Man-made /Artificial fiber
Man-made fibers are fibers in which either the basic chemical units have been formed by chemical synthesis followed by fiber formation or the polymers from natural sources have been dissolved and regenerated after passage through a spinneret to form fibers. This fiber came to success when the researchers obtained a product by condensation of molecules presenting two reactive aminic groups with molecules characterized by two carboxylic reactive groups.
The fiber came to success when the researchers obtained a product (polymerized amide, from which the name polyamide) by condensation of molecules presenting two reactive aminic groups (hexamethylenediamine) with molecules characterized by two carboxylic reactive groups (adipic acid). In order to be differentiated from other polymers belonging to the same chemical class, this polymer was marked with the acronym 6.6 which indicates the number of carbon atoms (that is 6) in the two molecules forming the repetitive polymer unit.
Polyester fiber
This is the most important man-made fiber, with a production of 22 million tons in 2003 (58% continuous filament/42% staple fiber), which since some years overcame cotton production. The number of plants installed in the world is estimated already now at more than 500.
Another aspect of considerable importance under the geographic-economic point of view is the fact that 75% of the production is located in Asia. Polyester wrung the record of most produced synthetic fiber out from the polyamide fiber already in 1972 when it reached a share of 65% in the synthetic fiber market. Its success is due to its particular characteristics, to its versatility in the various application sectors and to the relatively low raw materials and production costs.
Acrylic fiber
The production of this fiber is estimated at 2,6 million tons (2003) and West Europe is still today the area with the highest production (30%).
This fiber found its main use in the traditional wool sectors and is being produced in practice only in form of discontinuous or staple fiber.
It shows negligible production increases and consequently, its share in the man-made fiber market fell from 20% in 1970 to 9% in 2002.
Polypropylene fiber
This is the last-born man-made fiber and, as it is used also in near sectors (as in the plastic industry), its importance in the textile sector was not always adequately monitored. In fact, even excluding such sectors, the production for merely textile uses (carpeting, clothing, technical uses) can be estimated at 3,0 million tons and shows steady growth rates. The most significant producer areas are Europe and USA.
Other man-made fibers
Within the group of fibers with high-tech performance, the elastane fiber (spandex) stands out for its characteristics of elongation and elasticity: its consumption in 2001 has been estimated at 160.000 tons.
Aramid fibers are appreciated for their mechanical and fireproof properties (consumption estimate in 2001: 33.000 tons), while carbon fibers are used in composite materials for hi-tech applications estimated consumption in 2001: 13.000 tons).
