Elastane (Lycra, Spandex) is a polyurethane synthetic material similar by the properties on rubber rubber. In its pure form, it is almost never used in production, it is added to other natural or synthetic fibers. Spandex is a component of many mixed type fabrics: viscose, knitwear, cotton, silk. The presence of it in these materials makes them elastic.
The more Elastan in the canvas, the easier it is stretched.
Especially well established itself in the sewing production ensemble Spandex and viscose - this mixed tissue is elastic, soft and pleasant to the touch.
History
The first experiments on the creation of Elastan were conducted by DuPont in 1946, and his inventor is Joseph Chulls, a chemical scientist. This material was originally produced for sewing belts and corsets. A little later began to be used in the manufacture of stocking products. In the 60s of the last century, this tissue acquires great popularity among sportswear manufacturers. In the late 70s, Lycra is already known worldwide, it is actively used in the manufacture of clothing and accessories.Composition and properties
Elastane is a sigled polyurethane, it consists of flexible segments and rigid ligaments. Segments are interconnected by bundles ("bridges"), which protect fibers from breaks during stretching.
Among the varieties of spandex, two types are most popular: two-dimensional and four-dimensional. Two-dimensional elastane is stretched in one direction, or in width, or length. The four-dimensional spandex, respectively, stretches both in the width, and in length.
The fabric in which Lycra is present has a number of positive properties.:
- Good stretchability: thread stretches 6-8 times.
- Elasticity: After stretching, the canvas returns to the original shape.
- Easy air passability: the fabric, which includes a lycra, breathable, she "breathes", the body is comfortable under it.
- Wear resistance: Spandex fibers present in the material make it durable and durable, the wear resistance of such a canvase increases to 2 times.
- Easy and subtlety. Lycra's thread diameter is small, the fabric of it is fine and almost weightless.
- Resistance to the effects of water and the sun: does not fade, does not change the color after washing and drying.
- Practicality: Elastane fabric does not mind and is not deformed after a long time of operation.
- Density: Like density indicator to 1.3 g / cm3, which gives the material the effect of stretch.
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Production
Elastic tissue can be made by four methods:
- chemical (reactionary) formation;
- dry method of forming fibers from solution;
- a wet method of forming fibers from a solution;
- Syringe (extrusion) from the melt of the polymer material.
Application and care
Elastane as part of mixed tissues is used in the production of clothing for sports and dancing (trico, shorts, leggings). From a dense spandex sew costumes for people engaged in skiing, wrestling. Also, Liker is used in the manufacture of swimsuits and smelters. The canvas with Elastane is smooth and glossy, it is ideal for tailoring of carnival and circus outfits, often the composition of such a canvase also includes a sleekex shiny thread. . The production of female tights and leggings is another direction where Elastane is used. Spandex consisting of cotton is used in the manufacture of tops, mascas and t-shirts. Stretch jeans, overalls and shorts also sew from cotton fabric with the addition of spandex.
Care rules:
- Hand wash in water temperature with the use of soft washing powder for thin tissues, spinning easy without twisting;
- Machine washing on the "Manual Wash" or "delicate" mode with water temperature up to 40 degrees, spin no more than 400 revolutions;
- Erase colored elastane follows separately from white things;
- It is forbidden to use air conditioners, stains and bleach;
- Drying - on a smooth surface in a polished form, without direct sunlight;
- ironing in the "Silk" or "delicate" mode;
- You can not keep the thing from Likers for a long time in the stretched form (on the hanger-shoulder hangers).
How to determine what elastane is present?
Examine carefully label on the product, the composition of the material should be indicated. To make sure that Lycra is accurately present in the canvas, try to stretch the thing, and then let go. If the canvas easily accepted its original form, then the spandex is part of the material . Stretch the canvas in your hand, spend your palm on it, the distinctive characteristics of the spandex - smoothness and tenderness, it is very pleasant to the body.
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