Vinalon
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Vinalon is a synthetic fibre, produced from polyvinyl alcohol using anthracite and limestone as raw materials. Vinalon was first developed by the Korean scientist Dr. Lee Seung-ki at the Takatsuki chemical research institute in 1939. The fibre was largely ignored until Dr. Lee Seung-ki defected to North Korea in 1950. Trial production began in 1954 and in 1961 the massive February 8 Vinalon Complex was built in Hamhung.
The factory complex also produces other chemicals. Some North Korean defectors have claimed that Dr. Lee Seung-ki was involved in chemical weapons research and that the complex was used to produce them.
Vinalon, also known as Juche fibre, has become the national fibre of North Korea and is used for the majority of textiles, outstripping fibre such as cotton or Nylon, which are only produced in small amounts in North Korea. Other than clothing, Vinalon is also used for canvas shoes, ropes and quilt wadding.
Vinalon is resistant to heat and chemicals but has numerous disadvantages: it is stiff, uncomfortable, shiny, prone to shrinking and difficult to dye. It is not produced outside of North Korea.
