Textile Uses
Acrylic is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel. It can also be made to mimic other fibers, such as cotton, when spun on short staple equipment. Some acrylic is extruded in colored or pigmented form; other is extruded in "ecru", otherwise known as "natural," "raw white," or "undyed." Pigmented fiber has highest light-fastness. Its fibers are very resilient compared to both other synthetics and natural fibers. Some acrylic is used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere, due to the similar feeling of the materials. Some acrylic fabrics may fuzz or pill easily. Other fibers and fabrics are designed to minimize pilling. Acrylic takes color well, is washable, and is generally hypoallergenic. End-uses include socks, hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, home furnishing fabrics, and awnings.
Acrylic is resistant to moths, oils, chemicals, and is very resistant to deterioration from sunlight exposure. However, static and pilling can be a problem in certain fabrications.
Acrylic has a bad reputation amongst some crafters who knit or crochet; acrylic yarn may be perceived as "cheap" because it is typically priced lower than its natural counterparts. The fiber requires heat to "block" or set the shape of the finished garment, and it isn't as warm as alternatives like wool. Some knitters also complain that the fiber "squeaks" when knitted. On the other hand, it can be useful in certain items, like garments for babies, which require constant washing, because it is machine-washable.
Acrylic can irritate the skin of people with dermatological conditions such as eczema but this is unusual.
Leading US spinners include National Spinning Co., Inc. Leading acrylic fiber producers include Aksa (Turkey), Montefibre (Spain), Dralon (Germany),Kaltex (Mexico), and Birla Acrylic (Thailand & Egypt).
Read more about this topic: Acrylic Fiber
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