Synthetic fabrics: types, features

"Synthetic fabrics: types, features
Synthetic materials are a large group of materials that occupy an important place in the textile market. The production of synthetic fabrics is based on chemical synthesis of artificial fibers created from inorganic polymers, such as petroleum, coal and natural gas processing products. In terms of their properties, synthetic fibers are not inferior, and in some respects even surpass products made from natural materials.

There is a huge variety of types of synthetic fabrics. They differ in composition, properties, tactile sensations and other parameters. In order to choose the right p

roduct and care for it, you need to understand the features of each type of material. Let's consider what synthetic fabric is and what its features are.
What is synthetics

Natural fibers have long been used by humans to make clothing and household items. Synthetic fibers became a grand discovery of the 20th century - their production expanded the range of products and made them accessible.

The list of artificial fabrics includes more than a hundred names. Every year, dozens of types of synthetic fabrics are added to it, created to solve specific problems. The diversity of synthetics is embodied in popular solutions for textile production.

Characteristics and properties of artificial fabrics

Despite the diversity, there are common features and advantages of synthetic fabrics that are characteristic of all its types:
low cost: unlike natural materials, synthetics are generally available and easy to dye;
large selection of textures and colors;
elasticity, strength;
dimensional stability, durability;
resistance to the influence of biological agents (bacteria, mold, fungi, moths).
The advantages of synthetic fabrics also include plasticity and lightness, as well as the fact that it is practically not subject to wrinkling. It retains its shape and changes only slightly after prolonged use. The disadvantages characteristic of fabrics made of artificial fiber (such as electrification, melting at high temperatures, low moisture absorption and air permeability) are the subject of constant work by technologists. Materials are constantly being improved, becoming more comfortable and safe to use. And along with the improvement of materials, the quality and functionality of synthetic items also improves.

Composition of synthetic fabric

Synthetic fiber has a set of unique characteristics that are not found in natural materials, and these properties are also inherent in fabrics made from these fibers.
All types of synthetic fibers are divided into two groups:
heterochain, the fibers of which consist of a mixture of carbon and other substances (nitrogen, chlorine, fluorine, hydrocarbon): polyamide, polyester, polyurethane. Additives can improve the properties of materials or give them certain characteristics;
carbon chains, produced from pure carbon: all others.

Care of synthetic products

Caring for items made from synthetic fabrics is not difficult, but these simple rules should be followed to ensure that your favorite items last a long time.

Washing – hand or machine in the “Synthetics” mode, at a water temperature of +30…+40 °C. White items made of synthetic fabric are washed with universal powders, and colored items – with special detergents for colored fabrics.

Drying – naturally, on clotheslines or a drying rack, in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, away from heat sources. Machine drying is prohibited (synthetic fabrics form creases that are difficult to iron out).
Ironing – with a cool iron on the “Synthetic fabrics” or “Silk” setting, after turning inside out.

Removing stains – using gentle oxygen-containing products without chlorine in the composition. It is advisable to get rid of stains immediately, while they are fresh. To remove glue stains, the product should be placed in a plastic bag, left overnight in the freezer. Then carefully clean the stains with a sharp knife.

Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label or packaging.

Rules for choosing products made of synthetic fabric

Products are selected based on their intended purpose and intended use. Carefully study the composition of the synthetic fabric and care instructions. Consider individual characteristics: synthetic items can cause irritation and itching in people prone to allergies.

Synthetics, fabric in its pure form, are used in textile production, including for sewing underwear. When combining synthetic fibers with natural raw materials, materials with improved performance properties are obtained. The axiom ""Natural fabrics are good, and synthetic ones are bad"" is long outdated. Clothes made using synthetics are comfortable, beautiful and practical. They are unpretentious in use and care, retain their shape, are easy to iron, do not stretch, do not shrink and, without exaggeration, serve for a long time!.