A synthetic fiber is one of the three types of fibers used in the textile industry. The other two are known as natural and artificial.
In the specific case of the synthetic fiber, it differs from the others in that no trace of the natural kind is found within their chemical composition.
In other words, it is created in a laboratory environment, exclusively by human hands, and from certain chemical substances.
These substances are extracted from raw materials such as coal, natural gas, or oil.
They are the result of extensive research and development efforts by countless scientists over the last few decades.
This chemical process of extraction is called chemical synthesis. In short, the extracted elements are combined with other components, through a polymerization process.
Then an extrusion process takes place. From the new polymerized element, the synthetic fiber is extracted.
The demand for synthetic fibers began due to the need to find cheaper and easier to produce alternatives than those found of the natural kind.
The challenge was to simulate and improve the characteristics of the natural fibers as far as possible, so as to respond to a growing demand from an exponentially growing world population.
Synthetic fibers allow for the creation of the most varied types of goods in a faster way and at a lower cost. In textile, the most known are polyester, polyamide (nylon), and spandex (lycra).
Synthetic fibers are a type of fiber widely used in textiles. It is obtained from polymers (macromolecules composed of smaller structural units called monomers).
Different chemical elements are needed to produce one synthetic fiber or another. The most common substances used are sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide – derived from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
These are largely used in the textile and decoration industries for the production of garments and other articles for the home. However, they can also be used in other areas. One such case is nylon, also used for the manufacture of fishing nets and wires.
Throughout the entire process, other chemicals can also be added. This can help improve the quality and inherent properties of circular knitted fabrics made of synthetic fibers.
There are many types of synthetic fibers. At ITJV, they can range from acrylic to spandex.
Polyester, Polyamide, Rayon, and Lurex can also be found at ITJV, alongside Recycled Polyester.
Yet, the truth is the market is dominated by just three different kinds of synthetic fibers: acrylic, polyamide, and polyester.
In fact, polyester alone is responsible for about 60% of this market.
A synthetic fiber is thought and designed from scratch. Its origin takes into account the population about to use it, as well as their lifestyle.
As such, their characteristics are then infused into the circular knitted fabrics, usually stronger than those made from natural ones.
Synthetic fibers were designed to withstand an increasingly accelerated day to day. They are water and stain-resistant and can stretch to fit the body or to avoid damage. They are easy to wash and dry, being equally resistant to the effect of wrinkles.
Furthermore, it lasts much longer than natural ones. On the one hand, it is not biodegradable. On the other, it cannot be considered nourishment by any kind of insects, such as moths.
Synthetic fibers represent half of all fiber usage worldwide and can be used in a wide range of areas and technologies.
Circular knitted fabrics allow the creation of excellent pieces for constant and daily use, in all types of climates. They are available at the ITJV only through catalogue request and sample validation.
