SPANDEX

Introduction to Spandex

Spandex is a lightweight, synthetic

fiber that is used to make stretchable
clothing such as sportswear. It is made
up of a long chain polymer called
polyurethane
Spandex is a synthetic polymer,
containing at least 85% of
polyurethane. It is an elastomer, which
means it can be stretched to a certain
degree and it recoils when released.

What is spandex made up of?

Unique elastic property is because of material's chemical

composition.
Fibers are made up of numerous polymer strands.
Strands are composed of :Long and amorphous segments + short and rigid
segments

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.

How does the elasticity

work
Amorphous segments have a random molecular structure
and make the fibers soft
Rigid portions of the polymers bond with each other and
give the fiber structure
When a force is applied to stretch the fibers, the bonds
between the rigid sections are broken, and the
amorphous segments straighten out
This makes the amorphous segments longer, thereby
increasing the length of the fiber
When the fiber is stretched to its maximum length, the
rigid segments again bond with each other
The amorphous segments remain in an elongated state.
This makes the fiber stiffer and stronger.
After the force is removed, the amorphous segments
recoil and the fiber returns to its relaxed state

History of Spandex

Started during World War II

Replacement for rubber

Most of the
available
rubber for
building
equipment

The price of
rubber was
unstable and it
fluctuated
frequently

Rubber has
relatively
limited flex
life and
inadequate
abrasion
resistance

Not too
desirable
for use next
to the skin

Scientists at Du Pont produced the first

nylon polymers, and later
trademarked it as Lycra

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Dry spinning is used to produce over
90% of the world's spandex fibers.

TRADEMARKS OF
SPANDEX

Trademark

Manufacturer

Type

Special
characteristics

Uses

Cleerspan

Globe
Manufacturing
Co.

Multifilament

Nearly,
transparent,
irregular
coalesced
filaments

Hosiery

Glospan S-5

Globe
Manufacturing
Co.

Multifilament

Dull, white,
irregular
coalesced
filaments
garment stretch,
less holding
power than S-7

Hosiery

Glospan S-7

Globe
Manufacturing
Co.

Multifilament

Dull, white,
irregular
coalesced
filaments

Foundation
garments,
Swimsuits

Lycra

E.I du Pont de
Nemours & Co.

multifilament

Dull, white,
irregular
coalesced
filaments

All purposes

PROPERTIES OF
SPANDEX

Strength
Strength of spandex fibers is good. Spandex does not reach the
breaking point until after the fiber has been stretched to its
maximum length.

Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance of the various spandex fibres is good, thereby
contributing to their good wearing characteristics.

Resilience
Fibers are highly resilient and flexible. This property of rapid
shape recovery imparts a flat, neat appearance to fabrics.

Elasticity
Spandex Fibers have excellent elasticity. They may be stretched
from 4 to 7 times the relaxed state before breaking. Spandex
returns to its original condition readily upon release of tension.

Spandex is better suited for Support

hosiery and foundation garments
because of its superior elasticity.

Absorbency
Spandex fibers have a very low absorbency. Spandex fibers
should be covered or blended with fibers that will provide the
desired absorbency.

Cleanliness and Washability

All Spandex Fibers are machine washable with the usual
household soaps and detergents, but the temperature of water
depends upon the particular spandex fiber.

Effect of Bleaches
Spandex fibers are usually white but some yellowing may occur.
Several spandex fibers differ in their reaction to bleaches. Lycra is
yellowed by bleaches whereas, Glospan and Cleerspan have good
resistance to deterioration by bleaches. It resists deterioration by
chlorine in pools and by seawater.

Shrinkage and Growth

Spandex fibers will not shrink from exposure to water, however,
some do shrink upon exposure to certain temperatures.
A garment may have a small loss of elastic recovery as it is used .
This gradual extension is known as growth.

Effect of Heat
Exposure to heat has varied effects on the spandex fibers.
Excessive exposure to heat should be avoided.
Ironing should be done quickly and with a warm iron.

Effect of Light
Effect of light has varying effects upon the several spandex fiber but
no serious damage.
Lycra has initial goog resistance to light, but over a prolonged period
of time, it will lose some strength and yellows slightly.
Glospan and Cleerspan do discolor slightly by sunlight but has good
resistance to fumes.

Reaction to Acids
Lycra has good resistance to most acids, though some
discoloration may occur.
Glospan and Cleerspan are resistant to cold dilute
acids.

Affinity to Dyes
The Spandex fibers have a good affinity for many dyes.
Colorfastness ranges from poor to fair on continued exposure to
light, washing and seawater.
The degree of fastness depends upon the dye and the technique of
application.

Resistance to Oils and Lotions

Spandex Fibers are highly resistant to body oils, cosmetics and
suntan lotions. This is particularly important advantage over
rubber for use in such garments as girdles and swimwear.

Forms of Spandex Yarns

Bare Yarns
The extruded,
fused
multifilaments
and the
monofilament
spandex may be
used without
being covered

Covered Yarns
The bare spandex
is stretched
either fully or
partially to meet
specific stretch
objectives and
wrapped with
filament,
textured or spun
yarn

Core Spun Yarns

By application of a conventional cotton or wool
spinning system, a roving or covering fiber(or a
blend of fibres) is twisted to form a sheath of
staple fibre around the spandex core that is held
under tension and subsequently released

Initimate Blend Spun Yarns

Blending the
spandex fibre
with inelastic
fibres. These can
include blends of
04 to 30 percent
spandex spun
with other fibres

END USES OF
SPANDEX

Active wear, Swimwear and Casual wear

HOSIERY( Socks , vests, briefs etc)

Personal care products like Gloves, Diapers,

Bandages etc.

Belts and Wristbands

Body Shaping Garments, Skin tight Jeans

Furnishings and Decor

Summary
Initial developments in this field started during second world
war, pioneer work was done by du Pont labs. when an
experimental elastic fiber, Fiber K was created
Trademarks of Spandex Fiber are :Cleerspan, Glospan S-5,
Glospan S-7 and Lycra where Globe Manufacturing Co.
holds the trademarks for the former three and the last one
is with E.l. du Pont de Nemours & Co

Contd
Forms of Spandex Yarn are:- A) Bare Yarns
B) Covered Yarns
C) Core Spun Yarns
D) Intimate Blend Spun
Yarns
Important features of spandex fibers are; They have
adequate strength due to their greater flexibility and
elasticity; They are highly resilient, have excellent draping
qualities; have very low absorbency; They are generally
white but due to bleach a little yellowness may occur; They
do not shrink easily; light normally doesnt have any
negative effect and different spandex fibers react
differently to acids, alkalies but they all have good affinity
for dyes.

THANK YOU
Made by:
Shilpa Dangi
Nitika Chaudhary
Pawan Beniwal