Modacrylic

Modacrylic is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of less than 85 percent but at least 35 percent by weight of acrylonitrile units.  As the definition, indicates, variations are possible in producing this  type of fiber. Modacrylics are made from resins that are copolymers or combinations of acrylonitrile and other compounds, such as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, or vinylidene dicyanide. These chemicals are made of such elements as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and chlorine, which are obtained from natural gas, coal, air, salt, and water. Trademarks of  two modacrylics are Verel and SEF, which, in turn, have modifications.These modacrylic fibers have similar properties to those of acrylics and are flame-resistant. They are used for apparel and home furnishings. A third modacrylic, Elura, is used for wigs.

Spandex

Spandex is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long- chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented polyurethane. As the  definition indicates, variations, are possible in producing this type of fiber. The basic elements of nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen are synthetic with other substances to ethyl ester compounds in polymer chains of soft segments or sections that provide stretch and hard segments that hold the chains together. Trademarks of three spandex fibers are Cleerspan, Glospan, and Lycra. Spandex fibers are extremely elastic. They are used for such purposes as foundation garments, hosiery, swimwear, and sportswear.

Olefin

Olefin is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85 percent by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units. As the definition indicates, variations are possible in producing this type of fiber. The carbon-hydrogen chains polymerized to produce this fiber are obtained from the cracking of petroleum. Polyethylene, the original olefin fiber, has been superseded by polypropylene. The fiber is produced by a number of manufacturers under their respective trademarks. Polypropylene fiber is thermoplastic, resilient, lightweight, and resistant to mildew and many chemicals. It is used for apparel and carpets, particularly for out-door use, as well as industrial applications.

Saran

Saran is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 80 percent by weight of vinylidene chloride units. As the definition indicates, variations are possible in producing this fiber. Originally, it was produced as a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and vinyl chloride synthesized from ethylene (from petroleum) and chlorine (from the salt of seawater). Saran is in limited production. It is not suitable for general consumer use but it is used for outdoor furniture and industrial applications.

Vinyon

Vinyon is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85 percent by weight of vinyl chloride units. This fiber is produced through the synthesis of the basic materials of chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen that are derived from salt water and petroleum. Variations are produced from copolymers. This fiber is limited to industrial use and to certain bonded fabric applications for consumer use since it has a very low melting point.

Novoloid

This is a generic term that was established by the FTC for any manufactured fiber containing at least 85 percent by weight of a cross-linked novolac. The composition is that of a phenolic aldehyde. The originator of this kind of fiber is the Carborundum Co., which manufactures Kynol novoloid fiber. It is produced in crimped and staple from for spun yarn for specialized industrial and uniform purposes.

Polycarbonate

Although polycarbonate fibers are derived from carbolic acid and are chemically related to polyesters, they do not meet the technical description for polyester established by the FTC and they have not been assigned any generic classification. Properties vary depending upon the particular chemical composition. Production is limited and dependent upon industrial end use.