Acrylic fibers fabric durability

Acrylic fibers are more durable than cotton, and they are the best alternative to wool for sweaters. A major portion of the acrylic fibers produced are used in apparel (primarily hosiery). Other uses include pile fabrics (for simulated fur), craft yarns, blankets, draperies, carpets, and rugs. 

A breakdown of U.S. domestic synthetic staple and tow fiber shipments by end use is given in Table 12.33. Organized by fiber type and application, these data show that acrylic fiber is strongest in hosiery, sweaters, craft yarns, pile fabrics, circular knits, flat knits, and blankets. Polyester, valued for its low cost and easy-care properties, has a strong hold on the fiberfil, nonwoven, flat-knit and broad-woven fabric markets. Nylon, valued for its durability and resiliency, dominates the carpet market. Olefin, a fiber type that appears to be growing in popularity, has great impact on the nonwovens market and has made inroads in the carpet face yarn markets versus nylon staple and filament. Table 12.34 shows the same type of data as Table 12.32, but arranged by distribution of end use for each type of synthetic staple and tow fiber. 

The preparation of flocked fabric using acryflc adhesives is detailed in Reference 198. In flocking, cut fibers are bonded to an adhesive-coated fabric to achieve both a decorative and a functional effect. Acrylics can be tailored to provide the unique balance between softness and durability required for this... 

The flocking process begins with the bonding of cnt fibers to an adhesive-coated fabric to obtain a decorative and fnnctional material (215). Acrylics can provide the softness and durability that are sought in flocked textiles they also serve as binders for pigments in the printing of flocked fabrics (35,216,217). 

---