MICROFIBERS... Fine Fibers for Fashionable Fabrics “Microfiber” is really not a fiber Some rayon and acrylic microfibers Fabric Characteristics in the truest sense of the word. are also being manufactured for Consider a very thick rope. When Rather, it is the generic term for the consumer use. Microfibers can bent, it will be stiff and form a technology that has been developed be used alone or blended with rounded arc. If finer threads or to produce an ultra-fine fiber, which conventional denier man-made yarns are wound together until they is then woven into very high-quality fibers as well as with natural fibers form the same diameter as the fabric constructions. DuPont such as cotton, wool and silk. thick rope and are bent, they will introduced the first microfiber, made These fibers, especially the ultra- form a sharper bend or curve. from polyester, in 1989. fine 0.3 to 0.5 denier types, are Each of the individual strands can Fiber Characteristics more expensive to process, and then move independently to create more flexibility or pliability. This Man made fibers are formed by command a premium price. Fiber effect occurs with microfibers. forcing a liquid through tiny holes brands such as Invista’s patented TM Each of the many very fine fibers in a device called a spinneret. With Micromattique (polyester) are moves independently to create a microfibers, the holes are finer enjoying a surge in popularity for soft drape, yet the fine fibers can than with more conventional fibers. both residential and commercial be packed together tightly to give Potentially, any man-made fiber could interior fabrics. body to the fabric. be made into a microfiber. A soft hand and exceptional Fiber sizes are generally expressed drape are two of the most often according to a system called “denier.” mentioned characteristics of A denier is the weight in grams of a microfiber fabrics. These fabrics 9000-meter (about 5 miles) length also lend themselves to special of fiber or yarn. The higher the denier effects, such as suede and number the thicker the fiber. The embossed looks. denier of human hair ranges from 2 to 4, while fine silk is approximately Microfibers are most often 1.25 denier. Manufactured fibers used in filament form. Because with deniers less than one are fabrics created from filament classified as microfibers. yarns have smooth surfaces, pilling is not a problem. Microfibers are most commonly produced using polyester and nylon. Microscopic view of Tactel® micro touch fiber (fore- ground) and wool fiber. Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 1 COPYRIGHT 2016 Caring for Microfibers Trust the Experts Microfibers can generally be cared With proper care, microfiber fabrics for in a manner similar to that of can last for years. Vacuuming, conventional fibers of the same type. rotating and flipping cushions and (A fabric made of nylon microfibers damp dusting are all tools that can would likely be cleanable in the effectively add life to these fabrics. same way as a fabric made with The Fiber-Seal Fabric Care System conventional nylon fibers.) can benefit these fabrics by If, however, a fabric is made of reducing absorbency, helping to rayon microfibers, it would need resist permanent staining, and to be cared for as a rayon fabric. ultimately increasing the useful life This is what makes caring for these of the fabric. fabrics so difficult. Unless the fiber Microfiber Area Rug content is known—beyond the Designer's Corner Visit us online today at Because of the very tight weave generic term “microfiber”—there is www.FiberSeal.com to find the local and the luster of the fibers, too little information to know what Service Center nearest you. Also, polyester microfiber fabrics can the fabric is or how to care for it. look very much like an elegant silk. there are dozens of articles written (Remember, polyester is often used Obviously, pre-testing is especially on everything from Bamboo Fabrics to create “faux silk” fabrics.) important when caring for to Flame Retardants. Drop by and microfiber fabrics. see all of the FiberFacts and Textile Tip publications in Designer’s Corner. You can also connect with us on our social media networks! Tactel® and MicromattiqueTM are registered trademarks of INVISTA (formerly DuPont Textiles & Interiors). Need Help With Fabric Cleaning Or Fabric Protection? Your local Fiber-Seal Service Center is ready to help and just a few clicks away... find out which one is closest to you by visiting www.FiberSeal.com/Locations. Or, you can always give us a call at 214.333.9400 or email us at [email protected]. Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 2 COPYRIGHT 2016.