Acrylic fabric is an important component in the textile and fashion industry. However, not everyone fully understands this type of fiber and its differences from other fibers. In this article, let's explore with Ru9 more details about the characteristics, origin, production process, and applications of acrylic fabric in everyday life.
1. What is acrylic fabric?
Acrylic fabric is made from acrylic fiber, originally a substitute for wool and widely used in the knitting industry. Acrylic fiber is produced from acrylonitrile combined with other chemicals to allow dye absorption for acrylic sheet fabric.
Dupont, a giant in the textile industry, invented acrylic fiber in 1941 and mass-produced it from 1950.
Acrylic fabric is commonly used today
See more: What is Tencel fabric? How is it different from linen?
2. Origin
Acrylic fabric first appeared in DuPont's laboratory in 1941. It was initially called Yarn A and later Orlon. DuPont considered using acrylic fiber as a wool substitute but encountered difficulties with dyeing and spinning. Later, Nylon and polyester boomed, causing acrylic fiber to be forgotten.
In the 1950s, when all problems were resolved, DuPont continued to produce acrylic fiber. In the 1970s, acrylic fiber was restricted due to concerns about harmful substances and cancer.
Decreased production forced them to export. Currently, this type is produced mainly in the Far East, India, Turkey, Mexico, and South America.
Acrylic fabric was first researched in 1941
3. Acrylic synthetic fabric production process
The production process of Acrylic fabric takes place in three basic steps:
Step 1: Create Acrylic fiber
- First, a polymer input containing at least 85% acrylonitrile is required.
- Polypropylene free radical polymerization is used to produce Acrylonitrile.
- The polymer fiber is dissolved with a strong solvent such as NaSCN or DMF.
- The resulting gel is extruded through a multi-hole mixer to form fibers. The solvent is then evaporated in a stream of hot inert gas.
Step 2: Spinning
- Acrylic fiber is washed and drawn into long, thin threads.
Step 3: Weaving Acrylic wool fabric
- Acrylic fibers are used to produce consumer products or sold in the market.
- The finished product is dyed and coated with a flame retardant after the weaving process.
Acrylic fabric production process
4. Types of acrylic fabric
Acrylic fiber has many different variations when combined with other types of fibers. Here are some important variations of acrylic fiber:
- Acrylic fiber: This fiber contains at least 85% acrylonitrile in its composition.
- Lastier acrylic fabric: This is a blend of diene and acrylonitrile to create a 100% acrylic fiber. This fabric is known for its high stretch and elasticity.
- Modacrylic fabric: This is a variation of acrylic fiber with acrylonitrile as its main component. They are produced by combining various polymers, including vinylidene chloride. The result is a softer, more stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and more durable fabric compared to pure acrylic. This modified acrylic fabric is also known for its good abrasion resistance and flame resistance, often used for everyday wear.
- Nitrile acrylic fabric: This fiber differs from regular acrylic because its main component is vinylidene chloride instead of acrylonitrile. It became popular in the American market in the 1960s.
5. Comparing acrylic and polyester fabrics
Let's compare these two popular artificial fabrics on the market to understand their similarities and differences:
- Components and features:
Both types of fabric originate from plastic, rayon, and synthetic fabrics, are easily stained by oil, easy to dye, and not water-loving. In terms of insulation, acrylic excels and retains heat better, suitable for winter. While polyester is versatile for all weather conditions.
- Durability:
Both types of fabric are very durable and antibacterial. Acrylic has better fire resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance than polyester.
- Sustainability:
Polyester is generally more sustainable and easier to recycle. Meanwhile, acrylic takes hundreds of years to fully decompose, potentially causing environmental pollution due to toxic substances and chemicals released.
Polyester fabric is more sustainable and easier to recycle than acrylic fabric
6. Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic fiber
Advantages of acrylic fiber:
Acrylic fabric has the advantages of being lightweight and warm, suitable as a substitute for wool fabric. In particular, acrylic controls moisture well, retains elasticity and its original shape, providing a comfortable experience when used. It also dries quickly after drying, resists stains, wrinkles, and UV rays.
With a much lower price than natural fibers, products using acrylic are more popular. The heat resistance of acrylic is impressive, ranking second among the best heat-resistant synthetic fibers.
Acrylic fabric also resists moths, some oils, and is less prone to oxidation under sunlight. This type of fabric can also be dyed in bright colors and has impressive durability.
Acrylic fabric is lightweight yet still keeps warm well
Disadvantages of acrylic fiber:
Compared to other materials, acrylic lacks softness and has the potential to cause skin allergies. The hydrophobic nature of acrylic makes it prone to static electricity and dust accumulation. Due to its main component being plastic, acrylic is highly flammable and difficult to extinguish.
Acrylic is a non-abrasion resistant fabric, requiring the addition of abrasion-resistant materials in applications. Environmentally, acrylic poses a significant threat as it is difficult to decompose, lasting up to 200 years after being released into the environment.
7. Impact of acrylic fiber fabric on the environment and health
During the production process, this type of fabric involves the use of chemicals and toxic substances. These chemicals can pollute water and air around manufacturing plants.
Furthermore, acrylic fabric often does not decompose naturally quickly in the natural environment after disposal. Products containing acrylic fibers can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing pollution and harm to ecosystems.
Acrylic fabric can persist for hundreds of years in the environment
Regarding human health, during the production and use process, acrylic fibers can come into contact with chemicals and dust particles harmful to respiratory health. In addition, this type of fabric often does not absorb sweat well, which can cause overheating and discomfort when worn in tropical conditions or during sports activities.
8. How to clean and care for acrylic clothing
To preserve and care for acrylic fabric, you need to:
- Use warm water and fabric softener during the 3rd or 4th wash to reduce static electricity.
- After washing, gently wring to remove excess water, then hang the product on a rust-proof hanger to air dry.
- If you use a washing machine, use warm water and fabric softener in the final rinse.
- Avoid tumble drying acrylic products to prevent them from losing their durability and shape. If ironing is necessary, use a moderate heat setting to avoid melting acrylic fibers.
9. Some frequently asked questions
- What is Acrylic Fabric?
Acrylic fabric is a product made from synthetic polymer fibers and often requires the use of chemicals to increase its absorbency.
- Types of Acrylic Fabric?
There are many types of Acrylic fabric, including regular fabric, Nytril, Lastrile, Modacrylic, and many others.
- Disadvantages of the fabric?
Acrylic fabric has disadvantages such as not being environmentally friendly, easily sagging, losing shape, being prone to pilling, and feeling hot and rough.
- How to clean the fabric?
To clean Acrylic fabric, wash it with warm water, avoid tumble drying, and avoid using an iron with too high a temperature.
- Where to buy Acrylic?
You can find Acrylic products at wholesale fabric markets such as Phu Tho Hoa, Le Minh Xuan, Soai Kinh Lam, etc.
In summary, acrylic fabric is a versatile and diverse synthetic fabric. The advantages of this fabric are its light weight, low cost, and fashionable colors. Despite its disadvantages in environmental impact and limited heat resistance, acrylic fabric is still widely used in many different applications.
