Olefin fiber

Synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin

Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in wallpaper, carpeting, ropes, and vehicle interiors. Olefin's advantages are its strength, colorfastness and comfort, its resistance to staining, mildew, abrasion, and sunlight, and its good bulk and cover.

Italy began production of olefin fibers in 1957. The chemist Giulio Natta successfully formulated olefin suitable for more textile applications. Both Natta and Karl Ziegler were later awarded the Nobel Prize for their work on transition metal catalysis of olefins to fiber, also known as Ziegler–Natta catalysis. Production of olefin fibers in the U. S. began in 1960.

Olefin fibers have great bulk and cover while having low specific gravity. This means “Warmth without the weight.”

Polymerization of propylene and ethylene gases, controlled with special catalysts, creates olefin fibers. Dye is added directly to the polymer before melt spinning is applied. Additives, polymer variations and different process conditions can create a range of characteristics. Other U. S. olefin fiber producers include Asota; American Fibers and Yarns Co; American Synthetic Fiber, LLC; Color Fi; FiberVisions; Foss Manufacturing Co., LLC; Drake Extrusion; Filament Fiber Technology, Inc.; TenCate Geosynthetics; Universal Fiber Systems LLC.

Sports & active wear, socks, hoodies, thermal underwear; lining fabrics.

Olefin can be used by itself or in blends for indoor and outdoor carpets, carpet tiles, and carpet backing. The fiber can also be used in upholstery, draperies, wall coverings, slipcovers, and floor coverings. It is often used in basements due to its quick drying and mold resistant properties.

Olefin can be used for interior fabrics, sun visors, arm rests, door and side panels, trunks, parcel shelves, and resin replacement as binder fibers.

In an industrial setting, olefin creates carpets; ropes, geo textiles that are in contact with the soil, filter fabrics, bagging, concrete reinforcement, and heat sealable paper (e. g. tea and coffee bags).

When dry cleaned, many dry cleaning solvents can swell Olefin fibers. Since Olefin dries quickly, line drying and low tumble drying with little or no heat is recommended. Since Olefin is not absorbent, waterborne stains do not present a problem. However, oily stains are difficult to remove, though lukewarm water, detergent, and bleach can be used to remove such stains. Olefin fiber has a low melting point (around 225 to 335 °F (107 to 168 °C), depending on the polymer's grade) so care must be taken to iron these at a low temperature, as to prevent melting. Items such as outdoor carpets and other fabrics can be hosed off. Olefin is easy to recycle.