Lavsan

Lavsan is a type of synthetic fiber that is widely used in various industries due to its high strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. It is also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of polyester.

History

The development of Lavsan began in the mid-20th century, with the first commercial production starting in the 1950s. It was initially used in the textile industry, but its applications have since expanded to include packaging, electronics, and medical devices.

Production

The production of Lavsan involves the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, two common industrial chemicals. This process results in a polymer chain with a high degree of crystallinity, which gives Lavsan its characteristic strength and durability.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, Lavsan is used in a wide range of applications. In the medical field, it is used in the production of surgical sutures, prosthetic devices, and drug delivery systems. It is also used in the manufacturing of food packaging, bottles, and textiles.

Health and Safety

While Lavsan is generally considered safe for use in medical and food applications, there are some concerns about its potential to leach chemicals into food or the body. However, research on this topic is ongoing and the risk is currently considered to be low.

See Also

• Polymer
• Plastic
• Synthetic fiber