Olefin, A Fiber That Has Not Yet Reached Its Prime
By: Amy Willbanks
History
Italy began producing olefin fibers in 1957. The United States began producing
olefin in 1960. Depending upon its chemical structure, olefin may be called polyethylene
or polypropylene. It is also referred to as P2 for short.
Production
Olefin is produced in much the same way as polyester and nylon. The chemicals
used to make olefin are melted and fed through a spinneret head (similar to a large
showerhead) where it then forms a long fiber. The fiber then solidifies by some cooling
process. Variations and additives used during the manufacturing process of fibers can
alter the characteristics and end uses of the fibers tremendously.
Characteristics:
Aesthetics – The luster and texture of olefin can be modified to fit the
end use. It is usually manufactured with a smooth texture and medium luster.
Color – Because olefin is usually solution dyed (colorants added during
fiber production), a wide range of vivid colors are available. The selection of colors for
solution dyed olefin yarns is larger than any other fiber.
Olefin tends to have a waxy hand; however, the fibers can be modified to have a
more attractive hand for apparel and home furnishings uses.
Good abrasion resistance
Dries quickly and carries moisture away from the skin
Resistant to degradation by chemicals, perspiration, mildew and weather
Stain resistant – Olefin is not affected by most chemicals; consequently,
it is not easily soiled or stained.
Excellent strength – The strength of olefin can be modified to fit the end
use.
Sunlight – Olefin is affected by sunlight; however, stabilizers are added
during processing to correct this problem.
Colorfast – Olefin holds its bright colors well and is resistant to fading.
Carpets made of olefin have been proven to have fade resistant properties of almost three
times the industry standard.
Comfortable
Lightweight – The low density of olefin makes it possible to manufacture
lightweight products that are highly durable. Olefin is the lightest textile fiber.
Low manufacturing costs – Olefin’s low cost makes it highly
competitive with other fibers that have similar qualities.
Environmentally Friendly – The production of olefins leave very little
waste byproducts or residue. Olefin is easier to recycle than most other fibers. Olefin,
in its basic form, is made into packaging materials. These materials are easily melted and
reused. Tyvek ProtectiveWear by DuPont is an olefin material that is 25% recycled. Because
olefin is usually solution dyed, the environmental problems related to dye chemicals do
not exist. Oelfin is actually beneficial to the environment through its use in erosion
control fabrics.
Very low moisture absorbency – Waterborne stains are not a problem, due to
olefin’s nonabsorbency.
Very low static electricity problems – This characteristic makes it an
excellent choice for office furniture coverings, carpets and automobile interiors.
Good thermal retention- Layering clothes made of olefin helps keep you warm by
trapping the air in the space between the layers. On the other hand, clothing made of
olefin also keeps you cool in the summer.
Excellent Resiliency – Olefin recovers very quickly from wrinkling. Olefin
can be heat set, which further reduces wrinkles.
Excellent Shape Retention – The attractive appearance of olefin lasts for
years.
Care
Eventhough olefin is comfortable to wear, it has a low melting point. This
factor limits its use in apparel fabrics. Fabrics made of olefin should be spot cleaned or
washed in warm or cold water. Olefin fabrics should be air dried or dried at low
temperatures. If ironing is needed, a low temperature setting should be chosen.
End Uses
Apparel uses:
- underwear
- socks
- sweaters
- glove liners
- active sportswear
- pantyhose
- saris
- swimwear
- protective clothing (bullet-proof vests, cut-resistant gloves)
- lining fabrics
- diaper linings
Hygienic uses:
- diaper linings
- disposable diapers
- feminine hygiene products
- adult incontinence aids
Medical uses:
- disposable surgical non-wovens (shoe covers, gowns, caps, bedding)
Home Furnishings uses:
Olefin, because it is easily molded, is now also being used for appliances and
automobiles. Automotive parts made of olefin result in automobiles that last longer by
reducing corrosion. These cars also consume less fuel due to the decrease in car weight.
Tradenames
- Duon by Phillips Fiber Corp.
- Marvess by Phillips Fiber Corp.
- Petromat by Phillips Fiber Corp.
- Alpha olefin by Phillips Fiber Corp.
- ComforMax IB by DuPont
- Tyvek by DuPont
- Fibrilawn by Fibron Corp.
- Fibrilon by Fibron Corp.
- Thinsulate by 3M
- Patlon by Amoco Fabrics & Fibers Co.
- Marquessa Lana by Amoco Fabrics & Fibers Co.
- Propex III by Amoco Fabrics & Fibers Co.
- Duraguard by Kimberly-Clark
- Evolution by Kimberly-Clark
- Evolution III by Kimberly-Clark
- Polyloom by Polyloom Corp.
- Typar by Reemay, Inc.
- Biobarrier by Reemay, Inc.
- Spectra 900 by Allied-Signal, Inc.
- Spectra 1000 by Allied-Signal, Inc.
Trade Organization
American Polyolefin Association, Inc.: This organization promotes olefin and its
uses and helps display a positive image of the fiber.
Olefin’s Future
Olefin has many excellent characteristics that make it suitable for many end
uses. Olefin has not reached its peak year of production. Unlike other fibers who have
reached peak years, olefin continues to grow each year. In 1980 there were 748 million
pounds of olefin were produced and in 1995 there were 2,428 pounds produced. Look for many
more labels that contain olefin in the future.
Sources:
www.fibersource.com
environment.about.com/culture/environment/library
www.apa-polyolefin.com
Sara J. Kadolph, Anna L. Langford, Textiles/...{et
al} (8th ed. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Simon & Schuster/A Viacom Company) Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey, 07458, pages 114-117.
