Polyurethane Elastic (Spandex) Fiber Production Process

Fiber bath concentration control in Spandex fiber production

Spandex is the generic name for the synthetic fiber formed of a long chain of a synthetic polymer. Common trade names for such fibers are LYCRA (DuPont), DORLOSTAN (Bayer), SPANZELLE (Acordis) and VYRENE (US Rubber).

Typically, the spandex fiber structure is achieved by reacting di-isocyanates with long chain glycols, such as polyesters or polyethers. Next, the polymer is dissolved into dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) and then chain-extended or coupled through the use of glycol, diamine or water. Such solvents as imethylformamide (DMF) and nitric acid (HNO3) can also be added. The final polymer is converted into fibers by a spinning process.

In-line Vaisala Polaris^TM process refractometer controls the spinning bath concentration. When the bath concentration is optimal, the final product quality remains high.

Learn more details about the polyurethane elastic fiber production process from the application note.

Download the application note in PDF by filling the form.

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