Introduction:
Any fiber or filament which is manufactured by human efforts is called man-made fiber. The chemical, physical, thermal and optical properties of man-made fibers are significantly modified during their manufacturing process. The consumption of man-made fibers in textiles are sharply increasing day by day. Now its market share is about 74% of the total fiber consumption. For readers, the practical difference is in how a fabric feels, stretches, breathes and handles heat or wear. There are some distinct properties of man-made fibers than those one is synthesized naturally.
Types of Man-Made Fibers:
Some of the man-made fibers are made from natural cellulose. These are termed as ‘regenerated’ fibers; whereas the other category is purely synthetic fibres which are manufactured from synthetic material after polymerization. The first category includes fibres such as viscose, modal, Lyocell and cuprammonium, whereas in the second category, there are fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic. Man-made fibers may be classified indifferent ways. It is broadly categorized into two major classes as follows: A simple rule is that regenerated fibers begin with natural polymers, while synthetic fibers are made from petrochemical polymers.
A. Organic Man-Made Fiber:
Man-Made Fiber made from organic materials which has hydrocarbon on its main chain, is known as organic man-made fiber. These fibers are very popular for using at daily products like clothing. Organic man-made fibers may be two types on the basis of their origin of sources, these are- In clothing, these fibers are often chosen for softness, drape or stretch comfort, depending on the specific type.
a) Regenerated man-made fiber:
If a man-made fiber is synthesized by the regeneration of natural organic natural polymers, this is called regenerated man-made fiber. It follows the regeneration process on which the natural polymer is modified and regenerated. Regenerated fiber is divided into four groups-
- Cellulosic fiber: Cellulosic fibers are regenerated from cellulosic materials like wood pulp and particles collected from eucalyptus, beech and pine, as well as bamboo, soy, sugar cane etc. It is also synthesized from Cellulosic short fibers. Cellulosic regenerated fibers are popular for their better uniformity, strength, moisture content and other benefits. Example: Viscose Rayon, Cupro, Modal etc. They are commonly used in garments where a softer hand feel and better drape are needed.
- Cellulosic ester: Cellulosic esters are regenerated from cellulosic materials like cotton linters during reaction with an acid anhydride which yields a carboxylic acid and a cellulose ester. Example: Acetate, triacetate etc. These fibers are very popular for low cost and fair draping properties. Trade names of some acetate fibers are Acele, Avisco, Celanese, Estron etc. They are often selected for linings and occasion wear because they have a smooth surface and attractive drape.
- Protein-based fiber: Protein-based regenerated fibers are manufactured from animal or vegetable proteins. The non-fibrous form of protein is converted into fibrous form through regeneration of polymer chain. Example: Casein, Zeir, Azlon etc. These fibers are now niche rather than mainstream in most apparel markets.
- Miscellaneous: There are some other regenerated fibers as- Alginate, Rubber etc. These are specialty fibers and are usually used for specific functions rather than general clothing.
b) Synthetic man-made fiber:
If a man-made fiber is synthesized from synthetic polymers based on petrochemicals, this is called synthetic man-made fiber. Synthetic man-made fibers are divided into six groups- They are preferred when performance matters more than a natural look or feel.
- Polyamide: Polyamide refers to the fiber having amide bonds on its main polymer chain. It may be aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic chain polymer. Most popular polyamides are Nylon and Aramid. Polyamide is widely used when strength, abrasion resistance and resilience are needed.
- Polyester: Chemical name of Polyester is polyethylene terephthalate or simply PET. Polyester is the fiber having ester group in every repeat unit of the polymer chain. It is mostly synthesized from petroleum. Example: Dacron, Terylene, Kodel etc. It is commonly used in sportswear, uniforms and blends because it is durable, quick-drying and easy to care for.
- Polyvinyl derivative: Two types of Polyvinyl derivatives are very popular for textile fibers as Acrylic and Mod acrylic. Chemical name of Acrylic is Polyacrylonitrile. Acrylic is often used as a wool alternative in sweaters, blankets and knitted goods.
- Polyolefin: Polyolefin fibers are chemically the aliphatic polymeric hydrocarbons. It is generally composed of ethene, propene or other olefin units in its polymeric chain. These are popular for having high tensile strength, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. Example: Reevon, Courlene etc. These fibers are more common in ropes, carpets and industrial textiles than in everyday fashion.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane fiber is rubber like elastomeric in nature. It has high elasticity that can be stretched several times of its actual length and can retain quickly and completely with the removal of loads. It is popularly known as Lycra or Spandex. It is usually blended with other fibers so a small amount can add stretch and recovery.
- Miscellaneous: There are some other special and distinct types of synthetic fibers. Example: Core spun etc. These are usually made for a specific fabric function rather than for general apparel use.
B. Inorganic Man-Made Fiber:
Man-made fiber made from inorganic materials which has no hydrocarbon on its main chain, is known as inorganic man-made fiber. These fibers are specially used for technical and functional textiles. These fibers are often used to reinforce plastics to form composites. Example: Fibers made from glass, metal, carbon or ceramic. They are common in protective clothing, filtration, insulation and composite materials where ordinary apparel fibers would not be enough.
In simple terms, man-made fibers give textile makers more control over softness, stretch, durability and performance, which is why they are used so widely in both fashion and technical textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are examples of man-made fibers?
Ans: Common examples include viscose, modal, Lyocell, polyester, nylon, acrylic and spandex. They are used in clothing, home textiles and technical fabrics depending on the performance needed.
Q2. What is the difference between regenerated and synthetic fibers?
Ans: Regenerated fibers start from natural polymers such as cellulose or protein, then are chemically processed into new fibers. Synthetic fibers are made from petrochemical polymers such as polyester, nylon and acrylic.
Q3. Is polyester a man-made fiber?
Ans: Yes, polyester is a synthetic man-made fiber. It is popular because it is durable, quick-drying and easy to blend with other fibers.
Q4. Are man-made fibers bad for the environment?
Ans: Not all man-made fibers have the same environmental profile. Fossil-based synthetics can shed microfibers, while regenerated cellulosic fibers can be more resource-efficient when they are sourced and processed responsibly.
Q5. What are inorganic man-made fibers used for?
Ans: They are mainly used in technical textiles, composites, filtration, insulation and protective equipment. Glass, carbon, ceramic and metal fibers are chosen when ordinary apparel fibers are not strong or stable enough.
