When I was a kid, I once heard about North Korean fiber that made of coal. Of course, as I kid, I never believed such things would exist. However, as an international reporter of the ministry of unification, I stumbled into vinylon or vinalon, known as the juche fiber, only produced small amount in the North Korea.
Definition and the background history
Vinylon, also known as Vinal
on, is a synthetic fiber produced from polyvinyl alchohol, using anthracite and limestone as raw materials. Vinylon was first developed in 1939 by Ichiro Sakurada, Ri Sung-gi, and H. Kawakami.Production of this fiber was delayed for World War 2. The fiber was largely ignored in Korea until Ri defected to North Korea in 1950. Trial production began in 1954 and in 1961 the massive February 8 Vinylon Complex was built in Hamhung. Vinylon's widespread usage in North Korea is often pointed to as an example of success of the juche philosophy, and it is known as the juche fiber. Despite Hamhung remains the major producer of vinylon, in 1998, a vinylon factory opened up in south Pyongyang. After 16 years, in the 8th of February 2010, Kim Jong-un himself attended the reopening ceremony of the vinylon factory. It is the first time for Kim Jong-un attended an industrial mass rally.
Usages, advantages and disadvantages
It is mainly used in clothing as well as shoes, ropes and quit wadding. It is resistant to heat and chemical. Also it has high tenacity, high modulus and low elongation. However, there are many disadvantages such as being stiff, costly production and being difficult to dye.
The second photo is taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinylon#/media/File:North_Korea_-_Myohyang_Mountains_(5015252383).jpg )
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinylon
http://www.unitika.co.jp/vinylon/e/vinylon/index.html
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