ACRYLIC STAPLE FIBER - ASF
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Acrylic is defined as a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units. Acrylic fibers create a fine, soft and luxurious fabric with the bulk and hand of wool. To be called acrylic in the U.S, the polymer must contain at least 85% acrylonitrile monomer. Typical comonomers are vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate.
Acrylic fibre has many appealing properties, and the sports world is just one industry that is increasingly taking advantage of them. Acrylic’s high performance is making it one of the fastest growing fibers in the outdoor, performance apparel categories. For example, the NBA and NFL have made acrylic socks part of their official uniforms. Athletes of all types are using acrylic because of its elasticity, shape retention, and moisture control. This fiber draws moisture away form the skin and quickly transports it to the surface making the wearer more comfortable. This wicking capability of acrylic is permanent and in a class by itself compared to other fibers.
TECHNOLOGY/PROCESS/FEEDSTOCK
Polyacrylonitrile resins are produced by suspension and solution polymerization. The polymer typically contain 85-90% acrylonitrile, 7-8% of a neutral acrylate co-monomer (e.g., methyl acrylate), and 2-5% of other co-monomers, for example vinyl acetate. Polymerization occurs in the presence of a catalyst that is soluble in the monomer. The polymer is then separated, washed, dried, milled, and dissolved in a fiber-spinning solvent. Solution polymerization involves dissolving acrylonitrile and co-monomers in either an organic solvent- commonly N,Ndimethylformamide-- or a concentrated aqueous solution of zinc chloride, sodium thiocyanate, or nitric acid. On adding an initiator such as azobisisobutyronitrile, the reaction proceeds to form polyacrylonitrile in solution, which in turn can be used directly for spinning fiber.
END USE
- Apparel: Sweaters, socks, wool cloth, fleece wear, circular knit apparel, hand knit apparel, fabric, sportswear and childrens wear
- Home Furnishings: Blankets, area rugs, carpets, upholstery, luggage, awnings, outdoor furniture
- Other Uses: Craft yarns, sail cover cloth, wipe cloths
- Industrial Uses: Asbestos replacement; concrete and stucco reinforcement, brake lining, dust filters
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE MAJOR INVESTMENTS
Egypt
Alexandria Fiber Co (AFCO) is ramping up its acrylic fibre capacity at Ameyra plant in Egypt, from 18,000 tons a year to over 40,000 tons by year 2008 and further to 60,000 by 2009.
DISINVESTMENTS
Japan and China
Mitsubishi Rayon Co. plans to reduce its acrylic fiber production capacity roughly 30% by fiscal 2010 to help improve profitability at its acrylic fiber business. Its production facilities in Japan and China have a combined output capacity of 182,000 tons a year.
The YnFx Acrylic Chain Report 2008 captures detailed global information on acquisitions, investments etc. You may purchase the report online.
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE
The top 10 largest producers of acrylic staple fibre worldwide account for 47% of world capacity. You can get the list of top producers of acrylic staple fibre with capacity in the complete Acrylic Chain Report 2008 published by www.YarnsandFibers.com
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