Concept and production method of microfiber
The so-called ultra-fine fiber refers to chemical fiber with a monofilament fineness of less than 0.44 dtex. Monofilaments of 0.0001 dtex have been produced abroad. If such a monofilament was pulled from the earth to the moon, its weight would not exceed 5 grams. The diameter of chemical fibers used in textile mills is generally 10 μm to 50 μm, cotton fibers are 10 μm to 17 μm, 114 cashmere is 14 μm to 16 μm, and the diameter of ultra-fine fibers is below 5 μm. If several ultra-fine fibers are put together, it is difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye. They can only be seen clearly with the help of a microscope. Therefore, the production process of this fiber is more complicated than that of ordinary chemical fiber.
The development of ultra-fine fibers was caused by the study of the microstructure of suede. By using a deep-focus scanning electronic display mirror to observe the fine structure of deerskin, it was found that it was mainly composed of fibers with a diameter of 3.2 μm to 0.03 μm. It is this kind of extremely fine fibers that give suede a delicate and soft skin feel. Researchers learned from this. After years of careful research and continuous testing, ultra-fine fibers were finally successfully developed. Ultrafine fibers usually use thermoplastic polymers (commonly used are polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, etc.) as raw materials. The main preparation methods include composite spinning methods (island-island type and peeling properties) and meltblowing methods. Ultrafine fibers of 0.00011 dtex (0.0001 den, equivalent to 0.1 μm) can be produced. Ultrafine fibers of about 0.33 dtex (0.3 den) can be produced using conventional spinning methods.
Performance characteristics of microfiber
The main characteristics of ultra-fine fibers are: slender single fibers, small diameter, large specific surface area, light and soft, high strength and good moisture absorption. Therefore, the microfibers themselves and the products they form can show many unique properties.
Soft and delicate touch
It can be seen from theoretical analysis that the flexural rigidity of the fiber is proportional to the fourth power of the fiber diameter. When the fineness of the fiber becomes thinner, the flexural rigidity of the fiber decreases rapidly. If the diameter of the fiber is reduced to 1/10 of the original, the bending rigidity of the thinned fiber is only one hundred thousand of the original, thus greatly changing the softness of the fiber and its products, and making the hand feel more delicate.
High water absorption and high oil absorption
After the fiber is thinned, its specific surface area increases, and at the same time, capillary holes with a larger number and smaller size are formed. The fabric not only improves the moisture absorption of the material, but also greatly improves the capillary wicking capacity and can absorb and store more liquids (water or oil). Therefore, ultra-fine fibers can be used to develop superabsorbent towels, superabsorbent refills and other superabsorbent products. These voids can also absorb a large amount of water, so the microfibers have strong water absorption. Moreover, a large amount of absorbed water is only stored in the gaps, which can make it dry quickly, so it can effectively prevent the growth of bacteria.
Application fields of microfiber
It is mainly used for superabsorbent towels, paper towels, superabsorbent refills, diapers, etc. According to reports, the super absorbent towel developed by Japan's Xiaocai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. absorbs water more than 5 times faster than ordinary towels. It absorbs water quickly and more, making it very soft and comfortable when used.
