Acrylic resin are synthetic fibers made from polyacrylonitrile or acrylonitrile copolymers. Acrylonitrile refers to vinyl cyanide monomer units whose chemical formula is CH2=CHCN. These fibers are mainly produced by processing of polyacrylonitrile or PAN which is a polymer of acrylonitrile. The most common production method involves the dissolution of PAN resin in a solvent like dimethylformamide followed by extrusion of the solution into fibers through thin pores called spinnerets. These fibers are then washed and stretched while drying to orient the polymer chains and improve the properties. Some important properties of PAN include high tensile strength and thermal stability which makes it suitable for fiber production.

Properties of Acrylic Fibers

Acrylic resin have several desirable properties which have made them popular for various applications. They have high moisture absorption capacity of around 6% which makes fabrics comfortable to wear. Acrylic resin are also moldable allowing thermal shaping. Another distinguishing feature is their ability to retain body heat 4–5 times better than cotton. This warmth retention property combined with breathability makes them suitable for winter clothing. Acrylic Fibers dry quickly and are resilient to shrinking, stretching and pilling. They are resistant to damage from microorganisms, chemicals and sunlight. In terms of appearance, acrylic resin mimic natural wool and have a soft resilient texture. Their overall properties including affordability have led to widespread use.

Clothing and apparel made using acrylic resin

Due to the attributes mentioned above, acrylic resin are commonly used for making a variety of clothing and apparels. Popular categories where they are utilized include:

- Sweaters: Acrylic resin give sweaters the appearance and feel of natural wool at a lower cost. Their ability to retain warmth without weight makes them suitable for sweaters.

- Hats, scarves and gloves: The combination of softness, pill resistance and warmth properties make acrylic ideal for winter accessories like hats, scarves and gloves.

- Blankets and pillows: Acrylic fiber blankets are lightweight yet warm. They also retain their shape after washing and are competitively priced than woolen blankets.

- Children’s wear: Given their resilience to damage, acrylic fabrics are a popular choice for kid’s clothing that encounters rough handling and wear.

- Athletic wear: The moisture absorbing and quick drying abilities of acrylic resin make them suitable for workout clothes and athletic socks.

- Furnishing fabrics: Acrylic resin are blended with other fibers or spun purely for making curtains, upholstery fabrics and blankets due to their durability and affordability.

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