• Modacrylic Fiber
• Modacrylic Staple Fiber
• Modacrylic Tow Fiber

First U.S. Commercial Modacrylic Fiber Production: 1949, Union Carbide Corporation

Current U.S. Modacrylic Fiber Producers: Solutia Inc.

Federal Trade Commission Definition for Modacrylic Fiber: A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of less than 85% but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile units. (-CH₂CH[CN]-)_x. (Complete FTC Fiber Rules here.)

Basic Principles of Modacrylic Fiber Production — Modacrylic fibers are made from resins that are copolymers (combinations) of acrylonitrile and other materials, such as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride or vinyl bromide. Modacrylic fibers are either dry spun or wet spun.

Modacrylic Fiber Characteristics

• Soft
• Resilient
• Easy to dye to bright shades
• Abrasion resistant
• Flame resistant
• Quick drying
• Resistant to acids and alkalies
• Shape retentive

The low softening temperatures of modacrylic fibers allow them to be stretched, embossed and molded into special shapes. The fibers may be produced with controlled heat shrinkage capacities. When fibers of different shrinkages are mixed in the surface of a pile fabric, the application of heat develops fibers of different lengths, producing a surface that resembles natural fur.

Some Major Modacrylic Fiber Uses

• Apparel: Deep-pile coats, trims and linings, simulated fur, wigs and hair pieces, children's sleepwear, career apparel
• Fabric: Fleece, knit-pile fabric backings, nonwovens
• Home Furnishings: Awnings, blankets, carpets, flame-resistant draperies and curtains, scatter rugs
• Other Uses: Filters, industrial fabrics, paint rollers, stuffed toys

General Modacrylic Care Tips — Dry-cleaning or fur-cleaning process is suggested for deep-pile garments. For washable items:

• Machine wash in warm water and add fabric softener during the final rinse cycle.
• If dryer is used, use low setting and remove articles as soon as tumbling cycle has stopped.
• If ironing is required, use low setting. Never use a hot iron. (For specific instructions, refer to garment's sewn-in care label.)