Vinyon
Inventor: unknown
Patented: unknown
Commercially available from: 1948, Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Co. (later known as Union Carbide), USA. Until 1960, when the US Federal Trade Commission placed modacrylic in its own category, it was classed with acrylic.
Trade names: Vinyon; Dynel; Verel; Teklan; Kanecaron; Vinyon N; SEF
Commonly used starting materials: petroleum; natural gas; chlorine
Principal characteristics: low flammability; low moisture absorbency and quick drying; outstanding resistance to chemicals and solvents; resistant to moths, mildew and sunlight; soft, warm and resilient but prone to pilling.
Principal uses: used in high-performance and protective clothing. Also used for nightwear, fleeces and as a substitute for fur.
Environmental impact: made from a combination of non-renewable resources, some of which are carcinogenic. Creates microfibres.
Care and signs of degradation: so far observation leads us to believe it is a relatively stable fibre. It is, however, prone to pilling and matting.
Recyclable? Yes
Biodegradable? No
Potential narratives:
- rare use in fashion: in 1968, fashion designer Pierre Cardin (1922–2020) used Dynel fabric (which he marketed as ‘Cardine’) to make a collection of heat-moulded dresses.
- occupational health hazards.
Documented garment exemplars:
- Fake fur jacket of Courtelle™ acrylic and modacrylic, lined with acetate rayon with cotton pocket stabilisers - see 1960s