Spandex (PU) fibers
Spandex fiber (referred to as PU fiber), belongs to the polyurethane structure, with high elongation, low elastic modulus and high elastic recovery rate, in addition, spandex also has excellent chemical stability and thermal stability, it is more resistant to chemical degradation than latex silk, and the softening temperature is about 200 °C or more. Spandex fibers are resistant to sweat, seawater, and a variety of dry cleaners and most sunscreen oils. Long-term exposure to sunlight or chlorine bleach can also fade, but the degree of fading varies greatly depending on the type of spandex. Garments made of spandex-containing fabrics have good shape retention, dimensional stability, no sense of pressure, and are comfortable to wear. Usually, as long as 2%~10% spandex is added, the underwear can be soft and close, comfortable and beautiful, so that the sportswear fit is soft and can move freely, so that fashion and casual wear have good drape, shape retention and fashion. Therefore, spandex is an indispensable fiber for the development of highly elastic textiles.
Polypropylene terephthalate (PTT) fibers
Polypropylene terephthalate fiber (PTT fiber for short) is a new product in the polyester family, which belongs to polyester fiber and is a homogeneous product of commonly used polyester PET. PTT fiber has the characteristics of both polyester and nylon, soft feel, good elastic recovery, easy dyeing under atmospheric pressure, bright color, good dimensional stability of the fabric, very suitable for the field of clothing. PTT fibers can be blended, twisted and interwoven with natural or synthetic fibers such as wool and cotton, and can be applied to woven fabrics and knitwear. In addition, PTT fibers can also be used in technical fabrics and other fields, such as carpets, decorations, webbing, etc. PTT fiber has the advantages of spandex-based elastic fabrics, and the price is lower than spandex-based elastic fabrics, which is a promising new type of fiber.
Elastane T-400
T-400 fiber is a new type of elastic fiber product developed by DuPont in response to the limitations of spandex fiber in textile applications. T-400 does not belong to the spandex family, but is a side-by-side composite fiber made of PTT and PET, two polymers with different shrinkage ratios. It solves many problems such as spandex that is not easy to dye, excess elasticity, complex weaving, unstable fabric size and spandex aging during use.
The fabrics made of it have the following characteristics:
(1) Elasticity is easy, comfortable and durable;
(2) The fabric is soft, crisp and drapes;
(3) The cloth surface is smooth and has good wrinkle resistance;
(4) Moisture absorption and quick drying, smooth feel;
(5) Good dimensional stability and easy to manage.
T-400 can be blended with natural fibers and man-made fibers to improve strength and softness, the appearance of the blended fabric is clean and silky, the contour of the garment is clear, the garment can still maintain a good shape after repeated washing, the fabric has good color fastness, is not easy to fade, and it is still as good as new after long-term wear. At present, T-400 is widely used in pants, denim, sportswear, high-end women's clothing and other fields because of its excellent wearing performance.
