Spandex Fiber

    (Elastane)
Spandex Textile Filament Fiber

First U.S. Commercial Spandex Fiber Production: 1959, DuPont Company

Current U.S. Spandex Fiber Producers: Asahi Kasei Spandex America,

Inc.; INVISTA, RadiciSpandex Corporation

Federal Trade Commission Definition for Spandex Fiber: A manufactured fiber in which the
fiber forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of a
segmented polyurethane. (Complete FTC Fiber Rules here.)

Basic Principles of Spandex Fiber Production — The polymer chain is a segmented block
copolymer containing long, randomly coiled, liquid, soft segments that move to a more linear,
lower entropy, structure. The hard segments act as “virtual cross-links” that tie all the polymer
chains together into an infinite network. This network prevents the polymer chains from slipping
past each other and taking on a permanent set or draw. When the stretching force is removed, the
linear, low entropy, soft segments move back to the preferred randomly coiled, higher entropy
state, causing the fiber to recover to its original shape and length. This segmented block
copolymer is formed in a multi-step proprietary process. It is extruded into a fiber as a
monofilament threadline or for most products into a multiplicity of fine filaments that are
coalesced shortly after they are formed into a single threadline.

Spandex Fiber Characteristics

o Can be stretched repeatedly and still recover to very near its original length and
shape
o Generally, can be stretched more than 500% without breaking
o Stronger, more durable and higher retractive force than rubber
o Lightweight, soft, smooth, supple
o In garments, provides a combination of comfort and fit, prevents bagging and
sagging
o Heat-settable — facilitates transforming puckered fabrics into flat fabrics, or flat
fabrics into permanent rounded shapes
o Dyeable
o Resistant to deterioration by body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents
o Abrasion resistant
o When fabrics containing spandex are sewn, the needle causes little or no damage
from “needle cutting” compared to the older types of elastic materials
o Available in fiber diameters ranging from 10 denier to 2500 denier
 o Available in clear and opaque lusters

Some Major Spandex Fiber Uses

o Garments where comfort and fit are desired: hosiery, swimsuits, aerobic/exercise
wear, ski pants, golf jackets, disposable diaper, waist bands, bra straps and bra
side panels
o Compression garments: surgical hose, support hose, bicycle pants, foundation
garments
o Shaped garments: bra cups

General Spandex Fiber Care Tips

o Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water

o Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use oxygen or
sodium perborate type bleach
o Rise thoroughly
o Drip dry. If machine dried, use low temperature
o Ironing, if required, should be done rapidly. Do not leave the iron too long in one
position. Use low temperatures setting.