Silicone dispersions can be used as softeners or hand modifiers with the resins.

Thermosetting resins based on Melamine or Triazine Formaldehyde condensate discolor and are therefore not recommended.

Dyed fabric to be molded should be dyed with acid type dyes for minimum shade change. Disperse type 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 on the acidic side (pH 5.0) with citric acid for maximum whiteness retention.

Maximum molding depth is 5.0 inches (127 mm.)

Type 6'6 Nylon / Type S-85 spandex--375 to 400° F (191 to 204° C) 15 to 60 Sec.

Type 6 Nylon / Type S-85 spandex----355 to 365° F (179 to 185° C) 15 to 60 Sec.

The process is usually performed on circular knit fabric that is intended for tubular put-up, or for those mills that do not have tenter frame capability. It is performed in an autoclave with steam in a batch operation.

The following is recommended for developing new styles of fabrics.

Many wide fabrics containing Type S-85 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 10 minutes in 0.5% (of fabric weight, O.W.G.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-85.
• 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.

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:

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE PROPERTIES

Type S-85 spandex is resistant to a wide range of chemicals and processes normally encountered in fabric dyeing and finishing. However, there are particular chemicals, yarn finishes and machine oils that will damageType S-85 and other polyether based spandex fibers. These are:

Pre-tension Elongations - For those warping machines using a pre-tension feature, the pre-tension is a function of the desired final warp beam elongation.

Raschel Fabric

For 25% final elongation on beams, use a 70% to 100% pre-tension.

Tricot Fabric - On 40 denier Type S-85 Spandex, warping stretch should be 50% to 100% depending upon customer preference.

For 70 denier and higher it is recommended to use 50% to 100% final stretch.

Care and Handling of Warp Beams

After warping, beams should be wrapped carefully with cellophane or other BHT-free nonporous film to protect the Type S-85 spandex from contaminants during storage and handling. Beams should be kept wrapped and stored in shipping racks until ready for use.

General Precautions

Beams left on the knitting machine for any extended downtime should be wrapped in BHT-free nonporous film to protect Type S-85  from contamination and discoloration.

Storage of beams at temperatures above 95° F. (35° C) or below 20° F (-7° C) should be avoided. These temperatures could cause adverse effects on processing performance.

 RECOMMENDED STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR

PACKAGES AND FABRICS

Type S-85 spandex should be stored in its original packaging until ready for use. Recommended storage conditions are between 40 and 80° F (4 to 27° C). Storage above or below the recommended limits can result in fiber-to-fiber sticking and poor runnability.

• We recommend using Type S-85 on a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) basis. A general rule-of-thumb for maximum storage time is 6 months.
• A good standard operating procedure is to condition the yarn in the production area for at least 24 hours, by opening the cartons, before processing.
• Fabrics containing Type S-85 Spandex should be wrapped in BHT free opaque plastic wrapping in order to protect it from light and atmospheric contaminants. The same storage conditions should be followed as for tubes of Type S-85 spandex. Greige fabrics should be stored no longer than 3 months. Knitting oils could oxidize and be difficult if not impossible to remove during scouring.

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 LAUNDERABILITY AND RESISTANCE

TO DRY CLEANING

Type S-85 spandex fibers are designed to withstand virtually an unlimited number of commercial dry cleaning and pressings, launderings, and tumble dryings.

The major advantages of Type S-85 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.
• Type S-85 has been awarded the CERTIFIED DRYCLEANABLE SEAL by the International Fabricare Institute. They far surpass the IFI requirements for retention elastic properties after repeated drycleaning in perchlorethylene, including tumble drying and steam pressing.
• 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 Type S-85 spandex (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.

MERGE NUMBERS AND I.D. NUMBERS

A merge number is a group to which fiber production is assigned based on properties and dyeability. All fibers within a merge can be expected to behave uniformly, and for this reason, can be mixed or used interchangeably.

Therefore it is recommended that either merge numbers be kept completely segregated, to eliminate all concern, or a trial be conducted, in each customers "unique" operation, to verify the compatibility between merge numbers.

"I.D." (Identification) Numbers

Product "I.D." numbers can be used to control inventory consumption. The middle two digits in the I.D. number represent the week of the year that the spandex was produced and should be used for proper inventory rotation (First In, First Out). The shelf life of Type S-85 spandex 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 demands.

Maintaining a "First In, First Out" inventory should eliminate product compatibility issues. Please consult with a RADICI Technical Customer Services 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.

Note: Standard case dimensions for above products - 27.5L x 22.12W x 19H inches (70L x 56.1W x 48.2H cm). Note: Empty 2.25 Inch Tube Nominal Weight = 57 grams Note: Empty 4.5 Inch Tube Weight = 118 grams For other details, please call your Sales Representative or Customer Services.

SUMMARY

As a supplier of spandex fiber, RadiciSpandex Corporation will provide its customers, and prospective customers, technical assistance and information relative to our spandex products.

Our TECHNICAL SERVICE STAFF is readily available for any specific consultation or assistance on the subject.

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