Clothing manufacturers often list PAN as part of their composition. What it is is not known to everyone. PAN stands for polyacrylonitrile, or, in plain language, acrylic fabric. This name is more common and familiar to consumers.
PAN material characteristics
Acrylic fabrics are the most durable among technical materials. They tolerate direct sunlight and rain well. PAN are high-quality synthetic fibers, the raw materials for the manufacture of which are oil derivatives, namely polyacrylonitrile solutions. On the market, such fabrics are called acrylic, orlon, nitron and many other names.
PAN material properties
PAN is a material whose composition and appearance are similar to wool, which is why acrylic is often called artificial wool. PAN is a warm, soft, light and pliable thread that will not be harmed by moths. It should be noted, characterizing the PAN material, that it is a high-quality acrylic, which is able to keep its shape under the mechanical action of chemical cleaning and the vagaries of nature. It is almost not subject to fading and discoloration, it is easy topaint over, so the products are bright and saturated colors.
It is also worth noting, when describing the PAN material, that this is not an ideal fiber, despite all the advantages, because as pellets form on it, the fabric does not pass air well, becomes electrified, loses its elastic properties under the influence of high temperatures and tends to form oily dirt that is difficult to clean.
Material production
PAN fiber is produced using the following technology:
- Produce fiber-forming polymer.
- Wet or dry fiber shaping.
- Regenerated with a solvent (dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide).
Polyacrylonitrile is characterized as a thermoplastic of the second group, which in theory can be fused under the influence of hot air. But at the same time, thermal destruction of the fiber is possible - a process in which radicals are formed. In addition, the effect of hot air currents is of a deep nature, which leads to complete melting of the fabric and its hardening. Therefore, for high-quality connection of acrylic fabrics, hot gluing is used.
Fiber application
PAN is a material whose properties allow it to be widely used for the domestic sphere. It is used in the manufacture of:
- yarn;
- fabrics;
- curtains;
- furniture upholstery;
- knitwear;
- faux fur;
- carpeting;
- nonwovens(geotextile).
PAN - a material whose composition creates an elastic texture and does not have a shine, is optimal for the manufacture of an advertising banner or sign, awning or canopy.
The brightness and strength of the fiber, which is not afraid of either cold or heat, allows you to make quality products, including knitwear and underwear. PAN is an ideal material for clothing, it is often added to wool or mohair to improve performance. The combined product not only has a chic appearance, but also has high wear resistance without losing its original shape.
Curtain fabrics made of acrylic do not lose color saturation even when exposed to bright sun for a long time.
How to care for acrylic products
We can safely say, having studied the PAN material, that this fiber does not require special skills for care. Acrylic products can be washed and cleaned with chemicals, subject to certain rules.
- Machine and hand wash is recommended in warm water and add rinse aid to the last water. Exposure to high temperatures may cause the product to lose its softness and shape.
- Things made of PAN fiber are not recommended to wring out and dry in the immediate vicinity of heating equipment. It is best to place the straightened product on a flat surface on top of the towel.
- Iron things should be through moistened gauze.
- Not all acrylic products can be dry cleaned. Information aboutthis is stated on the tag or label.
Despite the fact that PAN material is synthetic, its quality is very high. And if products made from such fiber are used correctly and properly cared for, they will serve for a very long time without losing their quality characteristics.