Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Page 1)

CAMEO: Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online at www.mfa.org/cameo

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (page 1)

Fiber Composition Development Common Density Denier Tenacity Elongation at Initial Moisture date trade name (g/9000m) (g/denier) break (%) modulus regain (%)

acetate cellulose triacetate 1919 Celanese; 1.25- 1.1-1.4 25-35 (dry); 35-40 6.5 Arnel; 1.35 (dry); 0.65- 35-45 (wet) Tenite 0.75 wet)

acrylic >85% acrylonitrile 1950 Acrilan, 1.16- 2-8 2-3.6 (dry) 20-55 25-63 1.0-3.0 Creslan, 1.18 Courtelle, Orlon

aramid (meta) poly-m-phenylene Nomex, 1.38 2-5 3-6 2-30 130-150 3.5 terephthalamide Conex

aramid (para) poly-p-phenylene 1965 Kevlar 1.44 1.0-1.5 25-30 3-6 500- 7.0 terephthalamide 1000

azlon protein 1930s Aralac, 1.25- 0.9-1.1 60-70 14 Ardil, 1.3 (dry); 0.3- Lanital 0.6 (wet)

modacrylic 35-85% acrylonitrile 1949 Dynel; 1.35- 2-8 1.8-2.5 35-48 25-56 0.4-4.0 Verel, SEF 1.37 (dry); 1.7- 2.4 (wet)

nylon 6 polycaprolactam 1939 Perlon; 1.14 1.5-5 3.8-8.3 16-50 (dry); 25-35 3.5-5.0 Kapron, (dry); 3.5- 19-55 (wet) Power silk 7.1 (wet)

nylon 6,6 polyhexamethylene 1935 Fiber 66; 1.14 1.5-5 4.6-9.0 19-40% 33-46 3.8-4.5 adipamide Antron; (dry); 4.0- (dry); 32- Stainmaster 7.7 (wet) 46% (wet)

nytril >85% vinylidene dintrile 1955; Darvan 1.18 2.0 (dry); 30 2-3 discontinued 1.7 (wet) in 1970s

polyester polyester terephthalate 1941 Dacron, 1.5-5 2.2-9.5 10-50 25-50 0.1-0.4 Terylene; Hollytex

polyethylene high density 1954 Tyvek; 0.95- 2-10 5.0-8.0 14-20 <0.1 polyethylene Reevon 0.96

polypropylene polypropylene 1957 Herculon, 0.85- 2-10 3.5-9.0 15-35 29-45 <0.1 Marvess 0.94

polyurethane >85%polyurethane 1958 spandex, 1.20- 2.5-20 0.5-1.5 500-700 0.3-1.2 Lycra 1.25

polyvinyl >85% vinyl chloride vinyon; 1.38- 2.7-3.0 (wet 12-20 0 chloride units Evilon, 1.40 or dry) Thermovyl

rayon (cupro) regenerated cellulose 1890 Cuprama; 1.54 2-3 1.7-2.3 10-17 (dry); 11-12.5 Cupresa (dry); 1.1- 17-23 (wet) 1.135 (wet)

rayon (viscose) regenerated cellulose 1892 Avtex 1.46- 2-3 2.0-2.6 13-15 (dry); 11-16.6 1.54 (wdry); 1.0- 20-40 (wet) 1.5 (wet)

vinal >50% vinyl alcohol units 1924 Synthofil; 1.26- 3.0 -8.5 9-26 (dry); 3.0-9.0 Vinylon 1.30 (dry); 3.2- 10-27 (wet) 7.6 (wet)

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (page 2)

Fiber Degradation Dyes used Microscopic characteristics Applications

acetate Degrades in acids and concentrated disperse irregular cross section with multiple coats, suits, linings, cigarette alkalis lobes; lengthwise striations filters

acrylic Susceptible to heat; accumulates static basic, variable cross section subsitute for wool in coats, charge disperse, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters pigment

aramid (meta) Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing fiber is smooth; cross section is filter bags for hot stack gases, agents and UV light dogbone flame-resistant clothing

aramid (para) Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing fiber is smooth, cross section is radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, agents and UV light circular resin reinforcements

azlon Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; diameter=20-30 microns, cross silk substitute susceptible to microbiological growths section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth

modacrylic Resistant to alkalis and acids flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents

nylon 6 Degraded by concentrated acids and acid, disperse, fiber is smooth, cross section is hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, phenol; resistant to alkalis and most mordant, circular upholstery organic solvents pigment, reactive

nylon 6,6 Degraded by concentrated acids and acid, disperse, fiber is smooth, cross section is tires, ropes, seat belts, phenol; resistant to alkalis and most mordant, circular or trilobal parachutes, fishing lines and nets; organic solvents pigment, surgical sutures; brushes reactive

nytril Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and opaque, white with flattened or sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool insects. hook-shaped cross section blends

polyester Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis disperse, smooth fibers; cross section may be permanent press clothing, fiberfill, and creson. pigment circular, trilobal or polygon carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics

polyethylene Resistant to acids, alkalis and basic, disperse cross section is circular or elliptical cordage, webbing; upholstery, bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning pigments outdoor applications solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight

polypropylene Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; basic, disperse cross section is circular or elliptical upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, resistant to biodeterioration pigments disposable nonwoven fabrics

polyurethane Chlorine causes slow degradation acid, disperse, elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; reactive, vat althletic clothes

polyvinyl Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic basic, irregular cross section elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics chloride solvents; degrades with heat and light disperse, (tents, awnings, rain gear etc) pigment

rayon (cupro) Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and circular cross section with no sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry striations filaments cleaning solvents

rayon (viscose) Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and direct lengthwise striations; early samples rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry have circular cross sections with fabrics, paper (cellophane) cleaning solvents serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal

vinal Resistant to microorganisms, insects, fibers are smooth; cross section is raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, and most chemicals. round, ben-shaped or u-shaped tarps, fishnets, awnings.