Vinyon Fibers
(Polyvinyl chloride Fibers)

Properties

Vinyon or chlorofibers (CLF) are man-made fibers in which the fiber-forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85 percent by weight of vinyl chloride units (-CH2-CHCl-). They are typically copolymers of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate or ethylene-vinyl acetate.¹ In some countries vinyon fibers are referred to as polyvinyl chloride fibers.

The first polyvinyl chloride fiber was invented in Germany in 1931. It was one of the earliest fibers among synthetic fibers. The first U.S. commercial vinyon fiber was produced in 1939 by FMC Corporation, Fiber Division (formerly American Viscose).

Vinyon is very durable and resistant to weathering and has good retention properties. Due to its high chlorine content, it is a flame retardant. It also has excellent chemical resistance to many chemicals including oils, solvents, acids and alkalis. However, vinyon fibers are less heat resistant than nylon and polyester. For example, standard grades start to soften and shrink at about 60°C and more stable grades at about 90 to 110°C, and when exposed to oxygen and excessive heat (≥ 200°C), they start to degrade, leading to intense color formation and detoriation of the polymer properties.^2,3 For this reason, polyvinyl chloride fibers are seldom used for garments which typically have to withstand ironing, although fibers of higher resistance to heating are available.

 

COMMERCIAL Vinyon Fibers

Major manufacturers of vinyon fibers are Teijin and Denka.

 

Applications

Due to its excellent resistant to weathering, pure PVC fibers are mainly used in outdoor fabrics, such as rain gear, tarps, awnings, and fishing nets. The fiber is also used in elastomeric fabrics, as filter cloth, and for wigs and christmas trees due to its flame retardant properties.

 

¹US Patent 6,312,804 B1; Vinyl Chloride Fibers and Process for Preparing the Same (2001)
²PVC fibers degrade by elimination of hydrochloric acid (dehydrochlorination) when exposed to excessive heat. In some cases, PVC may also produce carbon monoxide and phosgene when exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures. For this reason, heat and light stabilizers are usually added to prevent or delay these processes.
³Europena Patent EP 1 985 662 A1; Thermal Stabilisation of PVC (2007)