
What is Acrylic Fiber?
Acrylic fiber is a synthetic fiber made from polyacrylonitrile and known in China as “Qinglun.” Abroad, it is referred to as “Orlon” in the U.S. and “Cashmilon” in Japan. Manufactured by DuPont in the U.S. under the brand name “Orlon,” acrylic is the third most commonly produced synthetic fiber after polyester and nylon. Lightweight, soft, warm, and highly resistant to sunlight and chemicals, acrylic resembles wool and has earned the nickname “artificial wool.”
Properties of Acrylic Fiber
Appearance:
Acrylic fibers vary in appearance depending on the solvent and spinning method. The longitudinal view of acrylic fibers shows small grooves, with dry-spun fibers having a dog-bone cross-section and wet-spun fibers (using NaSCN as solvent) appearing round.

Strength and Elasticity:
Acrylic is fluffy, crimped, and soft, with good elasticity. However, it can experience residual deformation after repeated stretching, making cuffs and collars prone to shape loss.
Moisture Absorption and Dyeing:
Due to its compact structure, acrylic has low moisture absorption, with a typical regain of 1.2–2.0% under normal atmospheric conditions. Acrylic’s dyeing capability is limited but improves with the introduction of second and third monomers.

Thermal Conductivity:
Acrylic exhibits thermal elasticity, where fibers rapidly cooled in a stressed state retain tension and later shrink upon heating.
Acid and Alkali Resistance:
Acrylic fibers are resistant to acids but can be sensitive to alkalis.
Light Resistance:
Acrylic is exceptionally lightfast, making it ideal for outdoor fabrics. After a year of outdoor exposure, its strength drops by only 5%, and it withstands sunlight significantly better than wool and cotton, lasting up to 10 times longer.
Distinguishing Acrylic from Wool
By Touch:
- Acrylic is fluffy, crimped, and soft with properties similar to wool, hence its nickname “artificial wool.”
- Wool, however, has a slightly longer crimp and feels warm to the touch.
Burn Test:
- Acrylic softens and shrinks when exposed to fire, burning with a yellow-white flame and emitting a tar-like odor. Once removed from the flame, it continues to burn slowly, leaving irregular brownish or black ash that is brittle.
- Wool, by contrast, curls and smokes before burning, emits a burnt hair smell, and its ashes are shiny, brittle, and easily crumbled.

Production of Acrylic Fiber
Acrylic production requires a high-purity propylene raw material with impurity levels below 0.005%. The second monomer, commonly methyl acrylate, enhances spinnability, feel, softness, and elasticity. A third monomer, such as itaconic acid (for weak acidic dye groups) or sodium methallyl sulfonate (for strong acidic groups), is added to improve dyeing characteristics.
Types of Acrylic Fiber
Pure Acrylic Fabrics:
Made entirely from 100% acrylic, these fabrics are soft, elastic, and durable, making them suitable for mid- to low-end clothing. Examples include acrylic worsted wool-like fabrics for women’s clothing and bulky acrylic fabrics for coats and casual wear.
Acrylic Blends:
Acrylic can be blended with viscose or polyester to create durable fabrics with various textures. For example:
- Acrylic-Viscose Gabardine: A dense, durable, smooth fabric with a wool-like feel, ideal for affordable trousers.
- Acrylic-Viscose Tweed: A lightweight, vibrant fabric for outerwear.
- Acrylic-Polyester Tweed: A wrinkle-resistant, smooth fabric, often used for mid-range suits and outerwear.

Modified Acrylic Fibers
Fine Denier Acrylic:
Produced through advanced technology, this type of fiber has a smooth, soft, delicate feel with drape, anti-pilling, and wool- or silk-like properties, meeting contemporary fashion trends.
Wool-like Acrylic:
Available in short fibers and sliver, this variant mimics the softness and warmth of cashmere, with excellent breathability and vibrant colors, making it suitable for lightweight, affordable clothing.

Antibacterial Moisture-Wicking Acrylic:
Using Chitosante, an advanced activator, this fiber offers antibacterial, mildew-resistant, deodorizing, and skin-care properties, while being soft, anti-static, and wrinkle-resistant. The fabric retains its antibacterial properties after 50 washes, making it eco-friendly and healthy.
Anti-Static Acrylic:
Engineered to enhance conductivity, this fiber reduces pilling, dust adherence, and skin cling, offering improved comfort with no adverse side effects.