If you have been wondering about the mechanisms of stretch spandex fabric, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll find out the basic properties of spandex and cotton blends and the mechanical and elastomeric behavior of these materials. In addition, you’ll learn about some of the environmental impacts of these fabrics.
Measurement tape
Using the correct measurement tape for stretch spandex fabric can make a massive difference in the outcome of your project. Conversely, using a wrong measurement can cause you to make a mistake and end up with a garment that doesn’t fit.
When choosing a suitable measuring tape, you should consider its size, color, and markings. If the markings are dark, you might need help reading the measurement. If the markings are in contrasting colors, you can better read them.
A good quality tape will be sturdy enough to hold its own in your sewing room. It should be made from durable materials and have an indented edge that can be monitored for accuracy. If a dark color obscures the markings on your tape, you may have a more challenging time determining the correct measurement.
Using suitable tape for stretch spandex fabric can make sewing a breeze. Nevertheless, you should be informed of the numerous sorts and models available.
Mechanical stretch
Whether you’re buying stretch fabric for a bathing suit or a jacket, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two types of stretch fabrics. In addition to defining the differences, it’s necessary to know how they’re made.
Elastic fibers are used in fabrics to make them stretchy. They’re usually mixed with other fibers to create the desired stretch. The elastic fibers are spun into yarn, then woven into the fabric. This process is called crisscross processing.
Stretch fabrics can be found in specialty stores or online. However, it’s essential to know the differences between stretch fabrics, as some fabric patterns require a specific stretch percentage.
Fabric blends give leggings and tights their stretchy capabilities. They also make skinny jeans possible. It’s important to note that some stretch fabrics are made with spandex, a type of synthetic fiber. However, locating a stretchy material without spandex is also feasible.
Some fabrics are designed to stretch vertically along the hem. It means that the material can expand and then recoil.
Elastomeric behavior
Several studies have examined the elastomeric behavior of stretch spandex fabric. They show that the elastomer and material exhibit the same hysteresis behavior when subjected to cyclic stress. However, the hysteresis behavior of the material alone is not a good representation of the compliance increase after repeated load-unload cycles.
The present study investigated the self-regulation behavior of fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes at elevated hydrostatic pressures. Jacketed elastomeric tubes were designed with knit orientations to the line and incorporated direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The assumption was that the fiber families ran in the circumferential and longitudinal directions.
Initially, the elastomeric tubes were cast in molds made from commercial silicone rubbers. The lines were then tested on a custom hydraulic flow loop. Finally, the stress-strain behavior of the fabric and elastomer was measured by an Instron 5943 uniaxial tester.
The results showed that bare elastomeric tubes had an exponential distension-pressure curve. They also showed rapid deformation with increasing pressure. It was assumed that the stiffness of the fabric and elastomer governed their response.
Elastomeric properties of spandex and cotton blend
Using spandex and cotton blend fabrics for apparel has become popular recently. They offer various applications and are known for their ability to stretch.
Polyurethane, a long-chain polymer, is used to create spandex fibers. These fibers are easy to color, delicate, and smooth. They are resistant to grease and sweat. They are also abrasion-resistant.
These elastomeric fibers are manufactured using a process that consists of several steps. In the first step, a pre-polymer is produced. The pre-polymer is a mixture of macroglycol (polyol) and an isocyanate. The mix of the two gives the pre-polymer its spiraling motion. In the next step, the pre-polymer is mixed with a solvent.
During production, the fiber is heated from 3 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This solution provides a urethane linkage. Next, a stripper solution is created by weakening the pre-polymer. The fiber production chamber is then injected with the stripper solution.
Environmental impact
Spandex does not have a significant environmental impact compared to other textile fibers. However, there are some issues with its production. As a result, some manufacturers have redesigned their production process to make it more environmentally friendly.
One of the significant problems with spandex is that it does not decompose. Instead, the tiny fiber balls that form during the washing process release chemicals into the water. As a result, it can impact water quality and affect marine life. In addition, the production process requires many toxic substances.
In addition, spandex is made from petroleum, a source of carbon emissions and methane. Petroleum also causes deforestation. Fat is also known to cause oil spills.
One alternative to spandex is to use recycled polyester. Polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles. It is a great way to lower the environmental impact of spandex. However, the process of making recycled polyester is still relatively new. It has yet to be possible to make pure recycled polyester.
Another alternative to spandex is to use elastane, also known as Lycra. Despite its popularity, the elastane has a significant environmental impact when it enters the market. In addition, elastane is not biodegradable.