Artificial fabrics, natural materials, as well as synthetics without additives have reduced elasticity and do not stretch at all. Products from them crumple, stretch, it is almost impossible to restore their original form. In addition, in such clothes it is not very convenient to move. To improve the performance of fabrics, synthetic fiber is added to their composition - elastane. In Canada and the United States, it is called spandex, which means "stretch."
From the history of occurrence
The first synthetic elastomeric thread appeared in the late fifties of the last century thanks to the invention of the American scientist J. Shivers, who works at DuPont.
Later, the Lycra brand was registered by Invista, a member of a well-known American corporation.
In Japan, elastomeric yarn materials are manufactured under the Dorlastan brand.
Material characteristics
Elastane is a practical and bright fabric, from which light, comfortable clothes are sewn. It is worn for a long time and does not crease. The main quality due to which the material has gained popularity is high elongation. The length of elastane fibers can increase up to 5-8 times.
In addition to elasticity, spandex has a number of important properties:
- Elasticity - after stretching, it returns to its original shape.
- Strength - not afraid of loads, does not change characteristics under the influence of water.
- Subtlety - the thickness of elastomeric threads is minimal, so that they can be woven into any fabric.
- Softness - the material with the addition of elastane is flexible, it is easily draped with soft folds.
- Lightness - the use of the material does not practically change the total weight of the canvas.
The elastomeric thread in the composition of synthetic and natural fabrics allows you to get breathable, elastic, comfortable and pleasant to the touch materials. Clothing made of such fabric practically does not crease, retains its original appearance for a long time, does not wear out and does not constrain movements.
Elastane (elastomeric) filaments are produced shiny, white, opaque or transparent. The base consists of oval, round or dumbbell-shaped cross-sectional fibers.
The use of products from elastomeric threads
As a rule, the elastomer is available in the form of threads wound on a spool. Usually, cotton, linen, viscose or polyamide materials are added to it, since pure polyurethane is practically not used. This combination increases the strength and elasticity of the finished products, making their appearance more attractive. This is due to the use of an elastomeric thread for beadwork. However, there is an increase in wear resistance. Clothing is more comfortable for a person, does not cause irritation and dry skin.
The disadvantage of spandex is its instability to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and water with a high content of chlorine. In addition, threads with elastane can become a source of allergies, so when buying it is worth paying attention to the composition of the fabric.
Clothing with the addition of elastomeric fibers
It is recommended that 5 to 15% elastane be added to the starting material. The most popular combination of polyurethane fibers with viscose is the sportswear and clothing for everyday life that are made from the resulting combination. In addition, from viscose with elastane make tight dresses for cocktail parties and celebrations.
Increasing the percentage of elastomer up to 20-30% provides the material with increased wear resistance. Most sportswear, swimwear, stockings and tights are sewn from it.
For festive dresses and carnival images, in addition to lycra, lurex is included in the fabric. Elastomeric threads (in the photo below) are also used in the manufacture of jeans clothes - in addition to cotton, approximately 5% of polyurethane threads are added.
The hero of Spider-Man wore more than one such costume during the filming. And the film was worth it, and all thanks to these synthetic threads. They literally turned the world of clothes for show business, sports - wherever you want a catchy and fresh look.
Proper clothing care
The rules for caring for finished products depend on what is part of the fabric in addition to elastane. Recommendations are indicated on the label:
- Clothes should be washed in the delicate wash mode or by hand. Water temperature should be below 40 ° C.
- Polyurethane threads tend to burst, therefore, while squeezing clothes, do not twist them strongly.
- "Aggressive" powders and bleaches quickly destroy matter, so their use must be abandoned.
- To maintain the shape, dry the products in a horizontal position.
- Ironing is recommended at temperatures up to 150 ° C.
The inclusion of lycra in the fabric, even in small quantities, can greatly change the quality of finished products. Clothing becomes not only beautiful and comfortable, but also durable, thanks to the elasticity provided by the elastomeric thread. The price of elastane products directly depends on the amount of this substance in the composition of the fabric used, as well as the percentage of other additives: cotton, lycra, polyurethane fiber, etc.