Vinalon

Vinalon is a synthetic fibre, produced from polyvinyl alcohol using anthracite and limestone as raw materials. Vinalon was first developed by the Korean scientist Ri Sung Gi at the Takatsuki chemical research institute in 1939. The fibre was largely ignored until Ri defected to North Korea in 1950. Trial production began in 1954 and in 1961 the massive February 8 Vinalon Complex was built in Hamhung.^{[citation needed]} Its success and widespread usage in North Korea is often pointed to in propaganda as an example of the success of the juche philosophy.^[1] Hamhung remains a major production centre for vinalon; in 1998, a vinalon factory opened up in South Pyongan.^[2][3]

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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.

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