Introduction Expand your definition of possibility XLA™ redefines the clothes we wear, bringing unprecedented comfort and inspired movement to fit any lifestyle without compromising on performance; offering everything from high temperature tolerance for professional wear to premium drape and hand for sophisticated tailored styles. Fabrics enhanced with XLA wrap the body in gentle support wityh a soft, non-snap recovery that ensures multiple washings and dry cleanings while maintaining garment shape. Consumers have confidence they will look and feel great, wear after wear. Improved dimensional stability, easy handling and greater range of motion mean not only a confident consumer reality but also a better overall production experience from design to retail floor. Because XLA inherently resists harish chemicals, high heat and UV light, it enables refreshing innovation in design and color. Fabric what won’t slip during cutting enables greater processing efficiencies and fewer cut and sew steps, leaving you more time to imagine and develop clothing to delight and amaze consumers. We are happy to work with you to develop joint product marketing, in-store merchandising and sales promotions so you get the most out of a new opportunity for you brand. Our global network, on-site technical expertise and dedication to outstanding performance and quality are at you service. Because XLA is about more than the opportunity to develop superior garments; it’s about promise. Promise of comfort. Promise of integrity. Promise of great innovation. What is XLA™ fiber technology? XLA™ fiber technology is a unique, elastic fiber that is olefin-based and designed for durable, comfortable stretch performance with excellent heat and chemical resistance. Incorporating XLA fiber into fabrics offers unmatched opportunities for developing easy-to-handle, durable garments with improved shape retention. How does XLA fiber technology resist heat? The cross-links formed in the fiber’s molecular structure are the key to superior heat resistance. As the temperature increases, crystallites will gradually disappear and cross-links take over, keeping the network intact. After cooling to room temperature, crystallites will reform. This makes XLA very different from conventional melt-spun fibers. Which rely on crystallites for both recovery and heat resistance. Figure 3 shows fibers at room temperature and after three minutes at 220OC. When the slide cover was slightly pressed, the degraded spandex fiber came apart, while the XLA fiber maintained its integrity. Because XLA fiber can survive intense heat, it enables a greater range of processing for stretch fabrics and garments. High temperature thermosol dyeing, high pressure and high temperature jet dyeing of polyester (130OC), and high temperature or extended time –curing processes for functional finishes are now possible. Stretch fabrics enhanced with XLA can also withstand high temperature steam press (Hoffman Press), tumble-drying and medium or high ironing temperatures. What happens when XLA is exposed to harsh chemicals or damaging UV light? XLA fiber technology is based on olefin chemistry. And just like other olefin-based plastics – which can be used to make bottles for bleach and cleaners – the fibers and inherently resistant to chemical degradation. Fiber text exposures were carried out in conditions closely simulating – or even more sever than – industrial processes such as no-iron finishing, mercerizing, and industrial laundering*. Under the stress of these harsh conditions, the fiber strength did not noticeably change (figure 4). *Because olefins have an affinity to hydrocarbon solvents and mineral oils, XLA fiber should not be exposed to these classes of chemicals for extended periods of time. Managing the effects of UV light is in the best interest of everyone – from sunbathers of carmakers – and polymer scientists who want to minimize fiber degradation. To simulate the effects of these rays on fiber properties, samples were exposed to Xenon (AATCC Test Method 16E) and UV light (AATCC Test method 186). Just as it wards off the effects of chemicals, XLA resists degradation caused by UV light (figure 5). The chemical and UV light resistance of XLA fiber technology enable valuable processing advantages and offer excellent durability. Broader fabric processing window : Resistance to chemicals allows for optimum processing conditions and enables the application of a wide variety of functional finishes. More garment processing options : Chemical resistance enables aggressive garment processing like denim washes, no-iron garment dipping, and refurbishment via commercial laundering and dry-cleaning – even industrial laundering and the high-heat tunnel drying of uniforms. UV / Xenon resistance opens new doors of opportunity to deliver stretch in end-use applications demanding top-notch performance such as active wear, industrial, and automotive. XLA fiber technology is undeniably unique in its chemical properties and behavior. It has the ability to transform the way consumers look and feel by making comfortable, beautiful, easy-to-wear clothing essential to everyday life.