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Spandex

Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity (stretchability). It is stronger and more durable than rubber, its major plant competitor. It was invented in 1959 by DuPont, and when first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry.

Spandex is the preferred name in North America and Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere. It turns out that "spandex" was coined from an anagram of "expands." A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name Lycra; another trademark (also INVISTA's) is Elaspan, Dorlastan (Bayer), Linel (Fillattice).

Spandex fiber characteristics

A woman in white spandex biking pants

Spun from a block copolymer, these fibers exploit the high crystallinity and hardness of polyurethane segments, yet remain "rubbery" due to alternating segments of polyethylene glycol [1]. This yields the following combination of materials properties:

  • can be stretched over 500% without breaking
  • able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length
  • lightweight
  • abrasion resistant
  • poor strength, but stronger and more durable than rubber
  • soft, smooth, and supple
  • resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents
  • no static or pilling problems

Major spandex fiber uses

  • Apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit, such as:
    • athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
    • wetsuits
    • swimsuits/bathing suits
    • competitive swimwear
    • brassiere straps and bra side panels
    • ski pants
    • slacks
    • hosiery
    • leggings
    • socks
    • belts
  • Compression garments such as:
    • surgical hose
    • support hose
    • bicycle pants
    • foundation garments
  • Shaped garments such as bra cups

Production

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission definition for spandex fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented polyurethane".

First U.S. commercial spandex fiber production: 1959, DuPont Company

Current U.S. spandex fiber producers: INVISTA; Bayer Corporation; RadiciSpandex Corporation

Fiction

In comic books, superheroes and superheroines commonly wear costumes made of spandex.


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In comic books, superheroes and superheroines commonly wear costumes made of spandex.
. spandex fiber producers: INVISTA; Bayer Corporation; RadiciSpandex Corporation. The purpose of the 3 fin thruster setup is to provide more manouverability and responsiveness on a wave face. Current U.S. The most common fin arrangement is name the thruster invented by Simon Anderson of Australia, which consists of three fins, one at the tail of the board and two slightly further towards the nose of the board. commercial spandex fiber production: 1959, DuPont Company. Both have fins which create stick and drive on the wave face.

First U.S. They are not as wide as long-boards and are typically more maneuverable. Federal Trade Commission definition for spandex fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented polyurethane". Short-boards are shorter (5-7ft), thinner, and have a more pointed nose. The U.S. Long-boards as the name suggests are longer (7-12ft), and also thicker, wider and with a more rounded nose than a short-board. This yields the following combination of materials properties:. The end result is a light and strong surfboard that is buoyant and manoeuverable.

Spun from a block copolymer, these fibers exploit the high crystallinity and hardness of polyurethane segments, yet remain "rubbery" due to alternating segments of polyethylene glycol [1]. Modern surfboards are made of polyurethane or polystyrene foam covered with layers of fibreglass cloth and polystyrene or epoxy resin. . The major advances over the years were the addition of a fin on the bottom rear of the board to improve directional stability and a change of materials. It turns out that "spandex" was coined from an anagram of "expands." A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name Lycra; another trademark (also INVISTA's) is Elaspan, Dorlastan (Bayer), Linel (Fillattice). Originally made of wood or balsa the first surfboards were often over 15 feet in length and extremely heavy. Spandex is the preferred name in North America and Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere. Surfboards were invented by the Hawaiians for riding breaking waves to the beach.

It was invented in 1959 by DuPont, and when first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry. It is stronger and more durable than rubber, its major plant competitor. Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity (stretchability). Shaped garments such as bra cups.

foundation garments. bicycle pants. support hose. surgical hose.

Compression garments such as:

    . belts. socks. leggings.

    hosiery. slacks. ski pants. brassiere straps and bra side panels.

    competitive swimwear. swimsuits/bathing suits. wetsuits. athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel.

    Apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit, such as:

      . no static or pilling problems. resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents. soft, smooth, and supple.

      poor strength, but stronger and more durable than rubber. abrasion resistant. lightweight. able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length.

      can be stretched over 500% without breaking.