MEET ELASTANE
FROM:
Polymer called polyurethane.
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
No.
IS IT DURABLE?
Yes.
IS IT BREATHABLE?
Yes.
IS IT WARM?
No.
HISTORY:
Elastane was developed by a team of scientists at the chemical company DuPont led by Joseph Shivers in the late 1950s. The researchers were seeking a synthetic fiber that could provide exceptional stretch and recovery properties. DuPont introduced the fabric to the market in 1962 under the brand name Lycra. It quickly gained popularity due to its unique ability to stretch significantly and return to its original shape.
Elastane revolutionized the textile industry, as it offered improved comfort, fit, and freedom of movement. It was initially used in undergarments, swimwear, and activewear, but soon found its way into a wide range of apparel and fabrics, including stretch jeans, athletic apparel, lingerie, and more. Over the years, advancements in production techniques and fiber blends have expanded its applications. Elastane is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton or polyester.
Elastane revolutionized the textile industry, as it offered improved comfort, fit, and freedom of movement. It was initially used in undergarments, swimwear, and activewear, but soon found its way into a wide range of apparel and fabrics, including stretch jeans, athletic apparel, lingerie, and more. Over the years, advancements in production techniques and fiber blends have expanded its applications. Elastane is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton or polyester.
Elastane has become a staple in the fashion and textile industry, as consumers have come to expect comfort and stretch in their clothing. The demand for elastane-based products has led to the development of new variations, including different levels of stretch, improved durability, and moisture management properties.
PRODUCTION PROCESS:
The elastane production starts by mixing two compounds diisocyanate compound with a diol compound to form a prepolymer, to create the initial building blocks of the polymer. This mixture is then heated, forming long chains of the polymer. The resulting elastane polymer is dissolved in a thick solution and pushed through small holes to form continuous filaments. These filaments are quickly solidified in a special bath, washed, and mechanically stretched to make them more elastic and stronger.
After stretching, the fibers are heat-treated to stabilize their structure and maintain their desired stretchiness. Once ready, the finished elastane fibers are stored on spools and can be used in various applications, either alone or blended with other fibers to create stretchable fabrics.
