Microfibres | Characteristics/Properties of Microfibers |

Application of Microfibers
Microfiber:
Microfiber refers to synthetic fibers finer than one or 1.3 denier or decitex/thread. By
comparison, microfiber is 1/100th the diameter of a human hair and 1/20th the diameter of a
strand of silk. The most common types of microfibers are made from polyesters, polyamides
or a conjugation of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene (Prolen). A number of leading
fashion designers and design firms are already using microfiber products in their collections:
Liz Claiborne, Evan Picone, Nautica, J.H. Collectibles, Eddie Bauer, Russ Togs, Donna
Karan, Norma Kamali, Ralph Lauren, and Rebecca Moses to name just a few.

Microfiber
Characteristics/Properties of Microfiber:
Microfibers are made solely from man-made fibres. They are the finest of all the
fibers. Sportswearfrom microfibres functions particularly well. It is breathable and at the
same time provides reliable protection against wind and rain. Fashionable apparels in
microfibres have graceful flow, silk-like feel and are extremely comfortable. Microfiber
clothing is not sensitive, retaining its positive qualities after washing or cleaning.

Some of the outstanding characteristics of microfibers include the following:

1. Exceptional strength, although the filaments are super fine

2. Improved breathability
3. Vivid prints with more clarity and sharper contrast
4. Comfort of natural fibers
5. Durability
6. Ease of care
7. Appearance retention
8. Can be made windproof and water resistant
9. Excellent drape (designers love the excellent drape of microfiber polyester)
10. Lighter weight
The greater fiber surface area also results in higher rates of dyeing at lower temperatures,
anddecreased fastness to light, crocking (fastness to rubbing), water and ozone.

Application of Microfiber:
Microfiber is a fairly new technology, with many applications in many industries. Cleaning
with microfiber products is fast, easy and environmentally friendly. With microfiber products
you can eliminate or drastically reduce the need to use chemicals. Microfiber cleaning fabrics
are sometimes described as having a magnetic attraction to dirt and dust. Microfiber products
are extremely soft and do not scratch, but at the same time they are effective for all cleaning
applications.

Microfiber is widely used in case of

1. Apparel
2. Clothing
3. Accessories
4. Textiles for cleaning
5. Rags
6. Insulation
7. Basketballs and
8. Environmental issues
Microfiber is also used to make mats, knits, and weaves for apparel, upholstery, industrial
filters, and cleaning products.. The shape, size, and combinations of synthetic fibers are
selected for specific characteristics, including softness, toughness, absorption, water
repellency, electrodynamics, and filtering capabilities.

Microfiber Fabric and its Various Applications

New developments in manufacturing of synthetic fibers is a continuous process.

Many fibers have been developed which possess such qualities that have given a setback to the natural fiber too. One of such
developments is that of microfibers. Microfibers are synthetic fibers that measure less than one denier. Denier is the
measurement of linear density and is used to describe the size of a fiber or filament. Over nine thousand meters of a one-
denier fiber weighs over one gram. Most of the microfibers are made of polyester, though they can also be composed of
nylon or other polymers. They are exceptionally strong and ultra fine - four times finer than wool fiber, three times finer
than cotton fiber and twice as fine as silk fiber

Characteristics of Microfibers

Microfiber fabrics have many qualities due to which they are preferred in many applications mostly for cleaning various
surfaces.
o In spite of very fine quality, microfibers have exceptional strength.

o They are breathable fabrics.

o Their comfort is similar to natural fibers.
o They are soft.
o They are very durable.
o They can be easily maintained and cared for.
o They retain their original shape.
o They are windproof and water resistant.
o They have good moisture wicking ability.
o They have excellent drape.
o They are light weight.
o They carry electrodynamic ability.
o They have good filtering capabilities.

On a whole, microfibers are high performance and low maintenance fabrics.

Applications of Microfiber Fabrics

Developed in Sweden, microfiber fabrics were originally used as wiping cloths due to their many characteristics suitable for
cleaning. Gradually, they started to be used as table cloths, blankets and other home furnishings. Due to their softer feel,
good drapability, moisture wicking property, water repellent characteristics, they are used for making a variety of apparel,
clothing & garments. They are widely used for making rain wear, sportswear, mens suits, kids clothing, inner wears, hosiery,
evening wear, outerwear, sheeting, upholstery and many textile accessories.

Cleaning

The first and the foremost purpose for which microfibers are used, is for making
wiping cloths and mops for cleaning. Those wipes used for consumer cleaning are generally made from split conjugated
fibers of polyester and polyamide and those used for commercial cleaning are made from 100% polyester microfiber. High-
quality microfiber when combined with the right knitting process, creates a cleaning material par excellence which can hold
up to seven times its weight in water. They can also absorb oils, that too in a very effective manner. They are excellent for
removing wax, quick detailing, cleaning interior and glass, as well as drying of cars and other automotive as they leave no
lint or dust. They prevent dust particles from floating in the air and allows them to settle on the cloth due to their
electrostatic properties which attracts dirt, fats or grease. Thus they are also ideal for allergy sufferers. They also pick up
much of the bacteria from the surface being cleaned. In fact, they reduce the number of bacteria by 99% whereas a
conventional cleaning cloth reduces them only by 33%.

Clothing

Due to microfiber's high absorption quality and moisture wicking ability, this fabric has
become a popular choice for performance apparel and sports wear. It is fast replacing cotton fabrics in production of these
specialty clothings. As microfiber wicks moisture away from the body, it keeps the wearer cool and dry. As such, it has come
to occupy an important position in the category of moisture management fabrics. As this fabric is liquid and stain resistant,
it is ideal for office wear even in rainy season. When blended with other fabrics like nylon fabric and polyester fabric, it
results into hybrid cloth having a very superior quality.

Home Furnishings

Microfiber fabric can be given textures like waffle texture,

velour texture, etc. Waffle texture is used in blankets and bed coverings as the dimples created by the air pockets of this
texture keep the user warm. Velour textured fabrics are very comfortable and soft that are increasingly being used by
fashion designers for their clothing lines. Microfibers used in tablecloths and as upholstery are designed to be liquid and
stain resistant. These fabrics show liquids in the form of bead on the surface until they are removed. Microfibers are also
used in bath towels and other towels, especially those used for swimming pool purposes, as they allow very quick drying.
Many furniture such as sofas have a polyester base and microfiber is used as their top covering. As a result one would not
need fabric protectors or stain removing cleaners as microfiber is already stain resistant. Microfiber fabric is also used for
thermal insulation in sleeping bags and outdoor equipment as they can retain heat better when damp or wet.

Careful Usage of Microfiber Fabrics

In spite of having many advantages, care has to be taken while using microfiber fabrics, especially when using these cloths
to clean sensitive surfaces. As microfiber fabric tends to accumulate dust, debris, and particles in its structure, it can easily
damage the sensitive surfaces like the high-tech coated surfaces e.g. CRT, LCD and plasma screens. These surfaces should
 be protected from abrasion due to dust particles gathered in the wiping cloth. To minimize the risk, a flat, non-rugged
microfiber cloth can be used, as they tend to be less prone to holding such fine abrasive materials such as sand grains.

Microfiber.its more than just a buzzword. Its a fiber variation that has fiber, fabric, and apparel producers as well as fashion designers
around the world buzzing with enthusiasm. These fibers have characteristics that lend themselves to the production of new, exciting and
fashionable fabrics. In other words, microfibers are giving manufactured fibers such as polyester a good name. Advancements in fiber
technology has made it possible to produce manufactured fibers that take on the characteristics of natural fibers.

Microfibers are found in nylon, polyester, and acrylic. A number of leading fashion designers and design firms are already using
microfiber products in their collections: Liz Claiborne, Evan Picone, Nautica, J.H. Collectibles, Eddie Bauer, Russ Togs, Donna Karan,
Norma Kamali, Ralph Lauren, and Rebecca Moses to name just a few. Calvin Klein , who swore off polyester in the early eighties, created
a quilted microfiber parka for one of his lines. The interest generated by Klein has led many designers to jump on the bandwagon,
leading to a polyester renaissance.

Generally, the accepted definition of a microfiber includes fibers that are one denier and finer. To put that in perspective, the fibers are
at least 15 times finer than those used in sheer, silk pantyhose. According to the Polyester Council of America, microdenier polyester is
four times finer than wool, three times finer than cotton, and more than twice as fine as silk.
Some of the outstanding characteristics of microfibers include the following:
exceptional strength, although the filaments are super fine

finer than wool, three times finer than cotton, and more than twice as fine as silk.
Some of the outstanding characteristics of microfibers include the following:

 exceptional strength, although the filaments are super fine

 improved breathability
 vivid prints with more clarity and sharper contrast
 comfort of natural fibers
 durability
 ease of care
 appearance retention
 can be made windproof and water resistant
 excellent drape (designers love the excellent drape of microfiber polyester)
 lighter weight

Industry observers expect to see microdenier fabrics in virtually every type of apparel. No longer just a buzzword for the apparel market,
microfibers are being featured in the newest fabrics shown in bedding and decorative home fashions. Microdenier fabrics are expected
to been seen in every type of apparel and home furnishings imaginable: rainwear, active sportswear, tailored suits, childrens wear,
lingerie, hosiery, eveningwear, outerwear, sheeting, upholstery and accessories. Some of the current microfibers include: Micromattique
polyester and MicroSupplex nylon form DuPont, Silky Touch nylon from BASF Fibers, Trevira Finesse polyester and Microfineesse
polyester from Trevira and MicroSupreme acrylic from Sterling Fibers.

Microfiber(British spelling: Microfibre) is fiber with strands less than one denier. Microfiber is a blend
of polyester andpolyamide. Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well.
When high quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective
cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in water. They are also used for some
cleaning applications, because of their exceptional ability to absorb oils.

Material
Microfiber is constructed in a blend of 80/20 ratio of polyester/polyamideams. They are made from a warp
knitted thread, composed of wedge-shaped polyester filaments with a core of nylon. The fiber's wedge shaped
filaments follow surfaces, lift up dirt, and then trap the particles inside the fibers. The capillary effect between
the filaments and nylon core creates a high absorbency, which in turn enables this cloth to clean and polish at
the same time.
To clean a microfiber cloth, wash with warm soapy water and rinse well. The warm water opens up the fibers,
allowing them to release the locked in dirt. Placing the cloths in a washing machine and then drying them in a
dryer on low heat is also effective. No fabric softeners of any kind should be used as the chemicals clog up the
microfibers, making them less effective. Bleach should also be avoided as it corrodes the fibers over time,
making them less effective. Ironing is also potentially damaging.

Functional uses
Microfiber performance apparel has become a very popular alternative to cotton apparel for athletic wear, such
as cyclingjerseys, because the microfiber material wicks moisture away from the body, keeping the athlete cool
and dry.

Microfiber materials, such as PrimaLoft are also used for thermal insulation as a replacement for down
feather insulation in sleeping bags and outdoor equipment, due to its better retention of heat when damp or wet.

Care should be exercised when using microfiber for cleaning of sensitive surfaces. By nature it accumulates
dust, debris, and particles inside its material. Sensitive surfaces (such as all high tech coated surfaces
e.g. CRT, LCD and plasmascreens) can easily be damaged by a microfiber cloth if it has picked up grit or other
abrasive particles when you use it. The cloth itself is generally safer to use on these surfaces than more common
cloths, particularly as no cleaning fluid is required for cleaning such surfaces. One solution to ensure safe
cleaning of such surfaces is to wash and dry the microfiber clothafter each use, care should be taken to use
prescribed washing and drying methods to ensure proper handling.

Microfiber mops are more costly than conventional mops, however some institutions find them more
economical because they are longer lasting and require less effort to use. [2][3]

Microfibers used in table cloths, furniture, and car interiors are designed to repel liquids and consequently are
difficult to stain. Microfiber table cloths will bead liquids until they are removed, they are often advertised
showing red wine on a white table cloth that wipes clean with a paper towel. Unfortunately, microfiber furniture
has a tendency to attract and contain cat hair within itself.