Productivity ?......

                                      A measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, factory, system, etc., in converting inputs into useful outputs. Productivity is a critical determinant of cost efficiency. Productivity is the combination of intelligent planning and focused efforts.

1.      If inputs remain the same and the production of output increases, then there is a rise in the level of productivity.

2.      If the output rises in a greater proportion than the increase in the input, there is still a proportionate rise in the level of productivity.

3.       However, if the output rises at a lower rate than the input, then there will be a fall in the productivity, even though there is an increase in production on the whole.

4.      Higher productivity results in a lower cost per unit of output resulting in higher    levels of profit for a company. Thus, it refers to efficient utilization of resources.

5.       High productivity increases the economic well-being. It increases the income and the standard of living of the people. It brings in money for the company.

Importance of Productivity

1.      Productivity increases output.

2.      High productivity results in lower cost per unit of output resulting in higher levels of profit for a business. 

For example,     

                               A factory worker can produce 10 items in an hour and he subsequently produces 20 units in the same hour after some training. His productivity has doubled and the business will benefit from a fall in unit cost as more units are being produces at the same costs of production. 

                                Higher profits for the firm will mean more funds available for its expansion, new business ventures and community support. It may also wish to pass on the benefits of lower costs to consumers in the form of lower prices

The Importance of Productivity in Business 

 The importance of productivity in business can be summarized as follows. 

1. Enhanced production lowers the cost per unit of a product which in turn, results in lower prices for better quality, which enhances a business.
2. Lower prices as a result of enhanced production    give an edge to businesses to sell products at more competitive prices.
   

   
   
3. If the rates are competitive, the business is in a better position to attract more customers and make more sales. This is the primary motive of any business organization. 

References:

1. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/productivity.html
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amitchowdhry/2013/04/24/12-tips-for-increasing-productivity/
3. http://wizznotes.com/pob/factors-of-production/difference-between-production-and-productivity
4. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_difference_between_productivity_and_efficiency
5. https://www.sixsigmaonline.org/six-sigma-training-certification-information/the-importance-of-productivity-in-business/
6. http://industrialengineeringnotes.blogspot.in/2012/02/productivity-types-of-productivity.html
7. http://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-productivity-and-production 

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Spandex

Invention:             It is a polyester-polyurethane copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont’s Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Production Methods:                        Spandex fibers are produced in four different ways: 1.      Melt Extrusion,   2.      Reaction Spinning, 3.      Solution Dry Spinning, and 4.      Solution Wet Spinning. (All of these methods include the initial step of reacting monomers to produce a pre-polymer. Once the pre-polymer is formed, it is reacted further in various ways and drawn out to make the fibers.) Favourite Method: The solution dry spinning method is used to produce over 94.5% of the world's spandex fibers.

Properties: ·         Spandex is a lightweight, synthetic fiber that is used to make stretchable clothing such as sportswear. ·         When fabrics containing spandex are sewn, the needle causes little or no damage from “needle cutting” compared to the older types of elastic materials ·         Spandex fibres have good resistance to ultraviolet radiation, oxygen, heat, and oil.

Chemistry: ·         Chemically, it is made up of a long-chain poly-glycol combined with a short diisocyanate, and contains at least 85% polyurethane. ·         It is an elastomeric (which means it can be stretched to a certain degree and it recoils when released.)

Polymeric Structure: The above diagram is an example of the molecular structure of 'Lycra-Spandex' type molecules n = A very large number of repeating double 'molecular segments' in the polymer chain. x = variable number of units in the 'elastic' molecular segment, this gives differing degrees of 'stretchiness'.  Its molecules have a stretchy section that make it soft and rubbery, and a rigid section that makes it tougher than rubber.

Comparisons with Rubber:                    These fibers are superior to rubber because.... 1.      Spandex is stronger, lighter, and more versatile. 2.      Spandex fibers can be stretched to almost 500% of their length without breaking. 3.      Higher retractive force than rubber.

Uses: ·         It is used in making sports clothing such as wetsuits, and with other fibres to make comfortable clothing with a snug fit. ·         Fabrics containing spandex yarn have a wide application value, especially because of their increased extensibility, elasticity, high degree of recovery, good dimensional stability. ·         In apparel industry, these kinds of fabrics are used for sport cloths, and leisure cloths, hosiery, underwear and swimwear, so therefore for body-confirming garment which ensure stable shape under loading during wearing. ·         Lycra is a lightweight material but isn't damaged by sunlight, sweat or detergents - all of which can make other materials wear out.

Blended:                Spandex is always blended with other natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and linen. Replacing rubber thread, lycra is lighter and does not decompose when exposed to perspiration, body oils, skin lotions, perfumes, or detergents                The main types of spandex yarns that are used in weaving and knitting machines together with other yarns are bare, single-covered, double-covered, core-spun, and core plies yarns. Each form of spandex properly used, provides for a high elasticity in fabric.

References: ·         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spandex ·         http://www.spandex.com/ ·         https://spandexworld.com/ ·         http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Spandex.html ·         http://www.dictionary.com/browse/spandex ·         http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Spandex.html ·         https://www.lycra.com/en ·         http://www.fibre2fashion.com/market-intelligence/textile-market-watch/spandex-price-trends-industry-reports/23/ ·         https://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-stretch-fabric-lycra-fabric.aspx ·         http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Spandex+Fiber

Sarona Fibres

Introduction:

1. Sorona is DuPont's brand of triexta (polytrimethylene terephthalate).

2. It was named and commercialized in 2000.

3. Sorona is a co-polymer of 1,3-propanediol (obtained by fermentation) and petroleum-derived terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).

A unique molecular structure:

              When stress is exerted on the molecule, strain deformation occurs first in its crystalline, lower modulus regions. 

                  As stress is released, the crystalline structure locks in, allowing a complete recovery to the initial shape.

                   In conjunction with this distinctive characteristic, fibers made with Sorona® offer additional advantages over both polyester (PET) and nylon.

                         it has a softer feel and supports easier, more versatile dyeability with excellent washfastness and UV resistance.

Key technical features and benefits:

1. Softness (a micro-denier feel at greater than one denier).

                The stress-strain tests demonstrate that flat yarns made with Sorona® fibers are softer than either polyester or nylon, at the same denier, because less effort is required to bend Sorona® fibers.

2. Stretch with recovery (2-3x greater than nylon).

               Research shows that fully drawn flat yarn made with Sorona® recovers 100% from approximately 120% strain. Even at higher strain levels, fibers made with Sorona® recover completely, returning to their initial form.

3. Easy dyeability at the boiling point with no carriers.

                    Sorona® can be dyed at a lower temperature than polyester, without requiring  pressure or chemical carriers.

4. Resiliency similar to nylon.

                   The crystalline structure of the Sorona® polymer molecule enables the fiber to retain its original memory and bulk, ensuring that the fabric wears exceptionally well.

5. Heatsetability.

                      Fabrics made with Sorona® are heatset at lower temperatures than polyester, providing manufacturers with a new option for blending Sorona® fibers with spandex to create garments with high-power stretch capabilities.

Uses: Sorona® biopolymer is used in residential and commercial carpets, apparel and automotive mats and carpets.

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What’s Next:

               DuPont™ Sorona® polymer is made from two monomers or ingredients, one of which is 1,3 propanediol or PDO. DuPont 

pioneered a way to produce the 1,3 Propanediol from renewable resources, namely corn sugar.

                 The advantages of transitioning to a renewable resource based process for the production of PDO are many and include a smaller environmental footprint, lower manufacturing costs, less energy used, less capital and a more reliable supply of feedstocks.

References:

https://www.google.co.in/url sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.dupont.co.in/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/fibers.html&ved=0ahUKEwiYtLqt4-HRAhVGpo8KHWZAAJAQFggbMAA&usg=AFQjCNFUrtvvb_X1tcu1PB9t9DNyx9pvzg&sig2=1Zl2f-ArKCJE9lcwfrOQ8g

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/fibers/brands/dupont-sorona.html&ved=0ahUKEwiYtLqt4-HRAhVGpo8KHWZAAJAQFggtMAI&usg=AFQjCNGfiZxEJrlkJ4SikzEBSZz6l-ZK1Q&sig2=lnu3sb_nEaIjobnIvZoN6g