What is Olefin Fiber: Properties, Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages

What is Olefin Fiber?
Olefin is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polyethylene, propylene, or other olefin unit, except amorphous ( noncrystalline) polyolefins. It is a very lightweight fiber possesses very good strength and abrasion resistance. Olefin (polypropylene) fibers are the least used in textiles of the big five synthetic fibres. This fiber is the least expensive of these synthetic fibers as it is the least complex to make compared with other synthetic fibers. It possesses a unique combination of low moisture absorbency and exceptional wicking of water, which are advantages in providing comfortable apparel in certain circumstances. However, its durability is not as good. For example, in contrast with higher‐durability nylon, a carpet made from olefin fibers would be cheaper to buy but would not last as long as a carpet made from nylon fibres.

Olefin fiber also has excellent sunlight resistance and weatherability, and can be washed or drycleaned easily. However, because olefin is sensitive to perchloroethylene, the most frequently used drycleaning solvent, generally, petroleum solvent should be specified if necessary.

Similar to other thermoplastic fibers, olefin fibers are hydrophobic. However, they also have a waxy surface so that materials made out of them can be easily wiped clean with a cloth. Such moisture properties are sought for active sportswear fabrics, particularly sweatshirts, socks, and warm-up suits, because water is moved away from the skin. Olefin fabrics are found in technical uses such as envelopes and shower curtains. Because of their hydrophobic nature, olefin fibers tend to be quick drying and have an instant wicking ability. Therefore, in apparel products, olefin fibers are used in active wear, warm clothing, socks, and linings. Because of its great colorfastness, olefin is also suitable for interiordesign applications. However, due to its crystalline structure, the fibers have poor dyeability and must be colored in fiber or solution stage. Because colors can be applied only in the earliest stages of fiber production, colors must be chosen ahead of the fashion trends with limited color flexibility. Olefin is also manufactured in monofilament and multifilament fiber forms. Monofilament olefin mainly has a round cross‐sectional shape (Figures 1). In longitudinal view, the fiber is smooth with a waxy feel. Olefin fibers can also have a triangular cross‐section when used as outdoor fabrics for interior design products.

Olefin fibers are produced by polymerizing raw materials under pressure with a catalyst and melt spinning into filaments that are drawn to increase orientation. Olefins are used for making indoor/outdoor carpeting and bathroom floor covering because of their low specific gravity. Important apparel end uses are athletic clothes, exercise suits, and underwear because of its excellent wicking action.

Properties of Olefin Fibers:

1. Extremely lightweight (lowest specific gravity of all fibers)
2. High strength (both wet and dry)
3. Resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, insects, perspiration, rot, and weather
4. Abrasion resistant
5. Low moisture absorption
6. Stain and soil resistant
7. Lowest static buildup among synthetic fibers
8. Resistant to sunlight
9. Good washability with quick drying and unique wicking properties
10. They are resilient, moldable, and comfortable, making them suitable for various textile applications.
11. Thermally bondable

Advantages of Olefin Fiber:

1. Very light and easy to handle.
2. Strong and durable even when wet.
3. Resists abrasion, chemicals, and weather.
4. Dries quickly and stays dry.
5. Highly resistant to stains, easy to clean, and maintains colorfastness.
6. Reduces static and dust.
7. Withstands sunlight without degrading.
8. Soft and comfortable to wear.
9. Withstands fading, mildew, chemicals, and insects.
10. Can be bonded with heat.

Disadvantages of Olefin Fiber:

1. They can melt or deform at high temperatures.
2. Dyeing is challenging due to low absorbency.
3. Not biodegradable, which raises environmental concerns.
4. Can flatten or lose shape over time, affecting appearance.
5. Can generate static electricity and pilling.
6. Less breathable compared to some natural fibers.

Uses of Olefin Fiber:
Olefin fibers have wide range of applications due to their unique properties. Important uses of olefin fibers are briefly described below

a) Apparel: Sportswear, activewear, socks, hoodies, thermal underwear, and lining fabrics etc.

b) Home Furnishing: Indoor and outdoor carpets, carpet tiles, upholstery, draperies, furniture cushion, rugs and throw pillow, wall coverings, slipcovers, floor coverings and outdoor bean bags, etc. Often used in basements for quick-drying and mold resistance.

c) Automotive: Interior fabrics, sun visors, armrests, door panels, side panels, trunks, parcel shelves, and binder fibers for resin replacement.

d) Industrial: Carpets, ropes, geotextiles, filter fabrics, bagging, concrete reinforcement, and heat-sealable paper (e.g., tea and coffee bags).

References:

1. Textile Fiber Microscopy: A Practical Approach By Ivana Markova
2. Textile Handbook By The Hong Kong Cotton Spinners Association
3. Polyolefin Fibres: Structure, Properties and Industrial Applications, 2nd Edition Edited by: Samuel C.O. Ugbolue
4. Polyolefin Fibres: Industrial and Medical Applications Edited by Samuel C. O. Ugbolue
5. Handbook of Textile and Industrial Dyeing Volume 2: Applications of Dyes Edited by M. Clark