Among their uses are in apparel linings, furlike outerwear, paint-roller covers, scatter rugs, carpets, and work clothing and as hair in wigs.
[1] Commercial production of modacrylic fiber began in 1949 by Union Carbide Corporation in the United States.
The modacrylic fibers are produced by polymerizing the components, dissolving the copolymer in acetone, pumping the solution into the column of warm air (dry-spun), and stretching while hot.
Modacrylic fibers are also produced in many different lengths, crimp levels, deniers and they can have various shrinkage potentials.
In addition to a modacrylic's flame retardant properties it has a relatively high durability that is comparable to wool.
Modacrylic fabrics can be machine washed using warm water and tumble dried on a low setting.
Modacrylics can combine flame retardancy with a relatively low density, keeping protective gear from being uncomfortably heavy (i.e. shirts and trousers worn by electrical linemen).
Other uses of modacrylics include paint rollers, industrial fabrics, stuffed toys and filters.