Table 1: Properties and Applications of Synthetic Fibres

 

Polymer family and type

Common Names 
& Trade Names

Deniers 
(gm/9,000 m) 

Tensile 
Strength 
(gm/denier) 

Elongation 
at Break 
(%)

Initial 
Modulus 
(gm/denier)

Apparel and Home- 
Furnishing Applications

Industrial Applications

Polyamide              
Polycaprolactam (textile fibre)  nylon 6 (textile) 1.5-5 4.5-6.8 23-43 25-35 hosiery, lingerie, sports 
    garments, soft-sided 
    luggage, upholstery
no significant applications
Polyhexamethylene adipamide 
    (textile fibre)
nylon 6,6 (textile) 1.5-5 4.5-6.8 23-43 25-35 hosiery, lingerie, sports 
    garments, soft-sided 
    luggage, upholstery
no significant applications
Polycaprolactam (industrial
    fibre
nylon 6 (industrial) 1.5-5 8.5-9.5 12-17 33-46 no significant applications tires, ropes, seat belts, 
    parachutes, fishing lines 
    and nets, hoses
Polyhexamethylene adipamide 
    (industrial fibre)
nylon 6,6 (industrial) 1.5-5 8.5-9.5 12-17 33-46 no significant applications tires, ropes, seat belts, 
    parachutes, fishing lines 
    and nets, hoses
Arami              
Poly-p-phenylene tereph- 
    thalami
Kevlar, Twaron, 
    Technora
1.0-1.5 25-30 3-6 500-1,000 no significant applications radial tire belts, bulletproof 
    vests, reinforcement for 
    boat hulls and aircraft 
    panels
Poly-m-phenylene isoph- 
    thalami
Nomex, Conex 2-5 3-6 2-30 130-150 no significant applications filter bags for hot stack 
    gases, flame-resistant 
    clothing
Polyeste              
Polethylene terephtala Dacron, Terylene, 
    Trevira
1.5-5 4.7-6.0 35-50 25-50 permanent-press clothing, 
    fibrefill insulation, 
    carpets
sewing thread, seat belts, 
    tire yarns, nonwoven 
    fabrics
Polyacryloitri              
Acylic (>85% acrylonitrile Acrilan, Creslan, 
    Courtelle
2-8 2.5-4.5 27-48 25-63 substitute for wool--e.g., in 
    sweaters, hosiery, 
    blankets
filters, battery separators, 
    substitute for asbestos 
    in cement
Modacrylic (35-85%    acrylonitrile) Verel, SEF 2-8 2.5-4.5 27-48 22-56 flame-resistant clothing-- 
    e.g., artificial fur, 
    children's sleepwear
flame-resistant awnings, 
    tents, boat covers
               
Polypropylene Herculon, Marvess 2-10 5-9 15-30 29-45 upholstery, carpets, carpet 
    backing
ropes, nets, disposable 
    nonwoven fabrics
Polythylene              
Regular   2-10 2-4 20-40 -- no significant applications cordage, webbing
High-Modulus Dyneema, Spectra -- 30-35 2.7-3.5 1,370-2,016 no significant applications reinforcement for boat 
    hulls, bulletproof vests
Polyurethane spandex, Lycra 2.5-20 0.6-1.5 400-600 -- stretch fabrics--e.g., for 
    sportswear, swimsuits
no significant applications

 

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