German
EnglishAcrylic fibres
Significance
Irreplaceable in the apparel sector
Acrylic is another man-made fibre where development in Germany paralleled that in the USA. In Germany it came on the scene in 1942 and since 1954 has been manufactured on a large scaleby Bayer as the first producer in Europe. 75 % of acrylic fibres are used in apparel, 20% in home furnishing and 5% in industrial end-uses. In apparel the acrylic fibres are used, for instance, in jumpers, waistcoats, cardigans, jackets, socks, knee-high stockings, training and jogging suits, either pure or in blends for example with wool. The modacrylic fibre, a modified form of acrylic, is found in flame-retardant garments, children's and baby wear, and in dolls clothes and soft toys.
In the year 2013 172,000 tons of acrylic fibres were produced in Germany.
The fibre
Mostly as a crimped staple fibre
Both dry and wet spinning processes are used to make acrylic fibres. In the dry-spinning process the spinning mass emerges from the spinneret into a spinning chamber, into which warm air is blown. In wet spinning the spin mass is pressed into a so-called coagulating bath. The largest proportion of the production is made and used as crimped staple fibre.
On care labels the acrylic fibre is often designated as "PAN" and the modacrylic as "MAC".
Properties
Ideal for blends with wool
Main properties of acrylic fibres:
Feels like wool, with high bulk.
Very good heat retention and fastness to light.
Very good shape retention, durability, easy care and quick dry qualities.
Qualities such as its wool-like feel and bulk make it pre-destined for use in the knitwear sector. The positive features of acrylic fibres come into their own when they are blended with a suitable proportion of wool or other natural fibres: the wool needs practically no additional finishing, does not felt when washed and is significantly easier to care for.
With sportswear, training and jogging suits particularly benefit from the special advantages of acrylic fibres - be it pure or blended: low water absorption, quicker water transport, light and weather resistance.
Our members use the following trade names for acrylic fibres:
