Synthetic Fiber - History

History

The first artificial fiber, known as artificial silk, became known as viscose around 1894, and finally rayon in 1924. A similar product known as cellulose acetate was discovered in 1865. Rayon and acetate are both artificial fibers, but not truly synthetic, being made from wood. Although these artificial fibers were discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, successful modern manufacture began much later (see the dates below).

Nylon, the first synthetic fiber, made its debut in the United States as a replacement for silk, just in time for World War II rationing. Its novel use as a material for women's stockings overshadowed more practical uses, such as a replacement for the silk in parachutes and other military uses.

Common synthetic fibers include:

• Nylon (1939)
• Modacrylic (1949)
• Olefin (1949)
• Acrylic (1950)
• Polyester (1953)
• Carbon fiber (1968)

Specialty synthetic fibers include:

Other synthetic materials used in fibers include:

• Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)

Modern fibers that are made from older artificial materials include:

• Glass fiber (1938) is used for:
  • industrial, automotive, and home insulation (glass wool)
  • reinforcement of composite materials (glass-reinforced plastic, glass fiber reinforced concrete)
  • 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

In the horticulture industry synthetics are often used in soils to help the plants grow better. Examples are:

• expanded polystyrene flakes
• urea-formaldehyde foam resin
• polyurethane foam
• phenolic resin foam