The Synthetic materials Are those materials that are made of synthesized polymers or small molecules. The compounds used to make these materials come from petroleum chemicals or petrochemicals.
Different chemical compounds are used to make different types of fibers. Most synthetic materials are made from chemicals that come from polymers, so they are stronger and more resistant.
Synthetic materials make up almost half of all materials that are used in all fields of textile technology. There are different methods for making these materials, but the most common is the melt turning. In this process, high temperatures are used to change and shape the shape and dimensions of the fibers or synthetic materials.
These materials are tough and often offer consumer-friendly features. Some of the most common features are waterproof materials, stretchable materials and stain resistant parts.
This is possible since the natural fibers are sensitive to the elements and tend to break with the passage of time; This means that they are biodegradable. Natural fibers are also prone to damage from pests that feed on them, as is the case of moths that feed on cotton, wool and silk.
Synthetic fibers are immune to these pests and do not suffer damage from sun, water or oil exposure. Some of the most common synthetic materials are nylon, polyester, carbon fiber, rayon and spandex or lycra.
In recent times, there has been a boom in the invention of new synthetic materials. With technology, scientists have discovered new synthetic routes of joining small molecules into large polyester chains with the correct properties for particular uses.
An example of these are the polypropylene fibers that are used in carpets or polyethylene varieties that are used to make plastic bottles. They have also managed to develop incredibly strong substances such as kevlar.
Types of Synthetic Materials and Features
Bioplastics
Plastics do not degrade, so they are a great source of environmental pollution. In addition, most plastics are derived from crude, which is not renewable.
But technology has made it possible to turn renewable resources into plastics and synthetic gums. These substances are sustainable because they store fossil resources and although they are not yet biodegradable, it is a great advance for science.
Nylon
It is family of synthetic polymers and was first produced in 1935; Was the first synthetic fiber produced in mass. This was due to the need to replace Asian silk and hemp in parachutes during World War II. At that time it was used to manufacture tires, tents, ponchos and other military supplies. It was even used to make paper money in the United States.
It is highly flammable, burns instead of melted. It is quite elastic; Is very strong, it resists very well to insects, animals, fungi and many chemicals.
It has many commercial applications in synthetic fibers, such as floor coverings and rubber reinforcements; It is also used to model automobile parts, especially the engine compartment, and in electrical equipment, in dental brushes, carpets, nylon stockings and clothing fabrics.
Solid nylon is also used to make hair brushes and mechanical parts, such as screws and gears. Nylon resins are used in some food packaging; Especially in those that come in bags for the oven and in packings of sausages and meats.
Plastic Compounds
This is the name given to plastics that have been reinforced by different fibers to make them more elastic and strong. An example are blends between polymers and carbon, which create a lightweight material that serves to transport things using fuel efficiently.
These compounds are increasingly being used, particularly in the aerospace industry. The Airbus A360 and Boeing 787 are made of 50% composed of plastics. The only thing that prevents it from being used more, especially in the manufacture of vehicles, is its high cost.
Polyester
This material is widely used in the textile industry; Most clothes have some degree of polyester. There are some varieties that are even biodegradable, although most are not.
In addition to clothing, many polyester woven fabrics are used in home furnishings and household linens. Polyester can be found in shirts, pants, jackets, hats, sheets, duvets, cushions, cushions, upholstered furniture and towels. Industrial polyester is used to reinforce tires, safety belts, and to reinforce highly absorbent plastics.
This material is also used to make bottles, canoes, cables and holograms, among others. In addition, it is used as a finish in wood products, such as guitars, pianos and yacht interiors.
Polyester is highly stain resistant; The only dyes that can dye it are so-called dispersed dyes. In many occasions combinations of polyester and natural fibers are created to obtain different results. For example, the blend between polyester and cotton, poly cotton, is a strong, wrinkle-resistant and non-shrinking fabric.
Self-repairing material
These new materials that are being developed have the capacity to repair damages that at other times could be considered irreparable. They were discovered in the early 2000s.
Polymers are not the only material capable of self repair, but they are the most efficient. They involve very complicated designs and are difficult to manufacture, but when repaired they are more durable than other polymers. It is expected that more and more will be used in coatings, electronics and transport.
Carbon Fiber
It is a reinforced plastic, strong and light, containing carbon fiber. Carbon fiber can be costly to manufacture, but it is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, civil engineering, sports and other technical applications industries.
It is rigid but at the same time moldable and has good resistance to high temperatures.
Kevlar
Kevlar is a very strong plastic. It has very sought after properties because it is made of fibers that are strongly pressed with each other. It is a familiar nylon, is considered a super polymer and was introduced to the market in the 1970s.
It is a very strong material, but relatively light. It does not melt and only decomposes at a temperature higher than 450 ° C; The cold does not damage it, can survive temperatures up to -196 ° C. It resists attacks of different chemicals and moisture does not harm it.
Kevlar is an excellent anti-ballistic material, since it is difficult for a bullet or a knife to pass through the fibers. It is stronger than steel, like a modern armor, but lighter and more flexible than steel.
Other uses of Kevlar include being used in the manufacture of bicycle tires, sailing boats and drum patches for musical drums.
Lycra
Lycra or spandex is a fiber known to be exceptionally elastic; Can expand up to 5 times its size. Its most prized features are that despite stretching it returns to its original size and dries faster than other fabrics. It is stronger and more durable than rubber and was invented in the 1950s.
For its elasticity and strength it is used in many articles of clothing, especially in the sports field. Cycling shorts, swimming bathing suits, ski pants, triathlon suits and water suits are just some of the most common uses. Other uses include underwear, bathing suits, mittens and gloves.
Smart reactive polymers
Synthetic gums and gel can adjust their shape in response to external stimuli; This means that they respond to changes in the environment. This capability is very useful since it can help design other intelligent materials, such as sensors and alarms. When auto repair technology is added to this equation, the results could have important uses in many industries.
These materials can be sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, pH, light intensity and magnetic and electronic fields. They can alter its color, transparency or even its shape.
They are used in biomedical engineering, hydrogels and biodegradable packaging.
Acrylic
It was developed in the 1940s. It is strong, light and warm, therefore it is commonly used in sweaters such as furniture upholstery, in carpets and to coat boots and gloves. It is so soft that it feels like wool to the touch; After going through a correct procedure, can be used to imitate other fabrics like cotton. Sometimes it is used as a substitute for cashmere which is more expensive.
The acrylic is very durable and resistant. Accepts the color very well, has no problems when being washed and is usually hypo allergenic. As for clothing, it is often used in the manufacture of socks, scarves and hats. Additionally, it is used in yarns for weaving, especially in crochet.
References
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- Nylons (Polyamide) (2017) Plastipedia. Recovered from bpf.com.uk.
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- Smart Polymers for Bioseparation and Bioprocessing (2001) CRC. Retrieved from books.google.com.
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