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When first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry. Spandex is the preferred name in North America and Australia, while elastane is most often used elsewhere, such as in Europe. It turns out that "spandex" was coined from an anagram of "expands." A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name Lycra®. Other trademarks include Elaspan (also INVISTA's), Dorlastan (Bayer) and Linel (Fillattice). Spandex fiber characteristicsSpun from a block copolymer, these fibers exploit the high crystallinity and hardness of polyurethane segments, yet remain "rubbery" due to alternating segments of polyethylene glycol . This yields the following combination of materials properties: can be stretched over 600% without breaking; able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length; lightweight; abrasion resistant; poor strength, but stronger and more durable than rubber; soft, smooth, and supple; resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents; no static or pilling problem;
Major spandex fiber uses
Apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit, such as:
athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel;
wetsuits;
swimsuits/bathing suits;
competitive swimwear;
brassiere straps and bra side panels;
ski pants;
slacks;
hosiery;
leggings;
socks;
Skinny jeans;
belts;
underwear;
surgical hose;
support hose;
cycling shorts;
One piece rowing suits;
foundation garments;
motion capture suits;
ProductionThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission definition for spandex fibre is "A manufactured fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented polyurethane". First U.S. commercial spandex fibre production: 1959, DuPont Company Current U.S. spandex fibre producers: INVISTA; Bayer Corporation; RadiciSpandex Corporation
FictionIn comic books, superheroes and superheroines commonly wear costumes made of spandex.
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