Acrylic fibers, also known as acrylic fibres, are synthetic fibers made from polyacrylonitrile or modified polyacrylonitrile. Developed in the mid-20th century, they soon became widely used in apparel and other uses. With their fine texture and plush feel, they were a popular substitute for cashmere, wool and other natural fibers. Acrylic continues to be widely used today due to its affordability and easy maintenance compared to natural fibers.



Chemical Composition and Structure



They are produced from polymers derived from acrylonitrile monomer. The acrylonitrile monomer contains vinyl groups attached to a nitrile group -CH=CH-CN. Polymerization of acrylonitrile forms polyacrylonitrile or PAN. PAN is further processed through an extrusion process where it is stabilized and rendered non-flammable. Additional methods such as swelling and blending with other polymers modify PAN to achieve the desired physical and chemical properties of different acrylic fiber types. The vinyl and nitrile groups on the polymer backbone give fibers their key characteristics.



Properties



The unique chemical structure of acrylic fibers leads to certain distinct properties:



- Softness: Acrylic Fibers have a soft, fleecy texture similar to wool or cashmere but without the itchiness. This softness makes them comfortable against skin.



- Washability: They are easy to wash and maintain as they are resistant to matting, shrinking and color loss. They can be machine washed in warm or cold water.



- Drying speed: Acrylic dries much faster than natural fibers like wool as they do not absorb moisture as readily. Clothes made from acrylic can be dried in sunlight or machine dried.



- Durability: They have high tensile strength and resilience. They do not lint or felt easily with wear and washing cycles unlike some natural fibers.



- Wrinkle resistance: Acrylic holds its shape and bounce back well after washing. Clothes made from it need little to no ironing.



- Non-allergenic: They are hypoallergenic and do not cause skin irritation or allergies like wool can for some.



- Cost: Acrylic is an affordable synthetic fabric that can be mass produced economically compared to natural alternatives.



Common Applications



Due to their combination of softness, affordability and easy care properties, acrylic fibers are put to wide use:



Apparel

Sweaters, blankets, scarves, hats, gloves - Acrylic replicates the softness of wool or cashmere in apparel. It is frequently blended with wool or cotton too.



Home furnishings

Carpets, curtains, upholstery - They are commonly used in home textiles due to their durability, stain resistance and ability to retain colors over time.



Industrial uses

Filtration, insulation - Special acrylic fiber types are employed as filters or insulation due to their strength, resilience and reaction to heat and flames.



Blending with other fibers

Acrylic is often blended with natural fibers like cotton, wool or silk to capitalize on joint advantages. For example, cotton-acrylic blends are soft and colorfast.



New developments

Research continues on developing new types and blends of acrylic fibers:



- Microfibers: Extra fine denier acrylic fibers replicate cashmere or silk even more closely. They are breathable and lightweight.



- Flame retardant fibers: Special acrylic formulations meet stringent fire safety standards for protective clothing, upholstery etc.



- Stretch fibers: Spandex or Lycra is synthesized by grafting acrylonitrile onto polyurethane, making stretchy acrylic blends.



- Temperature regulating fabrics: Phase change acrylic fibers absorb or release moisture from/into the air, regulating wearer temperature.



- Sustainable acrylic: New bio-based fibers are being created from renewable starch or cellulose instead of petroleum sources.

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