Elastane
Also known as: Spandex, Lycra® (trade name), EL
Highly elastic polyurethane-based chemical fibre, stretchable up to 700 % and a standard blend in stretch fabrics.
Description
Elastane is a synthetic fibre consisting of at least 85 % segmented polyurethane. It was introduced in 1959 by DuPont™ under the Lycra® brand and is today a standard component of stretch fabrics in sports, swim, work and fashion apparel.
The fibre can be stretched to five to seven times its length and returns almost completely to its original form. Elastane is therefore usually blended in small proportions (1–20 %) to make cotton, polyamide or polyester fabrics elastic, dimensionally stable and well fitting.
- Stretchable up to 700 %, high recovery force
- Improves fit and wearing comfort
- Soft, light and temperature resistant
- Sensitive to chlorine, heat and UV
The EU textile labelling regulation uses the term elastane (EL); in the US the term is spandex, while Lycra® is used as a trade name. Alternatives such as elastolefin are more chlorine resistant but less stretchable.
Properties
| Fibre type | Fully synthetic (polyurethane) |
|---|---|
| Stretchability | up to 700 % |
| Typical blend share | 1–20 % |
| Use | Sports, swim, workwear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Elastan Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastan
- The Lycra Company lycra.com https://www.lycra.com/
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
