loose structure, resembles silk in appearance, has excellent hygienic properties. ("breathes"), possesses the increased hygroscopicity, big durability, it is well ironed.

The disadvantage is a sharp sheen, but if the fibers of the viscose tow are cut into pieces (staples), and then stretched and twisted into yarn, then this staple fiber loses its luster and strength decreases slightly, while retaining the rest of the properties of viscose. Items shrink a lot when washed (to 10 %), when wet, lose strength up to 60%, so they can not be rubbed and twisted hard.

Application. In its pure form and in combination with other fibers or threads, lining, dress, shirt, linen, decorative fabrics, outerwear, linen knitwear, hosiery, textile haberdashery (ribbons, braid, ties), cellophane are produced. If the viscose thread is strongly pulled out, then the upper layer of the thread will stretch more, and the inner layer less, as a result, the fiber gets crimped, carpets are made from these threads. If air is mixed into the spinning solution of viscose, we get a chemical reaction with the release of carbon dioxide, voids are formed in the fiber, these hollow viscose fibers are used to produce non-sinking rescue suits. The improved viscose fiber is siblon, which wrinkle little, shrink a little, strong and shiny. It is made from high quality cellulose.

Acetate fiber (cellulose acetate)

It first appeared on the world market in 1921 as a result of the work of American scientists and technologists under the leadership of Dreyfus.

The preparation is relatively harmless, it is distinguished by the simplicity of the technological process and the availability of auxiliary materials.

Receipt. The raw material for the production of acetate fiber is the remains of cotton fluff or refined wood pulp, treated with acetic anhydrite and acetic acid: loose flakes of primary acetate are obtained. (“vinegar” in Latin “acetum”, from which the name “acetate” came from)

To obtain secondary acetate, primary acetate is saponified - a certain amount of water is added; the resulting white flakes are squeezed out, treated in a mixture of acetone and alcohol, forced through a spinneret, and the mixture is evaporated with warm air, from which the threads harden. These shiny threads are used to weave an acetate fabric. In combination with other threads, the fiber is used with silk, viscose, wool and other mixed fabrics.

Characteristic. Acetate fiber is slightly hygroscopic, absorbs little moisture, soft, light, thin, elastic, shiny, but at temperatures above 85 degrees it loses its luster, becomes highly electrified, loses very little strength when wet, but tends to form creases when wet, afraid at high temperatures and at 140 degrees it collapses, is not subject to the action of mold, crumbles heavily, wrinkles a little, dries quickly (water runs off), lightfast.

Products are ironed wet on the wrong side so that lasses do not form;

can not be cleaned with acetone, you can dissolve the fabric

Application. Currently, the production of acetate fibers and threads has declined sharply due to low consumer demand.

In the 60s of the twentieth century, fabrics were used for women's dresses, blouses,. summer suits

triacetate fiber.

Obtained from primary acetate by exposing it to a chemical composition.

The fiber is formed in the same way as acetate, but at low temperatures, which leads to some differences in their properties: it has a low hygroscopicity, is whiter, has a high melting and ironing temperature, can be bleached and is easier to dye,

does not need ironing, keeps pleated and corrugated folds well even after washing, which improves the operation process; crumbles heavily.

Application: They make fabrics for ties (due to low strength). tulle, bedspreads, lace, pleated and pleated skirts, shirts

Characteristics of artificial fibers


p.p.
Features and properties Viscose Acetate Triacetate
1 surface smooth

slippery

smooth

slippery

smooth
2 shine cutting matte matte
3 Fiber length arbitrary arbitrary arbitrary
4 strength high, in the wet state is reduced to 50% high, reduced by 10% when wet medium, does not shrink when wet
5 combustion Good, calm, steady yellow flame, gray ash residue, burnt paper smell Yellow flame with a dark slug, smell of vinegar Yellow flame with a brown streak, low odor
6 creasing big small almost 0
7 hygroscopicity big average average
8 thermal protection average less viscose less viscose
9 crumbling big big big
10 shrinkage large up to 20% small small
11 drape average average average
12 Thread spreading big big big
13 wear resistance average high small

Literature:

  1. T.D.Balashova. N.E. Bushueva, I.V. Popikov. Finishing of silk fabrics.; ed. "Light Industry", 1986, Leningrad.
  2. L.M.Mikhalovskaya. Textile goods. Ed. Economy.; 1990, Moscow.
  3. L.V. Orlenko. Terminological dictionary of clothes, Legpromizdat; 1996, Moscow
  4. S.I. Stolyarova, L.D. Domnenkova. Service labor. Enlightenment, 1985.
  5. Edited by I.N. Fedorova. Classes on service work in 1U - VSH classes. Moscow, Education, 1975.

Fibers are elongated flexible and durable substances of limited length and small transverse dimensions, suitable for the manufacture of yarn and textiles. We talk about what natural and synthetic fibers are in the article.

Fiber classification

Fiber classification:

  • natural - fibers of plant origin (cotton, flax - polysaccharides (carbohydrates) having the composition (C 6 H 10 O 5) x) and animal origin (wool, silk - protein substances consisting of long polypeptide chains).
  • chemical , which are divided into artificial fibers and synthetic fibers. Artificial fibers are obtained from the products of chemical processing of natural polymers (cellulose), for example, viscose, copper ammonium, acetate fibers. Synthetic fibers are obtained by chemical processing of synthetic polymers. For example, nylon and capron (polyamide fibers), lavsan (polyester fibers).

Synthetic fiber

Synthetic fibers are polyamide , polyester, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and many others. The former include substances such as kapron, anide, enanth. The main characteristics of these fibers are tensile strength, abrasion resistance. However, there are also disadvantages: low hygroscopicity, low heat resistance and high electrification. This fiber is used in the production of knitwear, thread, lace, ropes and fishing nets.

Rice. 1. Polyamide fibers.

Polyamide fiber does not tolerate high temperatures. If it is heated to 160 degrees, then the strength drops sharply up to 50%.

To polyester fibers include lavsan, dacron, terylene. Fiber has both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages include increased rigidity and strong electrification. Lavsan is often used to make fabric for domestic purposes.

Rice. 2. Polyester fibers.

To polyacrylonitrile fibers include, for example, nitron, orlon. Nitron in appearance resembles wool. Nitron is very strong and resilient, and these properties are retained regardless of whether it is wet or dry. However, in terms of abrasion resistance, nitron is inferior to polyamide and polyester fibers.

To PVC fibers include chlorine. Compared to other synthetic fibers, it is less durable, less resilient, and less resistant to abrasion.

Rice. 3. Polyvinyl chloride fibers.

Chlorine has the ability to accumulate electrostatic charges in itself, so it is used for the production of medical underwear.

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers include, for example, vinol. A distinctive feature of this material is high hygroscopicity, these fibers are well dyed with dyes and are used for the production of knitwear, fabrics and carpets.

What have we learned?

All existing fibers can be divided into 2 classes: chemical and natural. synthetic fibers are chemical fibers. They are divided into polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and many others. The article also provides examples of synthetic fibers.

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Obtained from polymers that do not exist in nature, obtained by synthesis from natural low molecular weight compounds. A variety of raw materials and a variety of properties of the original synthetic polymers make it possible to obtain fibers with different, predetermined, characteristics.

The ability to pre-set the necessary properties of the fabric is of great importance for the modern textile industry. Products of the new generation are more adapted to the needs of the human body, have multifunctional and comfortable properties.

Synthetic fibers are actively used for the production of overalls, clothing for extreme conditions and sports.

Currently, there are several thousand types of synthetic fibers, and their number is growing every year. The most common will be discussed below.

Polyurethane fibers

In terms of mechanical properties, polyurethane fibers are in many ways similar to rubber threads, because capable of highly elastic reversible deformations. Such fibers give textile materials high elasticity, abrasion resistance, resilience, dimensional stability, crease resistance. They are rarely used in their pure form. Their participation in the fabric is most common as carcass threads, around which other threads are wound. The disadvantage of such fibers is low thermal stability. Already at 120 C, polyurethane fibers in the stretched state significantly lose strength.

The main representatives of polyurethane fibers are such trade names as elastane, lycra, spandex, neolan, etc.

Polyamide fibers

A distinctive property of polyamide fibers is increased resistance to abrasion, exceeding cotton by 10 times, wool by 20 times, and viscose by 50. They are also distinguished by high dimensional stability. Among the shortcomings, it is necessary to note the low resistance to light and the action of sweat. In the light they turn yellow and become brittle. In addition, such fibers have low hygroscopicity and are subject to strong pilling. However, many of their shortcomings can be eliminated by introducing various stabilizers. Often polyamide fibers are added to mixed fabrics (with cotton, wool, viscose) in a part not exceeding 10-15%, which practically does not worsen the hygienic properties of the products, but significantly improves the mechanical ones. The fibers are widely used in the production of hosiery and knitwear, for the production of sewing threads and haberdashery.

Main trade names: capron, anid, nylon, tactel, meryl, etc.

polyester fibers

The main property of polyester fibers is increased heat resistance, surpassing the performance of all natural and most chemical fibers. The production of such fibers currently occupies a leading position among chemical fibers due to their high physical and mechanical properties. They have great elasticity and high abrasion resistance. Fabrics made from such fibers hold their shape well, do not wrinkle, and have a low degree of shrinkage. The disadvantages are increased rigidity, a tendency to peeling, strong electrification and low hygroscopicity. Disadvantages are eliminated by modifying the feedstock. From polyester fibers mixed with natural materials (cotton, wool, linen), as well as viscose, shirt, dress, suit and coat fabrics, as well as artificial fur, are successfully produced. At the same time, such a disadvantage as creasing is eliminated, the abrasion resistance increases while maintaining hygienic properties.

Trade names: lavsan, polyester, terylene, etc.

Polyacrylonitrile fibers

Such fibers are called "artificial wool" due to the similarity of their mechanical properties. They have high light resistance and heat resistance, sufficient strength, keep their shape well. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the low hygroscopicity, the tendency to form pills, stiffness and electrification. However, all disadvantages are eliminated by modification. In the sewing business, they are mainly used for sewing outerwear mixed with wool, faux fur.

Trade names: nitron, acrylic, acrylan, cashmere, etc.

Polyolefin fibers

A distinctive feature of polypropylene fibers is their low density. These are the lightest of all fiber types. In addition, their hygroscopicity is almost zero, so they do not sink in water. Such fibers have good thermal insulation properties. The disadvantage is low heat resistance (115 C), which can be leveled by modification. It is optimal to create two-layer materials, in which the lower layer is made of polyolefin fibers, and the upper layer is made of hygroscopic cellulose fibers. This technology allows the bottom layer to remain dry, but wick moisture away to the hygroscopic top layer. It is often used when sewing underwear, sportswear, as well as hosiery with increased hygienic characteristics.

Trade names: Herculon, Ulstren, Found, Meraklon, etc.

Polyethylene fiber is used mainly for technical purposes. Trade names: spectrum, dynema, tekmilon.

PVC fibers

Polyvinyl chloride fibers have high chemical resistance, low electrical conductivity and very low heat resistance (destroy at 100 C). When rubbed, the fiber acquires a high electrostatic charge, which endows linen made from it with healing properties in the treatment of diseases such as sciatica and arthritis. In addition, such fibers are characterized by a high degree of shrinkage after heat treatment. This property is used to obtain a beautiful embossed surface of the fabric. In addition, polyvinyl chloride fibers are used in the manufacture of pile carpets, artificial fur, artificial leather.

Synthetic fibers began to be produced industrially in 1938. At the moment, there are already several dozen of them. All of them have in common that the starting material is low molecular weight compounds that are converted into polymers through chemical synthesis. By dissolving or melting the resulting polymers, a spinning or spinning solution is prepared. They are molded from a solution or melt, and they are only then subjected to finishing.

Varieties

Depending on the features that characterize the structure of macromolecules, synthetic fibers are usually divided into heterochain and carbochain. The former include those obtained from polymers, in whose macromolecules, in addition to carbon, there are other elements - nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and others. These include polyester, polyurethane, polyamide and polyurea. Carbon-chain synthetic fibers are characterized by the fact that their main chain is built of carbon atoms. This group includes polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol and fluorine-containing.

The polymers that serve as the basis for obtaining heterochain fibers are obtained by polycondensation, and the product is molded from melts. Carbochains are obtained by chain polymerization, and the formation usually occurs from solutions, in rare cases from melts. You can consider one synthetic polyamide fiber, which is called siblon.

Creation and application

Such a word as siblon turns out to be completely unfamiliar to many, but earlier on clothing labels one could see the abbreviation VVM, under which a high-modulus viscose fiber was hidden. At that time, it seemed to manufacturers that such a name would look prettier than siblon, which could be associated with nylon and nylon. The production of synthetic fibers of this type is carried out from the Christmas tree, no matter how fabulous it looks.

Peculiarities

Siblon appeared in the early 70s of the last century. It is an improved viscose. At the first stage, cellulose is obtained from wood, it is isolated in its pure form. Its largest amount is found in cotton - about 98%, but excellent threads are obtained from cotton fibers even without it. Therefore, for the production of cellulose, wood is more often used, in particular coniferous, where it contains 40-50%, and the rest is unnecessary components. They are required to be disposed of in synthetic fibers.

Process of creation

Synthetically, fibers are produced in stages. At the first stage, the cooking process is carried out, during which all excess substances are transferred from wood chips into the solution, and long polymer chains are broken down into separate fragments. Naturally, only hot water is not enough here, various reagents are added: natrons and others. Only pulping with the addition of sulphates makes it possible to obtain pulp that is suitable for the production of siblon, since it contains fewer impurities.

When the pulp is already digested, it is sent for bleaching, drying and pressing, and then moved to where it is needed - this is the production of paper, cellophane, cardboard and fibers, that is, what happens to it next?

Post-Processing

If you want to get synthetic and then you first need to prepare a spinning solution. Cellulose is a solid that is not easy to dissolve. Therefore, it is usually converted into a water-soluble dithiocarbonic acid ester. The process of transformation into this substance is quite lengthy. First, the cellulose is treated with hot alkali, followed by squeezing, while unnecessary elements pass into the solution. After squeezing, the mass is crushed, and then placed in special chambers, where pre-ripening begins - the cellulose molecules are almost halved due to oxidative degradation. Next, the alkali cellulose reacts with carbon disulfide, which makes it possible to obtain xanthate. This is an orange-colored dough-like mass, an ester of dithiocarbonic acid and the starting material. This solution was called "viscose" because of its viscosity.

Next comes filtration to remove the last impurities. Dissolved air is released by "boiling" the ether in a vacuum. All these operations lead to the fact that xanthate becomes like young honey - yellow and viscous. On this, the spinning solution is completely ready.

Obtaining fibers

The solution is forced through the dies. the fibers are not simply spun in the traditional way. This operation is difficult to compare with a simple textile, it would be more correct to say that it is a chemical process that allows millions of streams of liquid viscose to become solid fibers. On the territory of Russia, viscose and siblon are obtained from cellulose. The second type of fiber is one and a half times stronger than the first, is characterized by greater resistance to alkalis, fabrics made from it are hygroscopic, less shrinkage and wrinkling. And the differences in the production processes of viscose and siblon appear at the moment when the newly "born" synthetic fibers appear in the precipitation bath after the spinnerets.

Chemistry to help

To obtain viscose, sulfuric acid is poured into the bath. It is designed to decompose the ether, resulting in pure cellulose fibers. If it is necessary to obtain a siblon, an ester that partially interferes with the hydrolysis of the ester is added to the bath, so the threads will contain residual xanthate. And what does it give? The fibers are then stretched and shaped. When there are xanthate residues in the polymer fibers, it turns out to stretch the polymer cellulose chains along the axis of the fiber, and not arrange them randomly, which is typical for ordinary viscose. After drawing, the bundle of fibers is cut into spatulas 2-10 millimeters long. After a few more procedures, the fibers are pressed into bales. A ton of wood is enough to produce 500 kilograms of pulp, from which 400 kilograms of siblon fiber will be produced. Pulp spinning is carried out for about two days.

What's next for the siblon?

In the 1980s, these synthetic fibers were used as additions to cotton to make the threads spin better and not break. Siblon was used to make substrates for artificial leather, and it was also used in the manufacture of asbestos products. At that time, technologists were not interested in creating something new; they needed as much fiber as possible to implement their plans.

And in the West at that time, high-modulus viscose fibers were used to produce fabrics that were cheap and durable compared to cotton, but at the same time absorbed moisture well and breathed. Now Russia does not have its own cotton regions, so great hopes are pinned on siblon. Only the demand for it is not yet particularly great, since almost no one buys fabrics and clothes of domestic production.

Polymer fibers

They are usually divided into natural, synthetic and artificial. Natural are those fibers, the formation of which is carried out in natural conditions. They are usually classified according to their origin, which determines their chemical composition, into animals and plants. The first are composed of protein, namely carotene. It's silk and wool. The latter are composed of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose.

Man-made synthetic fibers are obtained by chemical processing of polymers that exist in nature. These include acetate, viscose, alginate and protein fibers. The raw material for their production is sulfate or sulfite wood pulp. Man-made fibers are produced in the form of textile and cord threads, as well as in the form of staple fiber, which is processed together with other fibers in the production of various fabrics.

Synthetic polyamide fiber is obtained from artificially derived polymers. As a feedstock in this process, polymer fibers are used, formed from flexible macromolecules of a slightly branched or linear structure, having a significant mass - more than 15,000 atomic mass units, as well as a very narrow molecular weight distribution. Depending on the type, synthetic fibers are able to have a high degree of strength, a significant value in relation to elongation, elasticity, resistance to multiple loads, low residual deformations and rapid recovery after removal of the load. That is why, in addition to being used in textiles, they were used as reinforcing elements during the manufacture of composites, and all this made it possible to make the special properties of synthetic fibers.

Conclusion

In the past few years, one can observe a very steady increase in the number of advances in the development of new polymer fibers, in particular, para-aramid, polyethylene, heat-resistant, combined, the structure of which is the core-shell, heterocyclic polymers, which include various particles, for example, silver or other metals. Now the material nylon is no longer the height of engineering, as there are now a huge number of new fibers.

The fibers from which fabrics are made are divided into natural and artificial. There are three types of natural, natural fibers: 1) fibers of plant origin (cotton and linen), 2) fibers of animal origin (wool and silk), 3) fibers of mineral origin (asbestos).

The advantage of materials obtained from natural fibers is their high environmental friendliness. Since these fibers are of natural origin, they are, so to speak, perfectly compatible with the human body, easy to use and hygienic.

Cotton

This fiber is obtained from cotton.

The advantage of cotton fabrics is their high hygiene. They are breathable, allowing the skin to breathe. That is why summer clothes made of cotton are very practical. Cotton is most commonly used to make children's clothing and underwear, as well as sportswear.

The disadvantage of cotton is that it wrinkles and wears out fairly quickly. In addition, he does not hold paint very well (sheds).

Flax fiber is obtained from fiber flax.

Linen, like cotton, has high hygroscopic properties. Flax fiber is more durable than cotton, so it is often used for making bed linen, towels, etc. In addition, linen has the ability to cool the body temperature, making it indispensable for summer clothes.

Linen fiber holds its shape very well. Currently, it is often mixed with synthetic, and elegant women's and men's summer suits, jackets, trousers, etc. are sewn from the resulting fabrics.

Silk

Silk fiber is produced by silkworms that live on the mulberry tree (also called the mulberry tree) and feed on its leaves. These butterflies, being at the stage of caterpillars, secrete from their glands the fiber they need for pupation. This gentle, soft fiber is silk.

Raw silk is obtained by joint unwinding of several cocoons. Then, twisted silk is produced from it, which is used in knitting production, as well as for sewing threads. Raw silk waste is processed into yarn. Subsequently, crepe de chine, parachute silk, etc. are made from this yarn.

Natural silk has excellent hygienic properties. It is breathable and perfectly absorbs moisture. In summer, it pleasantly cools the skin. The disadvantages of natural silk are, firstly, that it is quite wrinkled, and, secondly, that ugly spots appear on it from the action of moisture (for example, as a result of sweat or rain). In addition, natural silk shrinks very much after washing. Therefore, it is recommended to decant (wet and dry) before sewing, or not to wash ready-made things, but to dry-clean them.

Wool

Woolen yarn is produced from the wool of animals: sheep, goats, camels, etc. The most valuable raw material is obtained from fluff (undercoat), which gives a thin, soft, crimped wool fiber.

The advantages of wool include its excellent thermal insulation properties, so woolen materials are used mainly for winter clothing. The disadvantage of wool is that it wrinkles and wears out rather quickly.

Things sewn from pure wool look very noble and elegant. But nowadays, for reasons of practicality, wool fibers are most often mixed with synthetic fibers.

artificial materials

Fibers that do not belong to the natural world are divided into artificial and synthetic. Artificial fibers are obtained from the products of chemical processing of natural polymers (for example, proteins, nucleic acids, rubber). Synthetic fibers are obtained from polymers that are not found in nature, that is, synthesized chemically.

Synthetic fibers quickly gained popularity around the world due to the speed and cheapness of their manufacture, as well as the fact that they save natural resources.

Viscose

This is a fiber obtained artificially from cellulose. Cellulose is found, in particular, in stem wood, as well as in cotton bolls and bast fibres. The production of viscose is considered profitable due to the availability of raw materials.

The undoubted advantages of viscose fiber include the fact that it perfectly absorbs moisture, is easily dyed and is well ironed. Viscose is very good for making summer things.

The disadvantage of viscose is that it wears out rather quickly, wrinkles, and is easily torn when wet (which is especially inconvenient when washing). Currently, these shortcomings are partially eliminated by the manufacture of so-called modified viscose.

Acetate

It is an artificial fiber formed from cellulose. Acetate is not synthetic, since it is produced, although artificially, from natural raw materials.

The advantages of acetate fiber are, first of all, its elasticity and softness. It does not wrinkle a lot and transmits ultraviolet rays well. The disadvantages of acetate are the following properties: it is fragile, wears out quickly, and is unstable to high temperatures (for example, it deforms quite strongly in hot water and when ironing). In addition, acetate is quite strongly electrified.

Acetate is mainly used in the production of underwear, mainly for women. Currently, to improve the quality of products, acetate is most often mixed with synthetic or natural fibers.

Polyester

Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fibers today. Its advantages include, firstly, a very high strength (it does not actually wear out). Secondly, polyester practically does not wrinkle (or instantly recovers after wrinkling). It does not lose its qualities in the light or under the influence of various weather phenomena, it is also resistant to organic solvents.

The disadvantages of polyester are: insufficient breathability, rather strong electrification and some rigidity. Currently, these shortcomings are partially eliminated by modification. It should be noted that synthetic fibers of a new generation have better hygienic qualities than before. They are softer to the touch, better breathable and less electrified.

Acrylic

Acrylic (polyacrylonitrile) is a synthetic fiber similar in many properties to wool. On the labels of things, acrylic is sometimes indicated by the abbreviation PAN (according to the first letters of the word “poly-acrylic-nitrile”).

Acrylic is resistant to light and various weather conditions. It is resistant to acids, weak alkalis and other organic solvents. Simply put, it tolerates dry cleaning well.

The advantages of acrylic are its lightness, softness, and visual resemblance to wool. Its disadvantages: firstly, it is quite electrified, secondly, it often stretches when washed, and, thirdly, it tends to become covered with “pellets”. Acrylic should not be exposed to high temperatures. It should be washed in water at room temperature and ironed with a slightly heated iron.

Acrylic is mainly used for outerwear and linen knitwear, as well as scarves, carpets and fabrics. Acrylic is often mixed with natural or other synthetic fibers for reasons of practicality.

Polyamide

Polyamide is a synthetic fiber. Previously, it was called kapron, nylon or perlon.

Polyamide is extremely strong and elastic. It is very resistant to a variety of chemicals, so it is often used to make clothing designed to work in aggressive environments.

The essential disadvantages of polyamide are the following: it almost does not absorb moisture, is highly electrified, loses its strength in bright light or in extreme heat. Polyamide, like all synthetic materials, should not be exposed to high temperatures.

Currently, polyamide in its pure form is practically not used for the manufacture of fabrics. It is almost always mixed in various proportions with other fibers to achieve the best consumer properties.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane (spandex, lycra) is a synthetic fiber, similar in its mechanical properties to rubber threads.

Polyurethane is more resistant than other synthetic fibers to sebum and sweat, as well as to organic solvents. Among the disadvantages of polyurethane is that it practically does not absorb water and passes air very poorly. In addition, polyurethane loses its strength in bright light and when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, things with a high content of spandex or lycra are not suitable for hot and sunny summer weather.

Polyurethane is mainly used in the production of hosiery and corsetry, as well as sportswear. In addition, polyurethane fibers (since they resemble rubber threads) are often added to knitted fabrics to make them more elastic.