Spandex is a synthetic fiber
invented in 1959 at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia. The
word “spandex” is an anagram of the word “expands”. Spandex has become quite
well known as a wonder fibre that has literally transformed the textile
industry, for one. Since the first sample emerged, it has modernized various
aspects of the garment industry. As the name suggests, it is particularly
sought for its elasticity. Fashion has played a humongous role in widening
the use of spandex all over the world. During the 70s and 80s, spandex
leggings became extremely popular among many rock and heavy metal bands. The
sudden embracement of spandex was because it remained stretchy and
tight-fitting even after being worn for a long time.
Interesting Information On Origin & Background Of Spandex
During World War II, scientists took up the challenging task of developing
synthetic replacement for rubber since the price of rubber fluctuated
frequently and most of the rubber available was being used in war equipment.
A scientist known as Bayer, a pioneer in polymer chemistry, produced the
first spandex fiber on an experimental level. In 1952, he earned a German
copyright for his synthesis. Later, scientists at Du Pont and the U.S.
Rubber Company came up with the final development of this fiber and gave it
a brand name Lycra. In 1962, they started the full scale manufacture of
Lycra. Currently they are the world’s leading production company of spandex
fibers.
Spandex is a synthetic polymer. Chemically, it is made up of long chain
polyurethane, which is produced by reacting polyester with a diisocyanate.
The polymer is converted into a fiber using a dry spinning technique. It is
considered to be a great substitute for rubber because comparatively it is
stronger, lighter and more versatile. Another great quality of spandex is
that it does not get affected by exposure to sweating, ointment, body oils
or detergents, though they are vulnerable to a variety of things like light,
heat, atmospheric contaminants and chlorine. Thus, stabilizers are added to
protect them. To protect it against light degradation, UV (ultraviolet)
screeners such as hydroxybenzotriazoles are added. Spandex is white in color
when first produced. Later colorants are added to improve its visual
appearance. Normally dispersed and acid dyes are used. If spandex fibers are
interwoven with other fibers like nylon or polyester then special dyeing
methods are used.
Spandex was first used in ladies garments such as corsets and other inner
wear. Back in those days, women thought it was important to wear a corset
and treated one as indecently dressed if clothed without it. Now spandex is
on the primary edge of fashion for both men and women. The reason behind a
sudden fetish about spandex besides the rock heavy metal music is that the
garment forms a second skin on the wearer’s body. By wearing the skin-tight
garment, the wearer can appear naked or coated in a shiny material like
paint. The ultra tight fit of the garments may also be seen as a sexual
expression. Superheroes, superheroines and supervillians in comic books
today are illustrated wearing costumes made of spandex or similar material.
A lot of sportswear, swimsuits, ski pants, belts, slacks, leggings and other
garments and accessories are made from spandex today.
Today in Europe and many other parts of the world, it is known as “elastine”.
The quality of spandex has improved tremendously compared to when they were
first made. For example, scientists have found that they can develop fibers
with even better stretching quality by changing prepolymers. Today’s
technology and different areas of research will continue to help improve
Spandex quality and help produce it more efficiently.
Interesting Facts About Spandex
•Spandex fibers can be stretched upto 500 to 610% more than their original
length without breaking and can easily return to their original length.
•In composition, Spandex is 85% polyurethane.
•The state law in Sweden forbids the sale of Spandex to anybody who weighs
more than 30 stones.
•At 250 degrees C (480 degrees F), spandex can melt.
•Formerly known as Prince, the famous pop singer altered his name to the
chemical symbol for Spandex.
•A stretchy, low-fat substitute has been invented by International Span
Works, the largest producer of elastos.
Soon spandex will take over the market of stylish furniture. It has already
entered the auto market where it allows door panel fabrics to elongate and
stick tightly to the door. |