Olefin Fiber

Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from alkenes. It is used in the manufacture of various textiles. Olefin is also referred to as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyolefin. The name comes from the term olefiant gas, an early name for ethylene meaning "oil-forming".

Major Fiber Properties

A manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units.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.The fibers are also resistant to moisture and chemicals. Polypropylene is used more for textiles because of its high melting point. The fibers do not take dye very well so colored olefin fibers are produced by adding dye directly to the polymer prior to or during "melt spinning".

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. 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. Fiber properties can be modified in a wide range with additives (e.g. UV-, thermal resistance, antibacterial, flame retardant).

Manufacturers of Olefin Fiber

The first commercial producer of an olefin fiber in the United States was Hercules, Inc. (FiberVisions). In 1996, polyolefin was the world's first and only Nobel Prize winning fiber.Other U.S. olefin fiber producers include: Asota, 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.

Uses of Olefin Fiber

Apparel

Sports & active wear, socks, thermal underwear, lining fabrics. Used in blends for pantyhose, saris, and swimwear.

Home Furnishing

Indoor and outdoor carpets and carpet tiles, carpet backing, Upholstery, draperies, wall coverings, slipcovers, floor coverings

Automotive

Interior fabrics, sun visors, arm rests, door and side panels, trunks, parcel shelfs, resin replacement as binder fibers.

Industrial

Carpets, ropes, geo-textiles that are in contact with the soil, filter fabrics, bagging, concrete reinforcement, heat-sealable paper (e.g. tea- and coffee-bags)