tekokuidut

Tekokuidut, known in English as synthetic fibers, are man-made fibers produced by polymerizing monomers and forming long-chain polymers that are subsequently spun into filaments. They are distinct from natural fibers such as cotton or wool and from semisynthetic fibers like viscose. Tekokuidut can be engineered to exhibit a wide range of properties, including strength, elasticity, and moisture management.

Most tekokuidut are produced using polymer-based processes such as melt-spinning, dry-spinning, or wet-spinning. Thermoplastics like polyester and nylon are typically melt-spun, acrylics are often dry-spun from solution, and some fibers such as polyacrylonitrile are wet-spun. Common families include polyester (PET), nylon (PA), acrylic, olefin (polypropylene, polyethylene), aramids, and elastane (spandex). Carbon fibers are high-strength variants derived from PAN or pitch precursors.

Historically, synthetic fibers emerged in the early to mid-20th century, with nylon introduced in 1935 and polyester gaining prominence in the 1950s. They rapidly became dominant in apparel, upholstery, and industrial applications due to predictable performance and scalability.

Tekokuidut offer advantages such as high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity, and easy care. They also enable specialized applications, including flame resistance, heat tolerance, and reinforcement in composites. However, environmental concerns are significant: production relies on fossil fuels and energy, fibers shed microplastics during washing, and end-of-life disposal is challenging. Recycling and chemical recycling, as well as development of bio-based or secondary-recycled content, are active areas of research to improve sustainability.