Whether you are considering a new pair of spandex jeans or are already wearing them, there are many things you need to know about this type of fabric. Here are some things to consider, including its elastic qualities and capacity to absorb oils and perspiration.
History
During World War II, DuPont scientists sought to create a highly elastic polymer fabric. Their goal was to develop a stretchy substitute for rubber, which was unstable and expensive during the war. As a result, they created the first synthetic rubbers.
In the early 1950s, DuPont made a breakthrough with stretchy polyester fiber. However, it needed to be more elastic. It influenced the creation of spandex. It was initially used as a girdle replacement for rubber. Girdles with finer fibers were what women preferred.
As World War II ended, hundreds of top German scientists came to the United States. Many became textile engineers at DuPont.
The DuPont Textiles Fibers Department was formed in 1952. It ruled the synthetic fiber market worldwide. It also created a brand for the stretchy fabric. The fabric was sold under the name Lycra.
The 1970s saw a rise in the popularity of Lycra. First, athletes used it to create sporting apparel. Next, athletic girdles were also made from it. Then, in the early 1980s, it became a general fashion statement.
Elastic properties
Spandex is a stretchy, synthetic material. It is used in various textiles, including sportswear, sports gear, and body-fitting clothing. The elasticity of spandex fabrics is one of the main reasons for their popularity.
Spandex fiber is a smooth, lightweight, and resilient polymer made from a long-chain polyglycol combined with a short di-isocyanate. Several trademarks, including Lycra and Elastane, know the material. However, the properties of spandex fibers vary according to the materials covered, the temperature, and the manufacturing process. These properties are often referred to as physiognomies.
Spandex fibers can be used for various purposes, such as sportswear, tights, and printing rollers. They are resistant to abrasion and wear and are also easy to dye. In addition, they have excellent elastic recovery and can be stretched up to 800 percent of their length. They are also more resistant to rubber and plastics than other fibers.
Durability
With impressive durability, spandex fabric in black is used in various products. It is used in clothing, sports equipment, and household products such as microbead pillows. Its high elasticity makes it suitable for a variety of applications. It is also very light and is easy to dye.
It is a synthetic elastomer created with polyurethane as a foundation. It may be extended by almost 700% from its initial size. While the cloth may be cleaned in cold water, direct sunlight shouldn’t be used to keep it. The material is also not prone to pilling and static cling.
Its durability has made it popular in sportswear. For the majority of sportswear brands, it is the preferred material. Additionally, it lessens sweat odors. It is used in cycling suits and athletic wear.
It can be heat-set during manufacturing. It is also abrasion resistant. Its resilience allows it to stretch up to 500 percent of its length without breaking.
Resistance to body oils and sweat
Compared to rubber, spandex fabric has an excellent moisture-wicking effect, which helps keep the wearer dry during activity. It also retains its original length. In addition, its elasticity makes it easier to stretch than rubber and gives a better fit.
In addition, it can be dyed or spun with other fibers to produce a wide range of fabrics. Aside from its excellent moisture-wicking properties, it is also very abrasion resistant. It is also very light. As a result, it is a good option for swimming wear.
For the same reason, it is also important to note that spandex cloths are resistant to molds and insects. They also have good resistance to acid solutions. Therefore, they are also suitable for machine washing with household detergents. However, they should be machine washed at 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aside from being resistant to moisture, spandex fabric is also abrasion resistant. Unlike rubber, getting a needle cut into it is difficult, reducing the risk of abrasion.
Recovery rate
Various factors such as fabric construction, fiber content, and structure affect spandex fabric’s recovery rate. This study investigated five fabric samples for their functional and mechanical properties.
First, the fabric stretching force was determined. It was done using a Cusick drape meter. It was found that the stretching force had a linear relationship with elongation when the fabric was at 100% extension. The average of three observations was taken for each sample.
Next, a series of fabric samples were examined for their wrinkle recovery and wrinkle strength. The average of three observations was taken for an example of the spandex-knitted fabric. The fabric weighed 180 g/cm2. The fabric was knitted using cotton 92% and spandex 8%. The material was conditioned at 27+/-2 degC. The sample was then treated with bromophenol blue sodium supplied by Sigma-Aldrich. The PHMB coating on the spandex improved the wrinkle recovery of the fabric.
Cost
Whether you are in the market for athletic clothing or are a professional athlete looking for the best athletic gear, spandex fabric is the way to go. It is a lightweight, smooth synthetic fiber with excellent stretch and durability. It is often used in the production of athletic clothing and sports bras.
Clothing, footwear, and medical supplies all use spandex. Excellent moisture wicking and sweat resistance are both present. It is also abrasion resistant.
The demand for spandex fabric is expected to rise 6% annually in the next few years. However, the supply is expected to be tight, and the industry has been experiencing a price surge.
