Polyolefin Fiber

A manufactural fiber in which the fiber firming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units. Polyolefin’s qualifying as Rubber.

Polyolefin’s are two types:

1. Polyethylene fibers.
2. Polypropylene fibers.

Polyethylene fibers: Fiber spun from polymer of ethylene (CH₂=CH₂).

Polypropylene fibers: Fiber spun from polymer of propylene (CH₃-CH=CH₂).

Commercial name:

1. Polyethylene: Courlene, vynene-1, velon-Lp.
2. Polypropylene: Reevon, DLP, Meraklon.

Physical properties:

1. Tenacity: 3.5 to 8.0 gm/denier.
2. Stretch ability: 40% elongation at break.
3. Moisture regain: 0.1%.
4. Specific gravity: 0.9 to 0.91.
5. Dimensional stability: Unaffected by water, Not shrink below 150ºC.
6. Abrasion resistance: Excellent.

Chemical properties:

1. Acid: Good resistance to most acids.
2. Alkalis: High resistance to all bleaches.
3. Sunlight: Loss of strength.
4. Heat: Heat sensitive.
5. Dye ability: Pigment is soluble.
6. Flammability: Slowly burning but melt.