Polymer fibers — Orlon (often spelled Orlan in trade contexts) used as a wool substitute is primarily which material?

Introduction / Context:
Textile science frequently uses trade names for synthetic fibers. Orlon (sometimes seen as Orlan in older sources) is a classic wool substitute because of its warmth, resilience, and ease of care. Understanding the underlying polymer helps learners connect fiber properties to polymer chemistry.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The product referred to is Orlon, a commercial acrylic fiber historically produced by DuPont.
• We are asked to choose the correct base polymer among common candidates.
• Focus is on polymer identity rather than processing conditions.

Concept / Approach:
Acrylic fibers are defined by a high acrylonitrile content. Orlon is based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN), sometimes copolymerized with small amounts of comonomers to improve dyeability or processing. PAN’s nitrile groups provide rigidity and intermolecular interactions that lead to good strength and warmth retention—hence its use as a wool substitute.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the family: Orlon belongs to the acrylic fiber family.Acrylic fibers are primarily derived from acrylonitrile monomer → polymer is polyacrylonitrile (PAN).Therefore, the correct selection is PAN.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard polymer/fiber handbooks list Orlon as a trade name for acrylic fibers, whose base polymer is PAN; historical product literature confirms this.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• An amorphous polymer: too generic; many fibers are amorphous or semi-crystalline—does not identify Orlon.
• Natural polymeric fiber: acrylics are fully synthetic, not natural.
• PMMA: known as acrylic glass (Plexiglas), a rigid thermoplastic, not a textile fiber.
• PET: polyester used in textiles (e.g., Dacron), but not Orlon.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing acrylic (PAN) with polyester (PET) because both are synthetic; mixing trade names across polymer families.

Final Answer:
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)