Chemical Fibres: Man-made and Synthetic Fibres in Textiles for Decoration and Contract
08/01/2022
Chemical fibres are those that do not occur naturally but are manufactured through industrial processes from natural or synthetic resources. They are divided into two main categories, fundamental to distinguish when specifying contract fabrics for hotel interiors, care homes and communal spaces:
Man-made (cellulosic) fibres: obtained from natural polymers such as eucalyptus or bamboo cellulose. Through chemical dissolution and extrusion processes, fibres such as viscose (CV), rayon, lyocell (Tencel) and modal are spun. These fibres combine the softness and breathability of natural fibres with greater regularity and production consistency.
Synthetic fibres: derived directly from petroleum-based synthetic polymers through polymerisation reactions. The main ones are polyester (PES), polyamide/nylon (PA), acrylic (PAC) and elastane (EL). These fibres stand out for their high resistance, durability, ease of maintenance and technical versatility.
Man-made (cellulosic) fibres: obtained from natural polymers such as eucalyptus or bamboo cellulose. Through chemical dissolution and extrusion processes, fibres such as viscose (CV), rayon, lyocell (Tencel) and modal are spun. These fibres combine the softness and breathability of natural fibres with greater regularity and production consistency.
Synthetic fibres: derived directly from petroleum-based synthetic polymers through polymerisation reactions. The main ones are polyester (PES), polyamide/nylon (PA), acrylic (PAC) and elastane (EL). These fibres stand out for their high resistance, durability, ease of maintenance and technical versatility.
