Synthetic fibers are the result of extensive search by scientists to increase and improve upon the supply of naturally occurring animal and plant fibers that have been used in making cloth and rope.

Common synthetic fibers include:

• Rayon (1910) (an artificial fiber, but not truly synthetic)
• Acetate (1924)
• Nylon (1939)
• Modacrylic (1949)
• Olefin (1949)
• Acrylic (1950)
• Polyester (1953)
• PLA (2002)

Specialty synthetic fibers include:

• Vinyon (1939)
• Saran (1941)
• Spandex (1959)
• Vinalon (1939)
• Aramid (1961) - a forerunner of Nomex and Kevlar
• Modal (1960's)
• PBI (1983)
• Sulfar (1983)
• Lyocell (1992)
• Zylon
• (M-5)
• Dyneema/Spectra

Other synthetic materials used in fibers include:

• Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)

Modern fibers that are made from older artificial materials include:

• Glass fiber is used for:
  • industrial, automotive, and home insulation (Fiberglass)
  • reinforcement of composite and plastics
  • specialty papers in battery separators and filtration
• Metallic fiber (1946) is used for:
  • adding metallic properties to clothing for the purpose of fashion (usually made with composite plastic and metal foils)
  • elimination and prevention of static charge build-up
  • conducting electricity to transmit information
  • conduction of heat

References

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• The original source of this article and much of the synthetic fiber articles (copied with permission) is Whole Earth magazine, No. 90, Summer 1997. www.wholeearth.com

See also

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• Inventory of Synthetic Fibers

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