What is the history and origin of acrylic?

DuPont Corporation, United States developed an acrylic fiber in the 1940s. This textile firm is also known for the development of nylon and polyester fiber. However, initially, the acrylic fiber did not take pace and was not employed in garment construction and it was in the 1950s that the fiber gained some market importance. But with the coming of facts that associated acrylic with various health hazards and its high flammability people became conscious in fabric selection for their garments.
DuPont is now no longer the largest producer of acrylic fabric and has been taken over by various Asia countries such as China, India and Indonesia.