Olefin FibreIntroduction:Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in wallpaper, carpeting, ropes, and vehicle interiors. Olefin's advantages are its strength, colourfastness and comfort, its resistance to staining, mildew, abrasion, sunlight and its good bulk and cover. Olefin is extremely lightweight; it is the only fiber that is lighter than water, so it floats in water. It does not absorb moisture, so it is extremely difficult to stain. It is resistant to sun fading and fume fading. It is oleophilic (likes oils), so driveway sealers and cooking oils will bond to the fiber causing discoloration. It has poor resilience tendencies, and will not return to its original configuration when crushed by traffic or furniture. Narrow hallways and stairs are especially noticeable areas of compression.Definition 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 unitsStructure of Olefin fiberOlefin fibers can be multi- or monofilament and staple, tow, or film yarns. The fibers are colorless and round in cross section. This cross section can be modified for different end uses. The physical characteristics are a waxy feel and colorless. There are two types of polymers that can be used in olefin fibers. The first, polyethylene, is a simple linear structure with repeating units. These fibers are used mainly for ropes, twines and utility fabrics The second type, polypropylene, is a three-dimensional structure with a backbone of carbon atoms. Methyl groups protrude from this backbone. Stereo selective polymerization orders these methyl groups to the same spatial placement. This creates a crystalline polypropylene polymer. The fiber made with these polymers can be used in apparel, furnishing and industrial productsCharacteristics of Olefin fibers High strength (wet or dry) Resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, insects, perspiration, rot and weather Abrasion resistant Low moisture absorption Stain and soil resistant Lowest static component of any man-made fiber Sunlight resistant Good washability, quick drying, unique wicking Resilient, moldable, very comfortable Thermally bondableOlefin fibers In Carpet IndustryOlefin and polypropylene are two names for the second-most widely used carpet fiber after nylon. Olefin is not as durable as nylon, but it's chemically inert and resists acid and bleach well. Olefin fiber carpets can be cleaned using strong cleaners without risk of damaging the fibers. Less expensive than nylon, olefin is a good choice for a carpet that does not need to be particularly durable. Olefin is solution-dyed and is the most colorfast of all fibers. An olefin carpet is good in an area exposed to sunlight.Olefin is water-resistant. The fiber naturally wicks moisture, moving it toward the tip of each strand, so it discourages mold and mildew. It is often used for outdoor carpets and is ideal in damp basements. It dries quickly after getting wet.An olefin carpet can be hard to keep clean. It attracts dirt and looks dingy when soiled. Even after the carpet is cleaned, the fiber tends to wick more dirt from the base as it dries, causing spots and streaks to reappear. Olefin is more resistant to water-based stains than nylon, but is vulnerable to oil-based stains and grease. Even bare feet walking on an olefin carpet can leave behind enough oil to show traffic patterns.Advantages: Inexpensive, extremely stain resistant, colorfast, liquid spills clean up easilyDisadvantages: compresses easily, lacks resilience, oils bond to fibers causing discolorationApplications of Olefin fiber ApparelSports & active wear, socks, thermal underwear; lining fabrics. Home furnishingOlefin can be used by itself or in blends for indoor and outdoor carpets, carpet tiles, and carpet backing. The fiber can also be used in upholstery, draperies, wall coverings, slipcovers, and floor coverings. AutomotiveOlefin can be used for interior fabrics, sun visors, arm rests, door and side panels, trunks, parcel shelfs, and resin replacement as binder fibers. IndustrialIn an industrial setting, olefin creates carpets; ropes, geo-textiles that are in contact with the soil, filter fabrics, bagging, concrete reinforcement, and heat-sealable paper (e.g. tea- and coffee-bags).