Fibers, Olefin

Abstract

Olefin fibers, also known as polyolefin fibers, are synthetic fibers of growing commercial importance. Several olefin polymers are capable of forming fibers, but only polypropylene and polyethylene are of practical importance. From the first commercial application of polyethylene in automobile seat covers to multicomponent extrusion for specialty applications, olefin fibers have made a significant impact in the fiber industry. This article reviews the fiber properties, including physical, tensile, chemical, and thermal and ultraviolet stability, which make them ideally suited for these varied applications. Commercial fiber manufacturing and processing is discussed for staple fiber, continuous filament, and directly formed nonwovens. The extrusion, quench, and draw play integral roles in the development of the fiber properties. Bicomponent, high strength, and hard‐elastic fiber technology is examined. Olefin fiber consumption statistics are broken down by use.

Knowledge of the Unknown

“…16 The reason for their proliferation lay in the highly fragmented power structures in this corner of the Empire, which made cooperation between the crime prosecution agencies essential. 17 Besides, vagrants were openly tolerated in the areas controlled by imperial knights, as contemporary commentators frequently complained. On the other hand, there was a scattering of public servants eager to optimize the fight against crime for which they were locally responsible.…”