Olefin is a synthetic fiber created from ethylene and/or propylene gases under specific conditions. It is durable, lightweight, and resistant to wear, stains, and color. It is used in a wide range of products, including sportswear, upholstery, carpeting, and diapers. It is environmentally friendly and easily recyclable. However, it is flammable and sensitive to heat.
Olefin, also known as polypropylene or polyethylene, is a long-chain polymer synthetic fiber. It is created when ethylene and/or propylene gases are polymerised under very specific conditions. The fiber was first produced in the late 1950s and has a myriad of applications in manufacturing, household products and clothing. Its use has steadily increased since the 1960s and continues to gain popularity each year as new uses are found for this easy and durable material.
To create the olefin, the polymers are melted into a liquid, then passed through a machine called a spinneret, which forces the material through tiny holes to produce a long fiber. This fiber is then used to make the fabric or final product in which it will be used. Because the material resists dyeing, any dye must be added during the casting process rather than to the fabric or final product. Many companies prefer this product due to its easy and cost-effective manufacturing process. Surprisingly, that material is relatively environmentally friendly due to few byproducts produced when it’s made. The olefin is also easily recyclable.
There are several benefits to using olefin. It is very durable and resistant to wear, color and stains. The lightweight material – it has the lightest “specific gravity” of any fabric – dries quickly and wicks sweat and water away from the skin. Materials made from fabric hold their shape extremely well, making it good for packing and active use. It also produces very little static electricity and holds up well in the sun, as long as special stabilizers are added during manufacturing. The olefin is also highly resistant to deterioration from chemicals and moisture. One of the disadvantages of this material is that because it has a low melting point, it is flammable and will melt when exposed to high heat.
Olefin is manufactured under several names, including some well known ones such as DuPont® Tyvek®, 3M® Thinsulate® and Kimberly-Clark® Duraguard®. The material is used in a wide range of products including sportswear, apparel, auto and furniture upholstery, truck upholstery, indoor/outdoor carpeting, wallpaper/wallcoverings, bedding construction, and ropes. It is also used in cigarette filters and diapers. In clothing, it is easy to care for and can be washed normally and line dried or tumble dried on a low heat. Due to its sensitivity to heat, clothing made from this material should be kept away from iron and other sources of extreme heat.
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