Spandex
Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity . It is stronger and more durable than
rubber, its major non-synthetic competitor. It was invented in 1959 by
DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. When first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the
clothing industry.
Spandex is the preferred name in
North America and
Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere, such as in Europe. It turns out that "spandex" was coined from an anagram of "expands." A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name Lycra.
Encyclopedia
Spandex or
elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity . It is stronger and more durable than
rubber, its major non-synthetic competitor. It was invented in 1959 by
DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. When first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the
clothing industry.
Spandex is the preferred name in
North America and
Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere, such as in Europe. It turns out that "spandex" was coined from an anagram of "expands." A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name
LycraŽ. Other trademarks include
Elaspan ,
Dorlastan and
Linel .
Spandex fiber characteristics
Spun from a block copolymer, these fibers exploit the high
crystallinity and hardness of
polyurethane segments, yet remain "rubbery" due to alternating segments of
polyethylene glycol . This yields the following combination of materials properties:
- can be stretched over 500% without breaking
- able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length
- lightweight
- abrasion resistant
- poor strength, but stronger and more durable than rubber
- soft, smooth, and supple
- resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents
- no static or pilling problems
Major spandex fiber uses
- Apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit, such as:
...
s
- Compression garments such as:
- Shaped garments such as bra cups
- In some cases, people with autism can find it calming to wear spandex garments.
Production
The
U.S. Federal Trade Commission definition for spandex fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain synthetic
polymer comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented
polyurethane".
First U.S. commercial spandex fiber production: 1959,
DuPont CompanyCurrent U.S. spandex fiber producers: INVISTA;
Bayer Corporation;
Fiction
In comic books,
superheroes and
superheroines commonly wear costumes made of spandex.
See also
External links
- – Company website
- – Company website
