Origin

Acrylic fibre is commonly known as an artificial wool. It was first invented by the company DuPoint in the year 1944 and was released to be used commercially in the year 1950. It was originally designed as a cheaper alternative to using wool and other natural fibres.

 

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Preparation

Acrylic fibres are made from fossil fuel which uses a chemical process which is similar to the production of Nylon and Polyester. The materials it is made from are petroleum, natural gasses and occasionally coal.

When both a high heat and intense pressure is used on the selected fossil fuel a plastic solution is formed in a process known as polymerisation. Polymerisation is a process where a group of molecules are bonded into a molecular chain which repeats itself. After this process occurs the solution is in a state where it is neither a solid nor a liquid which is known as being in a viscose form. At this stage the solution can be dyed to the desired colour. After this stage when the fibres become solids it is no longer possible to dye.

The next stage is when the solution is spun through what is known as spinnerets. These are tools which hold the size and shape of the yarn desired much like a mould would. The solution is spun through the spinnerets and then exits the spinnerets into either air or water where it rapidly cools and becomes its solid from. Next the fibres are washed and cut into the desired length of fibre.  Finally the fibres are spun into a thread and are ready to be incorporated into a fabric.

 

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Physical Properties Of Fibres

Acrylic is a very soft and resilient fibre. It is hydrophobic so does not absorb water. Acrylic has the same insulation properties as wool so will keep you warm in the winter.

The downsides to acrylic as a fibre is that it is prone to creating static. It is also very flammable and once lit is very difficult to extinguish. Due to this it is not a safe material to use in clothing on its own and requires it to be mixed with another fibre in order to minimise the risk of it setting on fire. Another possibility is a flame retardant chemical finish.

 

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Aesthetic Properties Of Fibres

Acrylic like wool is a very lightweight fibre. It has resistance to being discoloured in sunlight as well as a resistance to being damaged by acids. As it is a hydrophobic fibre with little to no absorbance it is not an easy fibre to dye as is why it is done during the manufacturing stage and not after the fibres have been spun.

Acrylic is a easy fibre to wash and retains its shape when washed repeatedly and has a high lustre.

 

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References

textile school. (2018). Acryllic Fibres. Available: https://www.textileschool.com/121/acrylic-fibres-manmade-artificial-fibres/. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Natural Clothing . (2018). What Is Acrylic Fabric?. Available: https://www.naturalclothing.com/what-is-acrylic-fabric/. Last accessed 27/11/18

all about dying . (2018). How to dye acryllic yarn and fabric . Available: http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/how_to_dye_acrylic.shtml. Last accessed 27/11/18.

American Fibre Manufacturer Association Inc. (2018). Acrylic. Available: http://www.fibersource.com/fiber-products/acrylic-fiber/. Last accessed 27/11.18.

Mazharul Islam Kiron. (2018). Manufacturing Process of Polyester Fiber | Production Process of Polyester Fiber . Available: http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2011/07/polyester-fiber-manufacturing-process_7309.html. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Fiber 2 fashion . (2018). Acrylic fabric : 107 GSM, 100% Acrylic, Grey, Plain Supplier . Available: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/fabrics/acrylic-fabric-suppliers-1595364. Last accessed 27/11/18.

American Fibre Manufacturing Accociation Inc. (2018). Manufacturing. Available: http://www.fibersource.com/fiber-world-classroom/manufacturing/. Last accessed 27/11/18.