Important fibres of technical textile industry - Part 2

Written by: www.fibre2fashion.com

In our former article entitled 'Important fibres of technical textile industry - Part 1' , we discussed aboutfive fibres Polyethylene, Polyester, Nylon, Carbon and Polypropylene. In thisarticle we would be covering other five major fibres of technical textileindustry. The properties, application and leading manufacturers are alsocovered.

These fibres are listed below.

1. Glass fibre

2. Viscose fibre

3. Acrylic fibre

4. Protein fibre

5. Metal fibre

Glass Fibre

Introduction

Glass fibre is obtained from the fine fibres of the glass. Fibreglass is formed from fine silica strands. Glass itself is a crystalline solid.Basically glass fibre is a polymer. The common properties of glass fibre areas follows.

Properties

High strength
Non flammable
Relatively insensitive to moisture
Good electrical insulation
High production rates
Relatively low density
Good chemical resistance
Relatively low fatigue resistance
Good strength properties in various conditions
Relatively low density
Low modulus
Good electrical resistance
Low cost

Application of Glass fibre

Reinforcement material in polymer matrix composites
Laminate structures can be used in storage tanks
Woven fabrics are used in production of surfboards, composite panels and other similar devices
Useful for good thermal insulation

Manufacturers of Glass fibre

Saint-Gobain Vertex, s.r.o.
Nippon Electric Glass Trading Co., Ltd.
Central Glass Co., Ltd.
Texas Fiberglass Group
Snoma Science & Technology Co.,Ltd.

Viscose fibre

Introduction

Viscose rayon is a cellulosic fibre, which is manufactured by regeneration. It is neither a synthetic fibre nor a natural fibre fully because it is obtained from naturally occurring polymers.

Properties

Viscose has silk like feel and drape
It retains its colors
It has cellulosic base so it has many properties like cotton and natural cellulosic fibre
Moisture absorbent
Comfortable to wear
Breathable
Easily dyed in vivid colors
It does not build up static electricity
Moderate dry strength and abrasion resistance

Application of Viscose fibre

Apparel uses like jackets, dresses etc.
Industry uses like tire cord
Medical surgery products
Furnishings like upholstery, bed spreads etc.

Manufacturers of Viscose fibre

Birla Viscose International
Lenzing Technik GmbH
Celanese Acetate LLC
Denish Fabrics
Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Co. Ltd.

Acrylic fibre

Introduction

Acrylic fibre is a synthetic fibre, which is made from polymer. Methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate are comonomers of acrylic fibre. This polymer is obtained by free radical polymerization. Acrylic fibre has wool like feeling and it is light weight, warm and soft.

Properties

Resistant to moths, chemicals and oils
Resistant to deterioration from sunlight exposure
It dyes well
Has excellent colorfastness
It retains its shape
Resists wrinkles and shrinkage
Quick dry and easy care
Very good heat retention
Durability and quick dry qualities
Quick water transport and weather resistant

Application of Acrylic fibre

Use in the knitwear section
In sportswear
In industry and apparel
Hygienic, barrier cloth and bactericidal
Domestic textiles
Cement reinforcement
Producer dyed fabrics
Carpets

Manufacturers of Acrylic fibre

Thai Acrylic Fibre Company Limited, Thailand
Pasupati Acrylon Limited
Dralon GmbH
Sinopec shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited
Polyacryl Trading Company (PTC)

Protein fibre

Introduction

Protein fibre is available in chitin and chitosan form. It has a chemical structure which is very similar to rayon. Chittin/chitosan is natural polysaccharide produced biologically by the living organisms on the earth. It is white porous polysaccharide. It is safe material to use and widely used in the different applications.

Properties

Antimicrobial activity (Inhibits bacterial growth)
Flocculation (Purifies waste waters)
Salt adsorption (Lowers high blood pressure)
Hemostatic action (bleeding easily stopped)
Heavy metal adsorption (Adsorbs and removes radioactive substances)
Cell activation (Promotes Iysozyme secretion)
Slow releasing action (permits slow and steady release of medicines)
Immunization (enhances immunity of body against diseases)
Lowering of cholesterol (catches cholesterol and lowers its level)
Biodegradation (being organic material it is degraded by microorganisms)
Acceleration of skin tissue regeneration (thin non woven fabric is applied to burns)
Oil absorption inhibition (helps to remove excess fat from body)
Body activation (helps in wound healing)

Application of Protein fibre

Gymnastic uniform like sweats, t-shirts and shirts, polo shirts, blouse, cardigan

House interior like pillow cover and bedcover

Sports wear like uniform of baseball team, underwear for judo, wristband, socks with five toes

Underwear like bikini, lingerie and mens brief

Outer wear like blankets

Manufacturers of Protein fibre

Harvest SPF Textile Co., Ltd
ShangHai Winshow Soybean Fibre Industry Co.,Ltd
Euroflax Industries Ltd.
Salts Organic Clothing
Jiangyin Changlong Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd.

Metal fibre

Introduction

Metallic fibre is used in all kinds of clothes from everyday wear to party wear and evening wear. Metallic fibre is commonly used in upholestry. Basic types of metallic yarns are co-creating metallic yarns, m-type metallic yarn, mh-type metallic yarn, mx-type metallic yarn, s-type metallic yarn and st-type metallic yarn.

Properties