Technical textile industry is new and growing sector in India. It generates good revenue for the country. This industry is rich with many natural and synthetic fibres. All these fibres are useful in different ways. Synthetic fibres are made from doing some special chemical processes on natural fibres or obtained directly from chemicals. These fibres have greater qualities than simple man made fibres so it is widely used in the industry not only for the apparel use but is used in other various applications also. Some synthetic fibres are Acetate, Rayon, Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, Olefin, PLA and Modacrylic and some fibres with special properties are Saran, Vinalon, Vinyon, Spandex, Modal, Sulphar, Twaron, Kevlar, Nomex, PBI, Loycell, M5, Zylon, Dyneema/Spectra, Vectran, Glass fibre, Metalic fibre and Acrolynite. In this article we are covering the major five fibres used in the technical textile industry. The properties, applications and leading manufacturers of these fibres are also covered. These fibres are listed below.

1.Polyethylene
2.Polyester
3.Nylon
4.Carbon
5.Polypropylene

Polyethylene

Introduction:

Polyethylene is a polymer. Many no. of ethylene monomers join with each in the synthesis of polyethylene polymer. Polyethylene is obtained by the polymerization of ethane. Cationic coordination polymerization, anionic addition polymerization, radical polymerization and ion polymerization are the different methods by which polyethylene can be produced. Every method gives different types of polyethylene. Mechanical properties of Polyethylene depend on the molecular weight, crystal grouping and branching. Some properties are as follows:

Properties:

• Very good ultra violet resistance
• Excellent electrical and chemical resistance
• Low moisture absorption level
• Very good abrasion resistance
• Low specific gravity
• Higher energy is needed to break because of specific modulus and high specific strength

Application of polyethylene

• Medical implants
• Cable and marine ropes
• Sail cloth
• Composites like Pressure vessel boat hulls, sports equipment, impact shields
• Fish netting
• Concrete reinforcement
• Protective clothing
• Can be used in radar protective cover because of its low dielectric constant
• Can be used as a lining material of a pond which collects evaporation of water and containment from industrial plants
• Useful in geotextile applications

Polyethylene Manufacturers

• Reliance Industries Ltd.
• Fiber Group, Inc.
• Fibra S/A
• Steen & Co. GmbH
• Kemex BV

Polyester

Introduction:

Polyester is a polymer with ester functional group as a main chain. This is also known by other name Terylene. It is available in many forms but commonly it is used as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).Other forms which are known are polycarbonate and plant cuticles or cutin. Polyesters are easily flammables on high temperatures. Due to its wrinkle resistance capacity it is widely spun together with other natural fibres. Liquid crystalline polymers have high heat resistance capacity so it is used in jet engines as an abradable seal. Its one wide spread application in the medical field is for making of heart valves. Some properties of Polyester are given below:

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