Olefin Fiber (Polypropylene) (Polyethylene) (Polyolefin)

History

Italy began production of olefin fibers in 1957. Giulio Natta successfully made the olefin suitable for more textile applications. The U.S. production of olefin fibers started in 1960. Olefin is referred to as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyolefin. (1) Olefin Fibers also account for 16% of all manufactured fibers. (2)

Major Fiber Properties

The Federal Trade Commission definition for olefin fiber is: “A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units”(3) “Olefins are produced as a monofilament, multifilament, staple fiber, tow and slit or fibrillated film years with variable tenacities.” The fibers are “waxy” colorless, often round in cross section. (1) The fibers are also resistant to moisture and chemicals. Polypropylene is used more for textiles because if its high melting point. The fibers do not take dye very well so coloring olefin fibers are produced by adding dye directly to the polymer prior to or during “melt spinning”. (4)

“Some interior designers prefer olefin to most other fibers because of its attractive appearance and other positive performance aspects” along with the low cost aspect as compared to similar products made with different fibers. (1) Along with being moisture and chemical resistant, it is also abrasion resistant, low static, stain resistant, colorfast, strong, very comfortable and extremely lightweight “olefin is the lightest textile fiber” (5)

Production Method

A low pressure system (lower temperature) is used to produce a polyethylene polymer that is used more for textiles. The extrusion process (forcing the dope or spinning solution through the openings in a spinneret like devise to form a long fiber) is similar to that of nylon and polyester. Olefin is “melt-spin” (melting the polymer chips) and solidified through cooling. Gel spinning is a newer spinning method for olefin which dissolves the polyethylene polymer and forms a gel in the solvent. The gel is extruded through the spinneret and the solvent is extracted and the fiber is drawn. This process produces high-strength fibers. Spectra is Allied-Signal’s trade name for an olefin fiber produced by gel spinning. (1)

Manufacturers

The first commercial production of an olefin fiber in the US was Hercules, Inc. (FiberVisions). In 1996, polyolefin was the world’s first and only Nobel Prize winning fiber.(6) Other U.S. olefin fiber producers include American Fibers and Yarns Co; American Synthetic Fiber, LLC; Color-Fi; FiberVisions; Foss Manufacturing Co., LLC; Drake Extrusion; Filament Fiber Technology, Inc.; TenCate Geosynthetics; Universal Fiber Systems LLC.(3)

Trademarks according to fabric use

Alpha, Condesa, Essera, Impressa, Marvess, Propex, Trace by American Fibers & yard Co. Tyvek, ComforMax IB by DuPont Thinsulate by 3M Fibrilawn, Fibrilon by Dibron Corp. Herculon by Hercules, Inc. Duaguard, Evolution, Evolution III by Kimberly-Clark Polyloom by Polyloom Corp. Typar, Biobarrier by Reemay, Inc. Spectra, Spectra 900, Spectra 1000 by Honeywell, Inc. (1)

Uses

Apparel: Sports & active wear, socks, thermal underwear; lining fabrics “Telar by Filament Fiber Technology, Inc. is a fine-denier olefin used in blends for pantyhose, saris, and swimwear.”(1) Home Furnishing: Indoor and outdoor carpets and carpet tiles, carpet backing. “Olefin has almost completely replaced jute in carpet backing because of its low-cost, easy processing, excellent durability, and suitability” (1) Upholstery, draperies, wall coverings, slipcovers, floor coverings Automotive: Interior fabrics, sun visors, arm rests, door and side panels, trunks Industrial: Carpets; ropes, geo-textiles that are in contact with the soil, filter fabrics, bagging

Care Procedures

Dry cleaning is not recommended because olefin fibers are swollen by dry-cleaning solvents. Olefin dries quickly. Line dry and low tumble dry with little or no heat. Since Olefin is not absorbent, waterborne stains are not a problem. Oily stains are difficult to remove. Most stains can be removed with lukewarm water and detergent. Bleaches can be used. Olefins have a low melting point (325 to 335 degrees F) so items should not be ironed or iron at a very low temperature. Outdoor carpets and fabrics can be hosed off.

References:

1. Kadolph, Sara J., Langford, Anna L., (2002), Textile, Ninth Edition., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458: Prentice Hall pp 109-113

2. “Olefin Fibers” 16% of all manufactured fibers” (E. McKinney, DHA 2213 PowerPoint lecture material, 6/24/06)

3. http://www.fibersource.com

4. http://www.filamentfiber.com

5. http://www.fabrics.net

6. http://www.fabriclink.com/RF-ED-History.html