Popular yarn | Do you know the high-end product Lycra fiber?

Although Lycra fiber is a synthetic stretch fiber, It is also called spandex in the United States, and spandex and elastic fiber are the common names of the same substance, but only the Lycra company produces real LYCRA® (Lycra®) fiber.

So, what is the difference between spandex and Lycra? What’s the difference?

1) Lycra is a type of spandex, but spandex is not necessarily Lycra

Lycra has better performance than ordinary spandex and has a special chemical structure. It will not grow mold even if it is placed in a humid and heat-sealed space after being wet with water.

2) Spandex is a polymer compound elastic fiber

Spandex, also known as polyurethane fiber, has advantages that other fibers cannot match, such as: light specific gravity, high breaking strength, and elongation at break High, flexible reply, etc.

3) Lycra can stretch up to 500% and can return to its original shape

The stretchability of Lycra is far better than that of traditional elastic fibers. It can be stretched very easily and can still stick to the surface of human skin after recovery, with very little binding force on the human body.

1 ) Wide range of fiber fineness

Lycra fiber fineness range is 22 ~4778 dtex, the finest rubber wire is 156 dtex. Because Lycra has a more even tension during the weaving process than other elastic fibers, fabrics containing Lycra have good flatness and a soft hand feel.

2) Higher intensity and stretchability

The strength of Lycra is 2 to 4 times that of rubber yarn. Since Lycra has greater elasticity than rubber yarn under the same elongation, fabrics containing Lycra have higher elasticity.

3) High temperature resistance

Stretch fabric is general They are all made of a small amount of elastic fiber mixed with other fibers. Conventional synthetic fibers must undergo high-temperature heat treatment for heat setting and dyeing, so elastic fibers used for blending must also withstand high-temperature heat treatment. The heat setting temperature of Lycra yarn can reach 195°C, while the highest heat setting temperature of other brands of elastic fibers is 180~185°C. Therefore, under the same high temperature conditions, the stretch rate and resilience of Lycra-containing fabrics are more advantageous than other elastic fabrics.

4) Washing shrinkage and Low growth rate

The washing shrinkage and growth rate of the fabric are the influences The main factors of garment dimensional stability and wrinkle resistance are also important indicators reflecting the deformation of fabrics and garments. The low washing shrinkage and growth rate indicate that the garment has good shape retention and the fabric is not easy to deform and wrinkle.

5) Stretchability and Good resilience

Proper recovery and retention give elastic fabric comfort Stretchability, shape retention, adaptability, and formability. Lycra can be stretched to a length 7 times longer than the original without breaking; it also has good retractability. When it is stretched by 50%, the retraction rate is greater than 99%; when it is stretched by 200%, the retraction rate is 97%; even if it is stretched When it is 500% longer, its shrinkage rate is also above 90%. The size of the shrinkage rate is related to the thickness of the yarn. The thicker the yarn, the greater the resilience.

6) Dyeable

Lycra can be dyed with acidic, metal complex, reactive and disperse dyes, while Rubber thread is not easy to stain.

7) Anti-aging and Not easy to yellow

Fabric or processed clothing containing spandex yarn, Over time, repeated use or washing will cause yellowing. However, when the elastic blank containing Lycra is left for three months, its whiteness is much better than other spandex fabrics, and the whiteness is maintained 10% to 20% better than ordinary products. It also has good anti-aging properties.

8) Good wear resistance

In the extension range of 50 %~300%, 200 fatigue tests per minute, it can withstand more than 1 million times without breaking, while rubber can only endure 240,000 times.

9) Lightfastness and durability Good chlorine resistance

Lycra photographed in a light fastness tester 40 h, the strength decreases by about 20%. The rubber wire is also exposed to the same irradiation, causing aging and losing all its strength.

Lycra has certain resistance to general chemicals, but is resistant to chlorine (such as NaClO bleaching agent) is relatively sensitive, causing the fiber to turn yellow and lose its elasticity and extensibility. This is one of its main disadvantages.

Lycra is mainly made of core-spun yarn/wrapped yarn/covered yarn and Appearing in the form of bare silk, it has good dyeing properties and wearability, and has been widely used in various fields of textile product production. Its application in the apparel industry is also very common, from light and thin underwear to heavy outerwear, from sportswear to fashion suits, etc.

1) Lycra of different fineness can be used in different fields

Lycra fiber fineness range is 22~4778 dtex, different The fineness of Lycra can be used in different fields.

Transparent stockings: 11~44 dtex;

Weft knitted fabric: 22~195 dtex;

Warp knitted fabric: 22~78 dtex;

Woven fabric: 44~156 dtex;

Leggings: 78~156 dtex;

Warp knitted fabric for bra: 156~540 dtex ;

Narrow belt, belt: 156~1880 dtex;

Medical items: 156~1880 dtex;

Footwear: 620~940 dtex.

2) Leica in different Different functions in fabric
Lycra has outstanding stretchability. For knitwear, its multi-directional extension is determined by the fabric itself, and Lycra only brings elasticity that stretches and recovers. Woven fabrics are only stretchable in the direction in which Lycra is woven, such as warp knitting (straight direction) or weft knitting (crosswise direction).

In woven fabrics: Lycra When used for warp yarns, the fabric has longitudinal extensibility; when used for weft yarns, the fabric has transverse elasticity; when Lycra is used in both warp and weft yarns, the fabric has bidirectional elasticity.

In knitted fabrics: weft In knitted fabrics, Lycra bare yarn is used for lightweight plain knitted fabrics; Lycra covered yarn is used for socks, cuffs of knitted pullovers, etc.; core-spun yarn is often used for knitted pullovers and lightweight plain knitted fabrics for underwear; wrapped Yarn is often used in rib knits. Lycra is used in warp knitted fabrics mainly to increase the extensibility of the fabric, making the garments have excellent applicability and comfort.

In narrow strip fabrics: narrow strip fabrics are widely used in underwear and belts. Lycra provides high-performance stretch in swathed fabrics for durability and comfort. It can be used to produce thin and delicate decorative bands for modern ultra-light women’s underwear, improving and maintaining their shape and shape.

1) It has good stretchability and elasticity and is not easily deformed. Lycra is made of spandex fiber, which can enhance the elasticity of the fabric and can be used in combination with various fibers. Whether it is natural or artificial fiber, it will not change the appearance and texture of the fabric. . For example, wool + Lycra fabrics have good elasticity, and have better fit, shape retention, drape, washability, etc. Cotton + Lycra not only has the comfort and breathability advantages of cotton fibers, but also takes into account the advantages that cotton does not have. Its good elasticity and non-deformation characteristics make the fabric more close-fitting, fit, soft and comfortable. Lycra can add unique advantages to clothing, including comfort, freedom of movement and long-term shape retention.

2) Lycra can be used in any fabric
Lycra fabric has a wide range of uses and is generally not used alone, but in combination Other fabrics and can be used in any fabric, such as: cotton knitted fabrics, double-sided wool fabrics, silk poplin, nylon fabrics and different cotton fabrics, etc.

3) The comfort of Lycra

Lycra fabric It has good stretchability and will not make people feel depressed or uncomfortable. It is soft, comfortable and breathable when combined with cotton, knitted and other fabrics. Wearing clothing containing Lycra fiber provides a comfortable fit and freedom of movement, achieving the unity of appropriateness and comfort and meeting the needs of people in contemporary society for clothing.

Lycra fabric has inherent flaws. First of all, a Lycra fabric must be blended with other fibers before it can be formed, otherwise it will be difficult to become a fabric that can be used directly; secondly, Lycra fabric is slightly less soft than modal, pure cotton and other fabrics; finally, Lycra The fabric has a shorter service life. At the same time, attention should also be paid to the maintenance and cleaning of Lycra fabrics. It is best to use ordinary neutral cleaning products for cleaning.