RADICISPANDEX CORPORATION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN
TYPE S-5 POLYESTER SPANDEX FIBER TECHNOLOGY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Steam Autoclaving Recommendations
Heat Setting Elastic Fabrics Guidelines
Chemical resistance properties
Dyeing Characteristics and Recommended Practices
Recommended Handling and Processing Practices
Recommended Knitting Tensions and Covering Drafts
Recommended Storage Conditions
Launderability and Resistance to Dry Cleaning
Type S-5 white and clear are fused multi-filament polyester based spandex fibers which have the advantage of excellent resistance to degradation caused by chlorine, sunlight, mineral oils and oxidation. Type S-5 also withstands heat and abrasion, is compatible with a wide variety of dyes, has excellent uniformity, low percentage of stress decay and a low degree of permanent set. Type S-5 brand spandex exhibits high elongation offering the fabric designer a choice of elastane yarn tailored for best end-use performance.
Type S-5 white is dull in appearance. This moderate power fiber is available in 125 to 5040 denier. Its high stretch lends itself to applications where covers will be applied and to all types of hosiery where control and comfort are important. This fiber is also used in lightweight, high-stretch fabrics such as intimate apparel and swimwear. Type S-5 polymer has a low tendency for permanent set, making it particularly valuable when extremely high elongation of covered yarns and fabrics are required.
Type S-5 clear is also a polyester based spandex and exhibits the same physical characteristics as Type S-5 white, but is nearly transparent. It is available in the same respective denier ranges. This fiber is used in support, control compression hose, sheer fabrics and narrow elastic fabrics. Due to its high dye receptivity the use of Type S-5 clear is particularly advantageous in producing a distinctive sheer look, or fabrics with heavy, sharp shades where grin-through is unacceptable. It is also ideal for fabrics using pre-dyed yarns because its translucence virtually eliminates grin-through.
The following advantages can be realized using Type S-5 RadiciSpandex.
- Excellent strength, elongation and modulus.
- Good Flex life.
- Soft Compression power.
- Abrasion resistance.
- Good dyeability with acid dyes for union dyeing to reduce grin-through.
- Excellent resistance to oxidation and Ultra Violet light exposure. Test results available upon request.
Type S5 white and clear spandex fibers are available in the following put-ups.
- Plastic tubes or cones.
- Aluminum beams.
- Multiple end knit tape in deniers from 840 to 5040 (933 to 5600 d’tex).
TYPE S-5 RADICISPANDEX
| ATTRIBUTE | 125 - 140 |
184 - 840 |
1120 - 5040 |
Breaking Elongation, % Minimum |
680 |
675 |
650 |
Modulus (gms/den) outgoing, 2nd cycle @ 200% @ 250% |
0.017 - 0.030 0.023 - 0.038 |
0.017 - 0.028 0.022 - 0.037 |
0.016 - 0.028 0.022 - 0.035 |
Specific Gravity (gm/cc) |
1.20 |
1.20 |
1.20 |
Sticking Temperature Degrees F Degrees C |
417 214 |
417 214 |
417 214 |
Decomposition Temperature Degrees F Degrees C |
425 218 |
425 218 |
425 218 |
Moisture Regain |
Less than 1% |
Less than 1% |
Less than 1% |
UV Resistance |
No effect on physical property |
No effect on physical property |
No effect on physical property |
Chlorine Resistance |
No tensile degradation per AATCC chlorine test - good color fastness |
No tensile degradation per AATCC chlorine test - good color fastness |
No tensile degradation per AATCC chlorine test - good color fastness |
TYPE S-5 (AVAILABLE IN WHITE AND CLEAR)
Characteristics
Type S-5 is a general purpose spandex fiber with relatively high elongation.
- Available in 125 - 5040 denier.
- Durable.
- Light weight.
- Withstands heat and abrasion.
- Compatible with a wide variety of dyes, including acid, premetalized, direct and disperse.
- Stable elasticity.
- Silk-soft hand.
- Resistant to harmful effects of most bleaches and dry cleaning solvents.
Competitive advantages
- Low set - very small percentage of stress decay.
- Heat settable.
- Durable - maintains physicals in the presence of chlorine, body oils and ultraviolet light. High performance in covering with a very low breakage rate.
- In addition to tubes, cones or beams, it is also available in multiple end knit tape in 840 to 5040 denier (933 to 5600 D’tex).
Suitable Applications
- Covering, especially high stretch end uses.
- All fabrics especially those designed to be in excess of 150% stretch.
- Ergonomic Fabrics where light support is needed.
End Uses
- Support Hose - good denier uniformity provides for a superior fabric, free from streaks and lines.
- Swimwear - good retention of elasticity after being subject to body oils, chlorine and sunlight.
- Molded Garments - the higher heat-set temperature allows molding of rigid fiber without destruction of its elastic properties.
- Transfer Printing – the higher heat set temperature allows for printing at elevated temperature necessary to get color wash-fastness.
- Control Garments - where durability, lightweight and sheerness are important.
- Narrow Fabrics.
- Support belts, tapes and bandages.
Molding Fabrics Recommendations
The molding operation is used on knitted fabrics where a sewn seam is undesirable, such as a bra cup application. One must have enough fabric stretch in the wale and course (warp and weft) directions in order to prevent the non-elastic fibers (i.e., nylon or polyester) from cutting and rupturing the spandex fibers as the fabric is stretched during molding.
Ideal Fabric Properties for Molding
Wale stretch 210%, plus or minus 10%
Course stretch 110%, plus or minus 10%
Total fabric stretch 300 to 320% with 95 to 100% minimum.
Molding Temperatures
Commercial molding is normally performed on 8 layers of fabric.
Time and temperatures ideal for molding are as follows:
- 385° F (196° C) - 60 Sec.
- 390° F (199° C) - 30 to 45 Sec. for a faster cycle.
Finishing Chemicals
- In preparing fabrics for molding, care must be exercised to select finishing chemicals and dyestuffs which show minimum shade change on exposure to heat while molding.
- Soft Acrylic or Polyvinyl acetate thermoplastic resins can be used satisfactorily for hand builders.
- Silicone dispersions can be used as softeners or hand modifiers with the resins.
- Thermosetting resins based on Melamine or Triazine Formaldehyde tend to discolor easily and are therefore not recommended.
- Dyed fabric to be molded should be dyed with acid dyes for minimum shade change. Disperse dyes are not recommended.
- Fluorescent whitening agents of the acid-type (Stilbene derivatives) are recommended. Disperse type opticals are more susceptible to shade change.
- White fabrics should be finished with citric acid at pH 5.0, for maximum whiteness retention.
- Maximum recommended molding depth is 5.0 inches (127 mm).
Recommendations for Heat Setting Fabrics Heat setting fabrics containing Type S-5 spandex is necessary in order to stress-relax the fabric,and set the final width and weight of the fabric. If heat setting were not performed, the fabric would shrink to an unacceptable degree during dyeing, and it’s weight would drastically increase. The net effect of heat setting is to re-denier the spandex to a lower denier and produce a more stable fabric.
- Type 6,6 Nylon/Type S-5 spandex 375 to 400° F (191 to 204° C) 15 to 60 Sec.
- Type 6 Nylon/Type S-5 spandex 355 to 365° F (179 to 185° C) 15 to 60 Sec.
Temperature and time depend on fabric weight and construction. Sample trials are strongly recommended.
Recommendation for Autoclaving with Steam
The process is usually performed on circular knit fabrics that are intended for tubular put-up, or when tenter frame is not available. It is performed in an autoclave with steam in a batch operation. Sample trials are strongly recommended.
- Temperatures above 240° F (115° C) are not recommended, significant tensile loss of Type S-5 spandex will occur.
- Steaming cycles of 2 to 4 minutes are recommended.
HEAT SETTING ELASTIC FABRICS GUIDELINES
The following procedure is recommended for developing new styles of fabrics.Many wide fabrics containing Type S-5 spandex are constructed so that heat setting is required to produce a satisfactory fabric with acceptable dimensional stability. Included in this category are:
- Fabrics showing excessive shrinkage as determined in a preliminary test in boiling water. Take a one yard cut and boil it ten minutes in 0.5% (on fabric weight, O.W.G.) synthetic detergent and rinse, then air dry flat at 180° F (82° C). Measure the maximum hand stretch. Use a greige fabric.
- Knit structures containing a high percentage of Type S-5 spandex.
- Woven structures in which the desired finish width is close to the reed width.
- Fabrics with a high stretch potential that require low stretch in the finished state, such as ski pants.
- When the desired finished width is greater than the greige or jammed width or when a greater fabric yield is desired.
- When the off-loom width is greater than the finished width, use a hot wet pretreatment to reduce the width to manageable dimensions for heat setting.
- Heat setting is designed to be less than 100% efficient.
This means, the finished fabric will contract upon subsequent relaxation. Therefore, heat setting should be followed by a wet finishing process to permit the residual shrinkage and relaxation to occur and to develop the full stretch potential. This usually happens in the dyeing operation.
To determine the width at which a fabric should be heat-set under given conditions of time and temperature, a sample of greige fabric or a partially relaxed fabric sample should be heat-set 10 - 15% above the desired finished width. After heat setting, the sample should be treated in boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes and relax-dried. Heat setting efficiency or percent retention of heat-set width is calculated by dividing the finished width of the sample by the heat-set width.
Finished Width of Sample, Divided By Heat-set Width of Sample, x 100 = % Heat setting Efficiency
or for example:
52 Inches, Divided By 57 Inches, x 100 = 91% Heat setting Efficiency
If the desired finished width is 55 inches, the width at which the fabric should be heat-set can be adjusted accordingly. For example:
100, Divided By % Heat setting Efficiency, x (Desired finished width) = Heat-Setting width
or for example:
100 Divided By 91 x 55 inches = 60 inches
Type S-5 spandex fibers are resistant to:
- Mineral Oil
- Fatty Acids
- Waxes
- Dry Cleaning Solvents
- Suntan Oils
- Cosmetic Lotions
- Body Oils and Perspiration
- Coning, Needle Oil and Lubricants, except those having Glycols or Glycerine as main ingredients
- Household Detergents and Bleaches
Type S-5 spandex fibers are affected by:
- Oils, based on Glycols and Glycerols
- Sodium Chlorite Bleaches
- Peracetic Acid, Formic Acid, Oxalic Acid
- Caustic Soda
- Wet processing pH limits lower than 4.0 (acidic) and higher than 10.0 (alkaline). pH limits should be kept between 4.0 and 10.0, especially at elevated dyeing temperatures.
- Dye carriers based on phenol
- Damp/wet storage and high humidity storage
Hydrolysis of Spandex Fiber Hydrolysis can be defined as the chemical breakdown of the spandex fiber polymer backbone.
Causes of hydrolysis:
- The presence of strong acid or alkaline residue on fabrics.
- Prolonged exposure to high humidity and high temperatures.
- Combination of the above.
We recommend processing fabrics containing Type S-5 fibers at pH not lower than 4.0 and not higher than 10. Also damp fabrics must be completely dried within 24 hours of dyeing and wet finishing processes. Greige and finished goods should be stored in moisture proof plastic bags that do not contain BHT type anti-oxidants if the goods are to be stored in high humidity conditions for any length of time. These procedures should significantly reduce or eliminate hydrolysis damage.
DYEING CHARACTERISTICS AND
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
Type S-5 spandex has excellent dyeability with acid dyes. When used with nylon fibers, fabrics will have little, if any, grin-through of the spandex when the fabric is stretched. This unique feature of Type S-5 spandex yields fabrics with good union shades.
Type S-5 spandex has affinity for the following classes of dyestuffs:
- Acid
- Neutral Acid
- Pre-metallized
- Chrome
- Disperse
Type S-5 spandex exhibits poor affinity for dyes substantive to cellulosic fibers. Direct, Fiber Reactive, Vat and Sulfur dyes should be first screened for dye or staining effects depending on fabric construction.
Tensions must be kept at a minimum in dyeing and finishing to preserve the inherent elastic fabric properties of spandex. Processing temperatures should also be kept as low as possible consistent with producing quality elastic fabrics.
Disperse Dyeing Polyester/Type S-5 Spandex Fabrics Recommended dyeing temperature is no higher than 225° F (107° C) for lengthy dye cycles. Temperatures above this may lead to loss in fabric modulus or power. RADICISPANDEX Corporation will not be held responsible for damaged fabric as a result of dyeing above 225° F (107° C).P-116 Inhibitor For Raschel – Lace Fabrics P-116 Inhibitor is a textile chemical developed by RADICISPANDEX Corporation for use on fabrics containing Type S-5 spandex fibers.
P-116 Inhibitor is a white powder and is compatible with other textile chemicals such as optical whiteners, wetting agents, surfactants and reducing agents. P-116 Inhibitor is applied from an exhaust bath with the optical whitener. No changes in exhaust procedures are required. P-116 is wetted out and made into a paste with normal wetting agents or surfactants and added to the optical whitening bath. Bath temperature is raised to normal operating temperature and run for 30 - 60 minutes, letting P-116 absorb into Type S-5 spandex.
P-116 Inhibitor is specifically designed for use on elastic fabrics to be finished in white and pastel shades such as pinks, blues, and orchids. It is not recommended for use on dark colors. Recommended Concentrations O.W.G. - On Weight of Goods
- 0.7% O.W.G. - For fabrics containing 26% Type S-5 spandex and higher.
- 0.3% O.W.G. - For fabrics containing 25% Type S-5 spandex and less.
All white fabrics should be treated in the last rinse with citric acid to achieve a finished fabric pH of 5.0 to 5.5. Oxalic Acid is never to be used on fabrics containing Type S-5 spandex; it will cause the spandex to turn an orange yellow cast.
P-116 Inhibitor when applied correctly, will greatly minimize or eliminate the inherent reaction of spandex fibers to shade change or discoloration on exposure to atmospheric gases, oxides of nitrogen or combustion gases.
INHIBITOR 100 - FOR NARROW FABRICS
Inhibitor 100
is a textile finishing chemical developed by CNC International in partnership with RADICISPANDEX Corporation for use on narrow (2 inch - 6 inch) fabrics containing Type S-5 spandex fibers. Inhibitor 100 is a nonionic or neutral product and is compatible with other finishing chemicals such as optical whiteners, acrylic or thermoplastic resins, hand builders etc. The Inhibitor 100 should be added at room temperature ((70° F (21° C)) to the finishing bath. It should never be heated with live steam, as this will cause the product emulsion to break/separate. Inhibitor 100 is designed for use on elastics to be finished in white and pastel shades such as pink, blue, orchid etc. It is NOT recommended for use on shades such as beige, yellow or dark colors.Recommended Concentrations
- Dry Pick up - 25 Grams / Liter or 2.5% on weight of bath, for dry fabrics entering the bath.
- Wet Pick up - 40 Grams/Liter or 4.0% on weight of bath, for wet fabrics entering the bath.
All narrow elastic fabrics should be finished on the ACIDIC side pH 5.0 - 5.5. Citric acid is recommended. Oxalic acid should never be used on Type S-5 spandex; it will cause the spandex to turn to a yellow orange cast.
Inhibitor 100 when applied correctly, will greatly minimize or eliminate the natural reaction of spandex fibers to shade change or discolor on exposure to atmospheric gases, oxides of nitrogen or products of combustion
Note
- The product should be stirred in the drum before each use. When not in use, the drum should be sealed. RECOMMENDED HANDLING ANDPROCESSING PRACTICES FOR PACKAGES
Opening cases
Care must be exercised not to damage the thread with any sharp instrument that may be used to cut open the carton. Once opened - pull the plastic bag liner over the sides of the case to prevent contact of the spandex with the liner, which could disturb the wind and affect the performance in knitting.Although not a requirement, some users prefer to open cartons in the same environment in which the spandex will be processed for a period of 24 hours prior to its use.
Removal of Packages- Remove the returnable black separator tray by grasping the handle holds and pulling straight up to prevent contact with the layer of spandex packages below.
- Grasp the spandex package by positioning the thumb (not thumb nail) in the top center of the package with one or more of the remaining fingers placed inside the tube, again avoid contact with the edges or shoulders of the package.
- Handle only one package at a time. Stacking, cradling or otherwise transporting more than one tube or cone at a time dramatically increases the likelihood that the package may be bumped and the wind may be disturbed causing running tension variation and breaks.
- The use of a tray, pin truck or other suitable carrier is recommended for handling multiple packages by one operator.
Inspection Briefly inspect the package for "fall-overs" (spandex ends fallen off the edge of the package).
If "fall-overs" are found, clear by lightly pinching the top center of the package with the thumb and forefinger (do not pinch with fingernails) and pulling the spandex over the edge of the package until a single end remains, or gently roll the "fall-off" ends back onto the surface of the package using the fleshy part of your palm, which must be free of callouses or skin burrs.
Creeling and Thread Up
- Remove empty spandex packages from the let-off rolls and place them aside leaving the threaded spandex end in machine.
- Place the new full package on the let-off rolls. Tie the threaded end to the loose end on the new package. A square knot is commonly used but other knots are adequate.
- Once positioned and tied, adjust the tension on the spandex to prevent it spandex from back winding on the let-off rolls, but not an "excessive" amount that would result in breaks due to exceeding the ultimate elongation of the spandex. A good spandex stretch ratio starting point is 3 to 1 (200%), however higher stretch ratios are likely and will be dictated by fabric requirements (stretch, density, % components etc.).
- When practical, jog knots slowly through before increasing to full speed.
Additional Information Certain circular knit applications (e.g. sheer fabrics) require that all spandex packages be the same size to prevent the occurrences of banding barre'.
Note: RadiciSpandex packages are metered to ensure even run out.
Over time, all spandex will generate tack (spandex to spandex bonding) and the level of tack developed could affect the performance of the spandex. Therefore, the practice of "First In, First Out" is essential. Although RadiciSpandex has good shelf life, maintain a one month supply to effectively manage your inventory.
RECOMMENDED KNITTING TENSIONS
AND COVERING DRAFTS
These are recommendations only. Trials should be performed to determine optimum running conditions.
Knitting Tensions
In general, spandex knitting tensions can be calculated by using the formula:
Knitting tension (grams) = spandex denier x 0.1 grams/denier
This is a general formula only. Trials are recommended.
Covering Drafts
These drafts are good starting points, however, trials are recommended to optimize machine setup.
Denier |
Draft |
Percent Stretch |
125 to 5040 |
5.2 |
420% |
RECOMMENDED STORAGE CONDITIONS
FOR PACKAGES AND FABRICS
RadiciSpandex is packaged in heavy corrugated cardboard containers, lined with a sealed polyethylene bag, to protect the fiber from most degrading outside influences.
- Store in original shipping containers, to keep out light and to minimize contact with potentially harmful industrial fumes.
- Avoid excessive heat and humidity in storage areas. Ideally, humidity should be below 55% RH and temperature should not exceed 90° F (32° C) for prolonged periods.
- Beams should be stored in their original racks or crates, in a horizontal position.
LAUNDERABILITY AND RESISTANCERadiciSpandex fibers are designed to withstand virtually an unlimited number of commercial dry cleaning and pressings, launderings and tumble dryings.
TO DRY CLEANING
RadiciSpandex will answer the requirements of the narrow elastic producers who are receiving increased demands for a truly drycleanable and launderable elastomer for use in sportswear and outerwear.
The major advantages of RadiciSpandex are as follows:
- Offers a distinct economic advantage over other drycleanable thread of the synthetic rubber class.
- Excellent resistance to repeated commercial drycleaning and pressing, repeated laundering and tumble drying.
- Will withstand regular steam and dry heat pressing 360° F (182° C) for 15 seconds used on permanent press garments.
In crochet-type or knitted elastic fabrics containing a high inlay of RadiciSpandex (ex: 8 to 9 inches of spandex fiber in 10 inches of elastic), the heat resistance factor is excellent. Tests run at 250 to 300° F (121 to 149° C) show excellent modulus retention.
Heat Exposure / Fiber 2 hrs. at 275° F (135° C) / Nylon 2 hrs. at 300° F (149° C) / Set Polyester Koratron Process - 325° F (163° C), 30 minutes / Set Polyester |
Percent Modulus Retained 80 - 90 90 - 100 85 - 90 |
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Product I.D. numbers can be used to control inventory consumption. The shelf life of S-5 products is excellent, but maintaining a consistently aged inventory is advisable which will translate to a smooth running operation (maintaining the minimum quantity of spandex to satisfy your consumption needs is always advisable). RadiciSpandex is committed to and capable of servicing customer’s consumption needs by providing just-in-time delivery. Therefore, there is no need to stock excessive inventory in anticipation of program demand.
Examples of batch numbers:
- S-5 Clear 2xxx
- S-5 White 8xxx
Maintaining a "First In, First Out" inventory should eliminate product compatibility issues. Please consult with a RADICI Technical Customer Service Representative if you are unsure of how to use product I.D. numbers to manage "First In, First Out" inventory controls which best suit the sensitivities of your particular application.
STANDARD PACKAGING
| All Deniers | Tube Weight Net (Lbs.) | # of Tubes/ Case | Case Dimensions L x W x H (inches) |
Packaging Material Weight(Lbs.) (Carton, Separators and Cores) | Case Nominal Weight (Lbs.) | Full Tube Nominal Outer Diameter (Inches) | Core Dimension Length Inner Diameter (Inches) |
40 T Case |
2 |
24 |
28 x 22 x 10 |
11.8 |
48 |
6.0 |
L - 4.5 ID - 2.9 |
80 T X6 Case |
2 |
48 |
28 x 22 x 25 |
25.0 |
95 |
L - 6 ID - 2.9 |
|
1 |
100 |
33.4 |
80 |
Same |
|||
80 T Case |
1 |
80 |
28 x 22 x 19 |
30.1 |
95 |
6.0 |
Same |
6 |
20 |
Same |
17.5 |
120 |
9.3 |
Same |
|
7 |
20 |
Same |
17.5 |
140 |
9.4 |
Same |
|
2 |
48 |
Same |
23.8 |
95 |
6.0 |
L - 4.5 ID - 2.9 |
|
160 T Case |
1 |
160 |
28 x 22 x 37 |
54.3 |
160 |
4.6 |
Same |
2 |
96 |
Same |
40.8 |
192 |
6.0 |
Same |
|
3 |
64 |
Same |
34.9 |
192 |
6.8 |
Same |
|
4 |
48 |
Same |
30.7 |
192 |
8.3 |
Same |
|
4 |
64 |
Same |
34.9 |
256 |
8.3 |
Same |
|
6 |
40 |
Same |
29.9 |
240 |
9.3 |
Same |
KNIT TAPE
All Deniers |
Case Dimensions L x W x H |
Packaging Material Weight (Carton, Separator and Core) |
Case Nominal Weight (Lbs.) |
Master Carton RCTN 30 |
25 x 12.5 x 24.8 |
9.3 |
60 to 110 Lbs. Depending on end count |
Master Carton RCTN 40 |
25 x 12.5 x 34.8 |
10.0 |
80 to 150 Lbs. Depending on end count |
COLORS FOR 4.5" 6" 8" AND 11" TUBES
S-5 DENIERS WHITE AND CLEAR
| TUBE COLOR | YELLOW |
GREEN |
RED |
NATURAL |
ROYAL BLUE |
PASTEL BLUE |
ORANGE |
PURPLE |
PINK |
| DENIER | 125 1400 1680 |
140 390 |
466 840 1920 |
210 490 2240 |
240 560 2920 |
265 700 3500 |
184 280 4300 |
360 5040 |
420 1120 |
As a supplier of spandex fiber, RadiciSpandex Corporation will provide its customers, and prospective customers, technical assistance and information relative to our spandex products. Inquiries are most welcome.
RADICISPANDEX TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SERVICES STAFF has equipment to handle problems from warping and covering to dyeing, finishing and complete analysis and testing. We believe this information to be the most factual on the subject. It is offered as a suggestion to minimize problems in the processing of spandex fibers. No guarantee is expressed or implied. Our TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SERVICES STAFF is readily available for any specific consultation or assistance on the subject.