MODACRYLIC FIBERS

PROPERTIES
Modacrylic is a modified acrylic fiber that is composed of less than 85%, but at
least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile monomer. Typical co-monomers are vinyl
chloride, vinylidene chloride or vinyl bromide. Thes substances are added to the
fiber to give it better flame retardant properties.

Modacrylic fibers have outstanding resistance to many chemicals and solvents, and
are not attacked by moths and mildew.
Most of its properties are similar to acrylics. They can be easily dyed, are
strong, resilient, and have good dimensional stability. Unlike acrylics,
modacrylics are flame retardant and do not burn. Its durabiltiy is comparable to
wool, that is, its abrasion resistance and tenacity is rather low.

MODACRYLIC FIBER PROPERTIES

Tensile Strength (Tenacity) Fair - Good
Abrasion Resistance Fair - Good
Absorbency Poor
Static Resistance Fair - Poor
Heat Resistance Fair
Wrinkle Resistance Good
Resistance to Sunlight Excellent
Elasticity Good
Flame Resistance Does Not Burn
Resilience Good

COMMERCIAL MODACRYLIC FIBERS

The major manufacturer and suppliers of modacrylic fibers are Kaneka and Aramid
HPM.

APPLICATIONS
Major uses of modacrylic fibers include faux fur, wigs, hair extensions and
protective clothing.
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Modacrylic Staple

Modacrylic Staple Fiber

Modacrylic Tow Fiber
First U.S. Commercial Modacrylic Fiber Production: 1949, Union Carbide Corporation
Current U.S. Modacrylic Fiber Producers: (Modacrylic fibers are not produced in the
United States). The only producers are Kaneka, Japan; Polymir, Russia; and
Petrochina Fushun, CHina, PRC.
Federal Trade Commission Definition for Modacrylic Fiber: A manufactured fiber in
which the fiber forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of
less than 85% but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile units. (-CH2CH[CN]-)x.
(Complete FTC Fiber Rules here.)
Basic Principles of Modacrylic Fiber Production Modacrylic fibers are made from
resins that are copolymers (combinations) of acrylonitrile and other materials,
such as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride or vinyl bromide. Modacrylic fibers are
either dry spun or wet spun.
Modacrylic Fiber Characteristics
Soft
Resilient
Easy to dye to bright shades
Abrasion resistant
Flame resistant
Quick drying
Resistant to acids and alkalies
Shape retentive
The low softening temperatures of modacrylic fibers allow them to be stretched,
embossed and molded into special shapes. The fibers may be produced with controlled
heat shrinkage capacities. When fibers of different shrinkages are mixed in the
surface of a pile fabric, the application of heat develops fibers of different
lengths, producing a surface that resembles natural fur.
Some Major Modacrylic Fiber Uses
Apparel: Deep-pile coats, trims and linings, simulated fur, wigs and hair pieces
Fabric: Fleece, knit-pile fabric backings, nonwovens
Home Furnishings: Awnings, blankets, flame-resistant draperies and curtains
Other Uses: Filters, industrial fabrics, paint rollers, stuffed toys
General Modacrylic Care Tips Dry-cleaning or fur-cleaning process is suggested
for deep-pile garments. For washable items:
Machine wash in warm water and add fabric softener during the final rinse cycle.
If dryer is used, use low setting and remove articles as soon as tumbling cycle has
stopped.
If ironing is required, use low setting. Never use a hot iron. (For specific
instructions, refer to garments sewn-in care label.)

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Modacrylic fiber is inherently flame resistant. Although it burns when directly
exposed to flame, it doesn't melt or drip and is self-extinguishing when the flame
is removed. Modacrylic is widely used in high performance protective clothing, such
as firefighting turnout gear, because flame resistance is combined with other
desirable textile properties such as durability and good hand feel.

Modacrylic fiber is chemical resistant. It retains its strength in concentrated

acid/alkaline environments, which is useful for certain types of industrial
filtration. Modacrylic is also on the extreme negative end of the triboelectric
scale, and when combined with another more positive fiber such as polypropylene,
results in a triboelectric media with improved filtration efficiency.

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Modacrylic fiber
Modacrylic fiber is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is
any long chain synthetic polymer composed of less than 85% but at least 35% by
weight of acrylonitrile units. (-CH2CH[CN]-)x. A modacrylic is a synthetic
copolymer. Modacrylic fiber is inherently flame resistant. Although it burns when
directly exposed to flame, it doesn't melt or drip and is self-extinguishing when
the flame is removed. Modacrylic is widely used in high performance protective
clothing, such as firefighting turnout gear, because flame resistance is combined
with other desirable textile properties such as durability and good hand feel.
Modacrylics are soft, strong, resilient, and dimensionally stable. They can be
easily dyed, show good press and shape retention, and are quick to dry. They have
outstanding resistance to chemicals and solvents, are not attacked by moths or
mildew, and are nonallergenic. Among their uses are in apparel linings, furlike
outerwear, paint-roller covers, scatter rugs, carpets, and work clothing and as
hair in wigs.
Modacrylic fiber
Modacrylic fiber
Modacrylic fiber is chemical resistant. It retains its strength in concentrated
acid/alkaline environments, which is useful for certain types of industrial
filtration. Modacrylic is also on the extreme negative end of the triboelectric
scale, and when combined with another more positive fiber such as polypropylene,
results in a triboelectric media with improved filtration efficiency.
Modacrylic fibers are made from resins that are copolymers (combinations) of
acrylonitrile and other materials, such as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride or
vinyl bromide. Modacrylic fibers are either dry spun or wet spun.

Characteristics of Modacrylic Fiber

Soft
Resilient
Easy to dye to bright shades
Abrasion resistant
Flame resistant
Quick drying
Resistant to acids and alkalies
Shape retentive
The low softening temperatures of modacrylic fibers allow them to be stretched,
embossed and molded into special shapes. The fibers may be produced with controlled
heat shrinkage capacities. When fibers of different shrinkages are mixed in the
surface of a pile fabric, the application of heat develops fibers of different
lengths, producing a surface that resembles natural fur.
Application of Modacrylic Fiber
Apparel: Deep-pile coats, trims and linings, simulated fur, wigs and hair pieces,
children's sleepwear, career apparel.
Fabric: Fleece, knit-pile fabric backings, nonwovens
Home Furnishings: Awnings, blankets, carpets, flame-resistant draperies and
curtains, scatter rugs
Other Uses: Filters, industrial fabrics, paint rollers, stuffed toys.