Chapter 6 – Synthetic Textile Fibres: Polyolefin, Elastomeric and Acrylic Fibres

This chapter concerns three different types of synthetic fibres: polyolefin, acrylic and elastomeric fibres. In each case, there is a discussion of: the production of the polymer from which the fibre is processed; fibre manufacture; fibre structure; fibre properties and fibre applications. Most of the discussion of polypropylene fibres is devoted to polypropylene, as it is by far the dominant polyolefin fibre commercially. However, gel-spun polyethylene fibres are also considered. In the case of acrylic fibres, particular attention is given to their many variants. Discussion of elastomeric fibres is very largely confined to elastane (Spandex) fibres. The chapter also includes a case study of the many end-uses of polypropylene fibre, yet its limited use in the apparel market. Future trends that each of the three types of fibres may experience, especially with respect to clothing, are also discussed.