About ELASPAN® Fiber
ELASPAN® Fiber Physical Properties
ELASPAN® fiber has a good balance of tenacity, elongation, modulus (power) and low hysteresis.
ELASPAN® Fiber Chemical Properties
The chart in the data sheets area should be used as a guide to the storage, processing, and anticipated end use performance of fabrics/garments containing ELASPAN® fiber.
Dyeing & Finishing Fabrics with ELASPAN® Fiber
Heat setting is the key step to locking in the desired fabric properties of width, weight, stretch, and power. The step is preferably done early in the textile process rather than at the end, but can be done anytime if the time and temperature of heat setting are optimized. Under-setting results in eventual loss of fabric dimensions; over heat-setting lowers power and can discolor the spandex and companion fibers.
The dyeing process is straightforward. Remember that spandex (elastane) fibers are less fast to dyes than most hard fibers, and this must be taken into account during dyeing or subsequent wet processing. Dyeing temperatures above 104°C will lower the spandex decitex, and will result in lower power. Dyeing above 120°C results in spandex (elastane) degradation; note this factor when developing disperse dyeing conditions with polyester fibers.
ELASPAN® fiber in combination with nylon is acid dyeable, and would have good fastness depending on dye selection and assuming recommended after-scouring and after-fix procedures were used.
With cotton, it could be dyed with direct or reactive dyes. The latter dye class does not dye ELASPAN® fiber and there may be some grin-through issues. This is avoided by using clear or semi-dull. However, there would be no fastness problems.
With polyester, disperse dyes are used and fastness is borderline acceptable especially in dark shades (blacks and burgundies).
In finishing, softeners, hand-builders, and anti-microbial agents are commonly used. Most do not have an adverse effect on the spandex (elastane) but take into account the chemical properties information which cautions against low pH or unsaturated oils. The key to a stable high performance fabric/garment is relaxed wet processing. In the final mill finishing step, complete relaxation should be achieved. Un-relaxed material will either shrink or grow in subsequent use.
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