What is microfiber?
Microfiber
is a man-made or synthetic fiber that is finer than a denier of fewer than ten
micrometers in diameter. It is smaller than the diameter of a silk strand which
is about 1/5 the diameter of its own hair. The most common types of microfibers
are made from polyester, polyamide, or a combination of polyester, polyamide,
and polypropylene. Microfiber is used to make mats, nits, and waves for
clothing, upholstery, industrial filters, and cleaning products. Shapes, sizes,
and combinations of synthetic fibers are selected for specific properties
including smoothness, toughness, absorption, water repetition, electronic
connection, and filtering ability.
Properties of microfiber
There
are some properties of microfiber as follows-
i.
Microfiber has ultra-fine linear density, finer than the most delicate silk.
ii.
Microfiber fabrics are normally lightweight, resilient, resist wrinkling,
have a luxurious drape and body, retain shape, and resist pilling.
iii.
They are relatively strong and durable with other fabrics of similar weight.
iv.
It is extremely drapeable & durable.
v.
Many fibers can be packed very tightly together because the microfibers are
fine.
vi.
It is very soft and luxurious and the hand feels silk-like.
vii.
It has high strength, although the filaments are super fine.
viii.
Wash and dry-clean both are possible.
ix.
It has to shrink-resistance properties.
x.
It is helping to protect from anti-microbial agents, both family members and
work staff from the dangers of the bacteria that cause odor and mildew.
xi.
It is hypoallergenic, and so does not create problems for those suffering from
allergies.
xii.
It is non-electrostatic.
xiii.
Microfibers absorb over 7 times their weight in water.
xiv.
It dries in one-third of the time of ordinary fibers.
xv.
It is environmentally friendly
xvi.
Appearance retention
xvii.
It can be made windproof and water-resistant.
Microfiber environmental impact
Unfortunately,
textile microfibers are also having a measurable impact on the environment.
Microfiber-based textiles are now known to spread both synthetic fibers and
microplastics during general use and as a producer of conventional laundering
processes. Researchers have found that a garment featuring microfiber textiles
can shed thousands of fibers through a single machine wash. Ironically,
microfiber-based textiles are made up of recyclable materials, such as water
bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic can actually carry
more microfibers, as they may be less powerful than microfibers made from
virgin plastic.
Conventional
filtering methods and systems used in washing machines and municipal wastewater
treatment facilities can be effective in capturing a large percentage of these
shed fibers, with some filtration technologies claiming the capture rate to be
99% higher. Despite the high capture rate, water volume processing means that
significant amounts of microfibers and microplastics affect potential aquatic
life in nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans. Can affect growth and livestock.
The
potential environmental impact of microfibers has been further mixed by various
chemicals used in microfiber-based textile production. Chemicals that reduce
the potential flammability of dyes, waterproofing agents, or any finished
textile product may adhere to the microfibers spread from the fabric. These
chemicals are then released into the environment along with the microfibers,
with the risk of additional contamination.
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