ACRYLIC STAPLE FIBER - ASF
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Acrylic is defined as a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units. Acrylic fibers create a fine, soft and luxurious fabric with the bulk and hand of wool. To be called acrylic in the U.S, the polymer must contain at least 85% acrylonitrile monomer. Typical comonomers are vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate.
Acrylic fibre has many appealing properties, and the sports world is just one industry that is increasingly taking advantage of them. Acrylic’s high performance is making it one of the fastest growing fibers in the outdoor, performance apparel categories. For example, the NBA and NFL have made acrylic socks part of their official uniforms. Athletes of all types are using acrylic because of its elasticity, shape retention, and moisture control. This fiber draws moisture away form the skin and quickly transports it to the surface making the wearer more comfortable. This wicking capability of acrylic is permanent and in a class by itself compared to other fibers.
TECHNOLOGY/PROCESS/FEEDSTOCK
Polyacrylonitrile resins are produced by suspension and solution polymerization. The polymer typically contain 85-90% acrylonitrile, 7-8% of a neutral acrylate co-monomer (e.g., methyl acrylate), and 2-5% of other co-monomers, for example vinyl acetate. Polymerization occurs in the presence of a catalyst that is soluble in the monomer. The polymer is then separated, washed, dried, milled, and dissolved in a fiber-spinning solvent. Solution polymerization involves dissolving acrylonitrile and co-monomers in either an organic solvent- commonly N,Ndimethylformamide-- or a concentrated aqueous solution of zinc chloride, sodium thiocyanate, or nitric acid. On adding an initiator such as azobisisobutyronitrile, the reaction proceeds to form polyacrylonitrile in solution, which in turn can be used directly for spinning fiber.
END USE
- Apparel: Sweaters, socks, wool cloth, fleece wear, circular knit apparel, hand knit apparel, fabric, sportswear and childrens wear
- Home Furnishings: Blankets, area rugs, carpets, upholstery, luggage, awnings, outdoor furniture
- Other Uses: Craft yarns, sail cover cloth, wipe cloths
- Industrial Uses: Asbestos replacement; concrete and stucco reinforcement, brake lining, dust filters
TRENDS IN ACRYLIC FIBRE DEMAND-SUPPLY
Acrylic fibre industry has been on the verge of receding fast. With no new capacities coming up, the future appears dark. Since the past 10 years, about half a million capacity was derated with over 900,000 tons pulling out in last five years. Capacity had peaked 3.49 million tons in 2003 only to fall back to just 2.6 million tons by 2008.
The YnFx Acrylic Chain Report 2009 captures detailed global information on acquisitions, investments etc. You may purchase the report online.
DEMAND-SUPPLY
The acrylic fibers industry continued its downswing, dropping by 20% to 1.9 million tons in 2008. This resulted in a dramatic slump in world utilization rate to below 75% of nameplate capacity from almost 97% in 2005. The industry has suffered around the globe from flat to declining demand and fur-ther increased raw material prices. the deatialed information complete Acrylic Chain Report 2009 published by www.YarnsandFibers.com
|
