How Spandex is Produced (Essay Sample)

Name
Course
Date
Can wearing spandex have negative side effects on your body?
Introduction
Spandex is some of synthetic fiber having unique characteristics of elasticity and durability. This aspect makes it very applicable in sporting activities. The invention of this material is attributable to a chemist known as Joseph Shivers in the year 1958. The spandex has expansion abilities as its name suggests. It is made with a polymer base synthetic fabric which gives it the unique to expand by almost 600% percent and be able to spring back without losing its form for a long period of time. As such, spandex has gained popularity in its application in those sporting activities because it allows the athletes to wear tight fitting sporting clothes such as pants and t-shirts that adjusts to their body shapes, but also allows them the comfort of breathing. It is also important to state that spandex is mostly won by women. The popularity of the spandex in the sporting activities is an indication that the use of the same is likely not to be halted any time soon. Nevertheless, it is important to explore the production, the rise and importance of the spandex in the fashion industry, the health issue associated with its use and the possible solution to the same. The above areas of interests form the basis of the discussion in this paper.
How Spandex is Produced
Two or more types of Prepolymers are mixed to form Spandex. The dry-spinning method is used in the production of spandex. In this method, the reaction of the macroglycols(-OH) and isocyanates is initiated resulting to molecular additions that result into a polymer chain through a process known as polymerization (Anslyn & David, 793). Octane is used as a catalyst in the reaction process. Addition of weight amines is also done at the reaction stage so as to achieve a favored molecular weight of the fiber. Stabilizers are then added to the fiber for protection against aspects such as light, heat and other contaminants in the atmosphere. Monomeric and polymeric antioxidants are also added to the fiber for enhanced protection. Particular attention is undertaken to protect the fiber from light by the addition of hydroxybenzotriazoles which are Ultraviolent (Anslyn & David , 794)
The Rise and Important of Spandex in the fashion Industry
It is important to state that a lot of prior efforts had been made in relation of the application of nylon as a possibility in the clothing industry. Therefore, the invention of the spandex was an invention that was much needed at that time and is still very important as of the present. Nylon had been used to make clothing clothes in the past, but various issues were raised in relation to the energy requirements for making the same, and the safety of suffocation as far as security was concerned.
The rise of spandex can be said to have been triggered by the increased need of the wash and wear demands. The need for ironing was being washed away as people wanted a type of clothing that would be free from wrinkles after washing (Cook, 63). Attempts and different approaches had been made earlier to produce a type of clothing that would fulfill this demand. Polyester was then the choice at that time, but still could not offer the much needed specifications and the aspect of comfort that were must requirements. Efforts in the search for clothing that would meet the comfort standards and the other specification was therefore continued which resulted to the invention of the spandex.
Performance was one of the specifications that were much sought during the early days. Some other specification as mentioned before included the need body fitting clothing as well as a required level of comfort. These as said was the motivating factor for the invention of the spandex which utilized the highly flexible polyurethane with the capabilities of stretching up to seven times and springing back without losing the form. The durability of the spandex was a major concern and as such, a small amount of fabric had to be mixed with the polyurethane. The importance of the fabric is that it has the performance of rubber as well as the performance of the fiber hence the success of the spandex.
The performance aspects are still used by fashionists in the manufacture of spandex. They argue that performance precedes fashion. This statement is an indication that the textile industries just like other industries is driven by the demands and needs of the consumer. One of the need being that of enhanced comfort ability which has been the driving factor for the development in the spandex. The consumers understanding of the benefits of the spandex can be said to be the reason for the massive development in the spandex fashion. Consumer are well aware that the spandex is more comfortable provides body retention and is very durable (Cook, 123). Permanence of the color is also another benefit that is associated with spandex, and this also fits the expectation of the consumer. Furthermore, the development of the spandex in the fashion industry is related to people’s lifestyles. This is especially so with the need of women to move very fast and as a result their demands for clothing that are more comfortable. The world has also been experiencing casual lifestyles. These lifestyles require clothing products that need less caring and with enhanced comfort ability standards (El, Mogahzy, 67). Spandex actually fits all these considerations hence the development of the spandex in the fashion industry. Currently, spandex is used in making bandages, underwear’s, knitwear and so many products, hence implying its importance. In other words, development of the spandex in the fashion industry is likely to continue for many years to come.Health Risks
Spandex as seen above has had a lot of success and it popularity is still growing. Despite the success and many benefits associated with spandex, a number of health related risks have been associated with the use of spandex. One of the material that is used in spandex garments s latex, which is associated with allergic reactions. Latex is mostly used in waist bands of the pants which makes inevitable to use. Nevertheless, it uses ids discouraging because of the associated allergic reactions. It has been further established that latex allergies trigger multiple allergies. Individuals are also likely to develop reactions towards the dyes used in spandex as a result of the latex.
Spandex is the material that is mostly used in the Muffin Tops making one to look sleeker. However, the tightness of the same is very unhealthy because it is squeezes the nerves that run down from the head to the abdomen causing the Melafgia Paresthetica disorder. This causes the pain in the thigh region of the body. This is also the case with tight-fitting pants. Tight pants are a product of the spandex, examples being the most favored skinny jeans. These jeans are unhealthy since they compress the thigh he...