Synthetic Fibers by Maruf Sir

Synthetic Fibers
by
S. M. Maruf Billah
Lecturer
Northern University Bangladesh
1. Polyamides (Nylons)
Chemical Properties: Polyamides are formed through a condensation polymerization

reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine. For instance, Nylon-6,6 is made
by polymerizing hexamethylene diamine with adipic acid.
Reaction:
Catalyst: Often, no catalyst is used, but an acidic medium can speed up the reaction.
Mechanical Properties:
 High tensile strength

 Good elasticity
 Resistant to abrasion
 Moderate moisture absorption
Applications: Used in textiles, ropes, carpets, and engineering plastics due to

durability.
2. Polyesters
Chemical Properties: Polyesters are produced through condensation polymerization
between an alcohol and an acid. The most common is polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), formed from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.
In chemical terms, ethylene glycol is a diol, an alcohol with a molecular structure

that contains two hydroxyl (OH) groups, and terephthalic acid is a dicarboxylic
aromatic acid, an acid with a molecular structure that contains a large six-sided
carbon (or aromatic) ring and two carboxyl (CO2H) groups.
This polyester is synthesized through the condensation polymerization of

cyclohexanedimethanol and terephthalic acid or its ester derivatives. One
notable characteristic of PCDT polyester is its high melting point, which
contributes to its thermal stability and resistance to heat.
Reaction:
Carboxylic Acid + Alcohol → Polyester + water
Catalysts: Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) or titanium-based catalysts like titanium

butoxide.
Tepes of polyester:
· PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
 · The most common type, used extensively in textiles, food packaging, and
plastic bottles.
 Known for its durability, strength, and resistance to shrinkage and stretching.
· PCDT (Poly-1,4-Cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate)
 · Less common than PET, but with greater elasticity and resilience.
 Used in heavier applications like upholstery, drapery fabrics, and some types
of apparel (Sports Garments).
· Plant-Based Polyester
 · Made partially or fully from renewable plant resources, such as corn or

sugarcane.
 A more eco-friendly option designed to reduce reliance on petroleum-based
materials.
· Recycled Polyester (rPET)
 · Created from recycled PET bottles and textile waste.

 Offers similar properties to virgin PET, contributing to sustainability by
reducing plastic waste.
· Microfiber Polyester
 · Extremely fine fibers, creating a soft and lightweight material.

 Common in cleaning products, bedding, sportswear, and fashion garments due
to its softness and wicking properties.
· Cationic Dyeable Polyester (CDP)
 · Modified to be dyeable with cationic dyes, allowing for vibrant colors and
patterns.
 Often used in sportswear, casual wear, and blended fabrics.
 High tensile strength and durability

 Low moisture absorption
 Good resistance to chemicals and abrasion
Applications: Textiles, bottles, films, and packaging materials.
3. Polyacrylics (Acrylic Fibers)
Chemical Properties: Polyacrylics are primarily made from polymerizing

acrylonitrile (CH₂=CH-CN) in a solution or emulsion polymerization process.
Reaction:
Catalysts: Peroxide-based catalysts like benzoyl peroxide initiate the polymerization
process.
 Lightweight and strong

 Resilient and elastic
 Resistant to sunlight and chemicals
Applications: Used in synthetic fibers, paints, and plastics.
4. Polypropylene
Chemical Properties: Polypropylene is synthesized via the polymerization of

propylene monomers in the presence of a catalyst.
Reaction:
Catalysts: Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts are used for polymerization.
 High strength-to-weight ratio

 Resistant to fatigue
 Low moisture absorption
 Chemically resistant
Applications: Used in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and lab equipment.

5. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Chemical Properties: PVA is made by hydrolyzing polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) under

an acid or base catalyst, converting the acetate groups into hydroxyl groups.
Reaction:
Catalysts: Acid (e.g., HCl) or alkali (e.g., NaOH).
 Good tensile strength and flexibility

 High water solubility in low- or partially-hydrolyzed forms
 High adhesion to surfaces
Applications: Adhesives, textile sizing agents, and coatings.
6. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Chemical Properties: PVC is produced via polymerization of vinyl chloride

monomers. It can be produced by suspension, emulsion, or bulk polymerization
methods.
Reaction:
Catalysts: Peroxides (such as benzoyl peroxide) or azo compounds are used to initiate
polymerization.
 High strength, especially in rigid forms
 Good weather and chemical resistance
 Flexible (when plasticized)
Applications: Pipes, cables, flooring, medical equipment, and packaging.
7. Elastane/Spandex (Polyurethane-based)
Chemical Properties: Elastane or spandex is a block copolymer typically made from

a diisocyanate and a polyether or polyester diol.
Reaction:
Catalysts: Tin-based catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate) are often used in

polyurethane synthesis.
 High elasticity and stretchability

 Excellent recovery (ability to return to original shape)
 Lightweight and durable
Applications: Athletic wear, swimsuits, compression garments, and medical textiles.

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Synthetic Fibers

Chemical Properties: Polyamides are formed through a condensation polymerization

 High tensile strength

Applications: Used in textiles, ropes, carpets, and engineering plastics due to

In chemical terms, ethylene glycol is a diol, an alcohol with a molecular structure

This polyester is synthesized through the condensation polymerization of

Carboxylic Acid + Alcohol → Polyester + water

Catalysts: Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) or titanium-based catalysts like titanium

· PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

· PCDT (Poly-1,4-Cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate)

 · Made partially or fully from renewable plant resources, such as corn or

· Recycled Polyester (rPET)

 · Created from recycled PET bottles and textile waste.

 · Extremely fine fibers, creating a soft and lightweight material.

· Cationic Dyeable Polyester (CDP)

 High tensile strength and durability

Applications: Textiles, bottles, films, and packaging materials.

3. Polyacrylics (Acrylic Fibers)

Chemical Properties: Polyacrylics are primarily made from polymerizing

 Lightweight and strong

Applications: Used in synthetic fibers, paints, and plastics.

Chemical Properties: Polypropylene is synthesized via the polymerization of

Catalysts: Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts are used for polymerization.

 High strength-to-weight ratio

Applications: Used in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and lab equipment.

Chemical Properties: PVA is made by hydrolyzing polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) under

Catalysts: Acid (e.g., HCl) or alkali (e.g., NaOH).

 Good tensile strength and flexibility

Applications: Adhesives, textile sizing agents, and coatings.

6. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Chemical Properties: PVC is produced via polymerization of vinyl chloride

Applications: Pipes, cables, flooring, medical equipment, and packaging.

Chemical Properties: Elastane or spandex is a block copolymer typically made from

Catalysts: Tin-based catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate) are often used in

 High elasticity and stretchability

Applications: Athletic wear, swimsuits, compression garments, and medical textiles.

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