First commercially produced in 1950, Acrylic has become one of the most common fabrics today. Acrylic fibers are produced from elements taken from natural gas, air, water, and petroleum.
Acrylic fibers are unique in that they can be mixed with various other chemicals to change their ability to better respond to the end application.
Acrylic is popular within sportswear due to its outstanding wickablilty (moving moisture away from the body) and quick drying time. It also makes a versatile fiber for upholstery fabric, area rugs and outdoor furniture due to its ease of washing, shape retention, resistance to sunlight degradation and easy dye-ability with excellent color fastness.
For the above reasons, Acrylic is a popular choice for draperies, combined with the fact that it is typically less expensive then cottons, linens and silks, but can be made to look and feel like cotton, linen and silk.
One potential drawback to Acrylic is static electricity. Typically a problem in clothing and blankets, this matter may be reduced by using a fabric softener every third or fourth wash.
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