Synthetic Fibers Production and Properties

Polyester Production

• Raw Materials: Ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid
• Production Process:
  1. Polycondensation: Ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid react to form bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate
  2. Polymerization: The resulting compound is then polymerized to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  3. Extrusion: PET is melted and formed into fibers
  4. Drawing: Fibers are stretched to align molecules and increase strength
  5. Annealing: Fibers are heat-treated to relieve stresses and set the fiber structure

Nylon Uses

• Textile Applications:
  • Clothing (hosiery, sportswear, outdoor gear)
  • Upholstery and carpets
  • Industrial textiles (ropes, nets, and more)
• Industrial Applications:
  • Automotive parts (gears, bearings, etc.)
  • Sports equipment (fishing nets, ropes, etc.)
  • Medical devices (sutures, implants, etc.)
• Specialized Uses:
  • 3D printing
  • Fishing lines and nets
  • Musical instrument strings

Acrylic Fibers Properties

• Physical Properties:
  • Soft, lightweight, and warm
  • Good insulation and moisture-wicking properties
  • Resistant to wrinkles and easy to care for
• Chemical Properties:
  • Resistant to acids and alkalis
  • Good resistance to sunlight and UV degradation
  • Can be dyed easily
• Uses:
  • Clothing (hats, sweaters, blankets)
  • Home furnishings (throw blankets, pillows)
  • Industrial applications (filtration, insulation)

Rayon Manufacturing Process

• Raw Materials: Wood pulp or cotton linters
• Production Process:
  1. Pulping: Wood chips or cotton linters are converted into a pulp
  2. Steeping: The pulp is steeped in a solvent (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to break down the lignin
  3. Pressing: The pulp is pressed to remove excess solvent
  4. Extrusion: The pulp is forced through a spinneret to form fibers
  5. Stretching and Annealing: Fibers are stretched and heat-treated to set the fiber structure