How is Spandex Fabric Made?

How is Spandex Fabric Made?

Spandex is a flexible fabric that can be made into incredibly stretchy and form-fitting clothing.spandex fabric It can also be woven with other fibers to create unique fabrics that combine the best aspects of each. These materials have become popular in the fashion industry because they provide comfort and a close fit without restricting movement. However, the production of this fabric is not without its environmental impacts. Sourcing raw materials such as petroleum to make conventional spandex is unsustainable due to the depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels, acceleration of climate change and environmental pollution caused by extracting and refining these fossil fuels. Fortunately, alternative sources of raw materials can be used to produce a sustainable version of this fabric.

The first step in the production of a spandex fabric begins with reacting monomers to produce a prepolymer.spandex fabric This prepolymer can be produced using a variety of methods but over 90% of the world's spandex is currently made with solution dry spinning. This process uses diazobicyclo [2.2.2] octane as the catalyst to begin the reaction that creates the spandex polymer backbone.

As the prepolymer is created, it is fed into a fiber production cell where it is extruded into solid strands of material.spandex fabric These strands are then twisted together and treated with magnesium stearate to give them their characteristic elasticity. Finally, the strands are loaded onto a spool where they can be woven with other fibers to create fabrics.

Since spandex is a synthetic material, it does not have any of the same environmental concerns as natural fabrics such as wool or cotton.spandex fabric However, the production of this material is still an energy-intensive process and requires the use of many machines that consume fossil fuels to operate.

Aside from its elasticity, spandex is an extremely durable fabric that can last much longer than other fabrics if it is taken care of correctly. This is why it is important to wash this fabric with cold water to prevent the fading of colors and the deterioration of its elasticity. Additionally, it is a good idea to add some baking soda to your laundry to prevent the onset of germs and bad odors.

The primary reason that spandex is so durable is the way it stretches and then returns to its original shape. This property allows the fabric to keep its shape and resist abrasions and other damage. In addition, it is a very lightweight material that is resistant to body oils and other chemicals. This durability has led to the popularity of spandex in a wide range of garments including workout apparel and athletic wear, as well as swimwear and lingerie. Despite its durability, it is important to remember that spandex is not as breathable as other fabrics, and can cause you to sweat more than you would in other garments. In order to minimize this effect, consider wearing a shirt underneath your spandex outfit.

Tags:woven stretch fabric | bi stretch fabric | breeches fabric | equestrian fabric