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.


This page about Spandex includes information from a Wikipedia article.
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In comic books, superheroes and superheroines commonly wear costumes made of spandex. Proper nouns:. spandex fiber producers: INVISTA; Bayer Corporation; RadiciSpandex Corporation. Spoiler could refer to. Current U.S.
. commercial spandex fiber production: 1959, DuPont Company. The SPOILER Comedy Film Project in New York City.

First U.S. Spoiler, a secondary character in the DC Comics comic book Robin. 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". Mighty Spoiler: a popular calypso singer, sometimes known as "Spoiler". The U.S. In general elections, the discussions of third party candidates often focus on whether or not the candidates will be spoilers. This yields the following combination of materials properties:. Political primaries are full of spoiler candidates.

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]. In politics, a spoiler is one who takes votes away from one candidate to a disproportionate degree, making certain or likely the election of a third candidate who is less acceptable or totally unacceptable to the backers of the spoiler. . Spoiler effect: in politics or gaming, an individual unable to win an election or game for him- or herself, but with the power to determine which player among two or more others will win. 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). Spoiler (automotive): a device to reduce lift and increase downforce. Spandex is the preferred name in North America and Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere. Spoiler (aeronautics): a device to reduce lift.

It was invented in 1959 by DuPont, and when first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry. Spoiler (media): a document, review, or comment which discloses plot details of a book, play, or film. 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.