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Fiber Chart

Manufactured Fibers
It is important to understand that all manufactured fibers are not alike. Each fiber has a unique composition and it's own set of physical properties. The U. S. Federal Trade Commission has established generic names and definitions for manufactured fibers, including acetate, acrylic, lyocell, modacrylic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene (olefin), rayon, and spandex. All fibers under a generic name are not exactly the same.

Any trademarks involving natural fibers are generally held by the processor or mill, rather than the producer/grower.

Fiber producers have been able to modify the basic composition of each generic fiber, both chemically and physically, to produce variations which provide a softer feel, greater comfort, brighter/longer lasting colors, better warmth/cooling, moisture transport/wicking, and better properties for blending with other fibers. These improved fibers are given a trademark name and are owned and promoted by the fiber producer. The following is a list of producers of manufactured fibers and their trademark names.

The following table contains the the list of manufactured fibers, their trademarks, characteristics and uses.

Major Generic Fibers	Characteristics	Major Domestic and Industrial Uses
ACETATE	Luxurious feel and appearance Wide range of colors and lusters Excellent drapability and softness Relatively fast-drying Shrink-, moth-, and mildew-resistant	Apparel: Blouses, dresses, and foundation garments. lingerie, linings, shirts, slacks, sportswear. Fabrics: Brocade, crepe, double knits, faille, knitted jerseys, lace, satin, taffeta, tricot. Home Furnishings: Draperies, upholstery. Other: Cigarette filters, fiberfill for pillows, quilted products
ACRYLIC	Soft and warm Wool-like Retains shape Resilient Quick-drying Resistant to moths, sunlight, oil and chemicals	Apparel: Dresses, infant wear, knitted garments, ski wear, socks, sportswear, sweaters. Fabrics: Fleece and pile fabrics, face fabrics in bonded fabrics, simulated furs., jerseys. Home Furnishings: Blankets. carpets, draperies, upholstery. Other: Auto tops, awnings, hand-knitting and craft yarns, industrial and geotextile fabrics.
ARAMID	Does not melt Highly flame-resistant High strength High resistance to stretch Maintains its shape and form at high temperatures	Hot-gas filtration fabrics, protective clothing, military helmets, protective vests, structural composites for aircraft and boats, sailcloth, tires, ropes and cables, mechanical rubber goods, marine and sporting goods.
BICOMPONENT	Thermal bonding Self bulking Very fine fibers Unique cross sections The functionality of special polymers or additives at reduced cost	Uniform distribution of adhesive, Fiber remains a part of structure and adds integrity, Customized sheath materials to bond various materials, Wide range of bonding temperatures, Cleaner, environmentally friendly (no effluent), Recyclable, Lamination / molding / densification of composites.
LYOCELL	Soft, strong, absorbent Good dyeability Fibrillates during wet processing to produce special textures	Dresses, slacks and coats.
MELAMINE	White and dye able Flame resistance and low thermal conductivity High heat dimensional stability Process able on standard textile equipment	Fire Blocking Fabrics: Aircraft seating, fire blockers for upholstered furniture in high-risk occupancies (e.g., to meet California TB 133 requirements) Protective Clothing: Firefighters' turnout gear, insulating thermal liners, knit hoods, molten metal splash apparel, heat resistant gloves. Filter Media: High capacity, high efficiency, high temperature bag house air filters.
MODACRYLIC	Soft Resilient Abrasion- and flame-resistant Quick-drying Resists acids and alkalies Retains shape	Apparel: Deep pile coats, trims, linings, simulated fur, wigs and hairpieces. Fabrics: Fleece fabrics, industrial fabrics, knit-pile fabric backings, non-woven fabrics. Home Furnishings: Awnings, blankets. Carpets, flame-resistant draperies and curtains, scatter rugs. Other: Filters, paint rollers, stuffed toys.
NYLON	Exceptionally strong Supple Abrasion-resistant Lustrous Easy to wash Resists damage from oil and many chemicals Resilient Low in moisture absorbency	Apparel: Blouses, dresses, foundation garments, hosiery, lingerie and underwear, raincoats, ski and snow apparel, suits, windbreakers. Home Furnishings: Bedspreads, carpets, draperies, curtains, upholstery. Other: Air hoses, conveyor and seat belts, parachutes, racket strings, ropes and nets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, tents, thread, tire cord, geotextiles.
OLEFIN	Unique wicking properties that make it very comfortable Abrasion-resistant Quick-drying Resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, perspiration, rot, and weather Sensitive to heat Soil resistant Strong; very lightweight Excellent colorfastness	Apparel: Pantyhose, underwear, knitted sports shirts, men's half hose, men's knitted sportswear, sweaters. Home Furnishings: Carpet and carpet backing, slipcovers, upholstery. Other: Dye nets, filter fabrics, laundry and sandbags, geotextiles, automotive interiors, cordage, doll hair, industrial sewing thread.
POLYESTER	Strong Resistant to stretching and shrinking Resistant to most chemicals Quick-drying Crisp and resilient when wet or dry Wrinkle- and abrasion-resistant Retains heat-set pleats and creases Easy to wash	Apparel: Blouses, shirts, career apparel, children's wear, dresses, half hose, insulated garments, ties, lingerie and underwear, permanent press garments, slacks, suits. Home Furnishings: Carpets, curtains, draperies, sheets and pillow cases. Other: Fiberfill for various products, fire hose, power belting, ropes and nets, tire cord, sail, V-belts.
PBI	Highly flame resistant Outstanding comfort factor combined with thermal and chemical stability properties Will not burn or melt Low shrinkage, when exposed to flame.	Suitable for high-performance protective apparel such as firemen's turnout coats, astronaut space suits and applications where fire resistance is important.
RAYON	Highly absorbent Soft and comfortable Easy to dye Versatile Good drapability	Apparel: Blouses, coats, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery. rainwear, slacks, sports shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes. Home Furnishings: Bedspreads, blankets, carpets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slipcovers, tablecloths, upholstery. Other: Industrial products, medical,: surgical products, non-woven products, tire cord.
SPANDEX	Can be stretched 500 percent without breaking Can be stretched repeatedly and recover original length Light-weight Stronger and more durable than rubber Resistant to body oils	Articles (where stretch is desired): Athletic apparel, bathing suits, delicate laces, foundation garments, golf jackets, ski pants, slacks, support and surgical hose.