Perfect way to process Elastane ( Lycra ) blended fabrics

摘要

Elastane (Spandex / Lycra) was invented by Du Pont scientist Joseph Shivers in 1959 after a decade of intensive research reacting a long chain polyglycol with a short chain diisocynate with atleast 85% of mass being segmented polyurethane. The polymer was converted into a fiber using a dry spinning technique. Elastane was produced on an industrial scale by the US Company Du Pont under the brand name 'Lycra' in 1962. In the US, Elastane is commonly referred to as Spandex.Elastane is chemically a polyurethane with elastomeric behavior which can be easily blended with man-made fibers like polyester, nylon and also with natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk and linen. The elastomeric behavior is due to the soft (amorphous / rubber like) and crystalline (rigid / hard) polymer strands inside the Elastane fiber. In their natural state, the amorphous segments have random molecular structure that intermingle with each other and make the fibers soft. The rigid segments bond with each other to give structure to the fiber. When the fiber is stretched the bonds between the rigid segments break and the amorphous segments straighten out, making them longer while increasing the strength of the fiber. When the stretch becomes maximum up to five times its original length, the rigid segments bond with each other again while the amorphous segments remain in their elongated state maintaining the strength of the fiber. Once he stretch is released the amorphous segments recoil and the fiber returns to its original relaxed state. This amazing elastomeric property, abrasion resistance, compatibility with other materials has propelled its growth in consumption over the past decades. These days Elastane blends are frequently used for women and men's inner-wear, outerwear and active wear.