With the development of modern technology, new types of different materials are constantly emerging. Many inventions greatly simplify human life. One of these useful innovations was microfiber, which was developed in the late 1970s. XX century, in Japan. Microfiber or microfiber is a synthetic fiber, which is obtained by a thin weave of threads. One fiber of this material is 100 times smaller than a human hair.
What it is?
Microfiber is characterized by a large number of unique properties. It is recognized as one of the lightest and densest fabrics that have a long service life. Matter does not tarnish in the process of washing, is resistant to various damages and may be suitable for use for more than 5 years.
The fabric has a high absorbency. Even when wet, microfiber absorbs all excess liquid from any surface and does not form stains. Fiber looks very interesting and practically has no nap. Due to this characteristic, microfiber wipes are well remove all the dust from any kind of surface. For very dirty areas it is worth choosing structured napkins. They remove all the dirt that is absorbed between the fibers.
The material is very pleasant to the touch, leaves no traces and damage, even on fragile surfaces in the form of glass and mirrors. After washing, the material instantly acquires its original appearance. Microfiber can be sold in any color and with any pattern.
In 100% microfibre there can be nylon fibers with an admixture of polyester and various molecular compounds. The fabric can be mixed or made from natural yarns. If the fabric is marked 100, then it consists of synthetic threads.
Mass fiber production began in the 80s. XX century. For the manufacture of such material very thin fibers are used, whose thickness is not more than 0.6 microns. The manufacturing process involves the dissolution of synthetic fibers under the influence of hot alkali. After such an effect, the threads lose more than half of their weight.
Modern production of microfiber involves obtaining fabric in two ways. The first option involves the creation of flat threads, but not very large diameter. Thin threads with this method of production can not be obtained.
In the process of the second method, 2 substances are passed through the holes, due to which a two-element thread is produced. To do this, use the method of dissolution and division. To create such a fiber, a special form in the form of an asterisk is used. One substance passes through a rod of this shape and then mixes with another. As a result, the composition undergoes temperature treatment, and the finished material in cross section is very similar to a star. This method is used to make very fine fibers of 2 substances. The composition does not mix with each other. Due to the special technology, the finest microfibers are obtained.
Composition
This microfiber fiber consists of the following components:
- natural cotton;
- artificial threads;
- synthetics;
- viscose;
- various polymers in the form of polyester and polyamide.
- does not wrinkle during operation;
- able to absorb 3 times more fluid than its own weight;
- due to the unique structure, water does not get into the fibers;
- not subject to the formation of pellets;
- due to durability after intensive use, there is no fiber or lint anywhere;
- clothes and other microfiber accessories keep you warm.
In addition to the indisputable advantages, the fabric has significant drawbacks.
- Things from microfiber do not withstand high temperatures. Clothes from such material should not be dried near the batteries and other heating devices, as well as ironed.
- The more fat accumulates in the fiber structure, the less moisture the material is able to absorb.
- Microfiber may cause an allergic reaction.
- Some types of microfiber due to their composition may be subject to the formation of pellets.
- To dry products from this material is necessary in natural conditions.
Properties
Microfibre has several undeniable advantages. Although the shortcomings of the material may be for someone quite significant.
The main advantages of the material:
- has a high density;
- dries very quickly;
- during long operation does not lose color saturation;
Varieties
Microfiber is made of various fibers and subjected to different processing. The result is a material with different quality characteristics.
There are the following types of microfiber.
- Modal. It is based on bamboo pulp. The fabric is very soft, durable and strong. It feels very soft and looks like silk materials. Microfiber has a long service life and in the process of using it retains its quality characteristics for a long time.
- Tactel is a material that is produced in the USA. This fabric is famous for its delicate and delicate structure.
- Meryl is the most expensive type of microfiber. This type of material has antiseptic characteristics due to the fact that the production process is treated with special ions with silver. From it turns out high-quality underwear.
Application area
Due to its unique qualities, microfiber is very popular in many areas of human life. The material has great strength and breaths, and also has a hygroscopicity. The most popular area of application of this material is the use of small segments for cleaning. Clothing, underwear and accessories for home and life are very popular. Microfiber has a good service life, which is very important for most products.
Main uses for microfiber
Allocate the following.
- Cloth for cleaning. Napkins for cleaning residential and non-residential premises, as well as motor vehicles, have a wide demand. Wet cleaning accessories that are attached to mops are very popular. Special cloths for cleaning all kinds of equipment and gadgets are made of microfiber. Fabrics are made of fibers with enhanced absorption, for wet cleaning cars. Such material ideally absorbs various contaminants and water, without leaving stains on the surface. Due to the texture of the fabric, even very fragile surfaces are not damaged and not injured. Statics created during the cleaning process perfectly polishes the furniture and attracts dust.
- Microfiber-based clothing. Due to the high density of the material, it is possible to sew clothes from it, which perfectly protects against adverse environmental conditions. Fabric interferes with moisture penetration and creates fine heat exchange. The material is made of artificial threads, but it is well suited for the manufacture of things and linen. Due to the special technology of fabric production, there is practically no possibility of an allergic reaction.
- Microfiber shoes. Modern technology has helped create a material that is characterized by great ease and ease of care.Outwardly, such shoes seem made of leather. She is without the top layer and visually resembles a nubuck. In the process of wearing such shoes, the legs feel as comfortable as possible and do not get wet. Experts claim that these shoes can be washed and not worry about the safety of its quality.
- Tights with the addition of microfiber. Due to the use of this material, the subject of the women's toilet has gained unprecedented strength and quality. This is the main advantage of this product, compared to classic tights. Such tights are very pleasant to the touch, have a soft and velvety. In the cool season they are much better protected from the cold.
- Microfiber textile products. Almost all textiles can be made on the basis of microfiber. From this material sew bedding, clothing, sports uniforms, etc. Microfiber products are very unpretentious in the care and virtually no wrinkle. Sleeping accessories are perfectly breathable and it is very comfortable to sleep under them. In the manufacture of high quality microfiber textile accessories, they will last a long time and will not lose their quality characteristics.
It is important to properly care for the material, given its characteristics.
- Microfiber upholstery for furniture. Such coverage will last a very long time and will be unpretentious in terms of care. In order to keep the upholstery in good condition, it should be rubbed occasionally with a sponge or a special brush. In the event of dirt, any stains are removed using a soap solution. This material very long retains its original color and shape, it is almost not subject to the formation of various attritions. Artificial microfiber suede is very popular. This material looks very presentable and noble. At the first examination, even experts find it difficult to answer, while natural or synthetic material is used for upholstering.
Comparison with other materials
In the modern world there is a huge selection of different materials. They may be of natural or artificial origin.
The main differences microfiber from other materials.
- Polyester is a material that is made from petroleum products. In the production process, it is exposed to high temperatures. Then the fibers are pressed through special aggregates and twisted into thin threads. Polyester also does not crumple and has a long service life. However, the fibers of the material are much thicker. To the touch, the thread is much coarser and less permeable to water and air. Differences in clothing are that things from polyester will protect from wind and rain.
But for sportswear it is worth choosing clothes made of microfiber, although it has a significantly higher cost.
- Fleece is made from polyester and other artificial fibers. According to its quality characteristics, it looks more like wool. Unlike microfiber, fleece absorbs all the dust and is not suitable for restoring order and getting rid of dirt. But both materials are breathable and are excellent for making fitness clothes and children's clothes. In terms of care, fleece products should also be washed at low temperatures and not unscrew the fabric after washing.
- Calico is very popular in the manufacture of bed linen and is a completely natural material. Unlike coarse calico, microfiber creates a cool effect on the body and on such underwear small puffs can appear. Microfiber bedding can accumulate static electricity.
- Suede car care absorbs much more moisture. But it concerns mirror surfaces and glass. All sorts of niches and furniture is better to wipe with microfiber. In appearance, some types of microfiber are very similar to natural suede. Unlike microfiber, suede has a more porous and natural structure.Natural suede has a heterogeneous pile thickness at different sites and smells like leather. Artificial material emits a synthetic smell. Microfiber in terms of furniture upholstery has several advantages. In the summer, it cools the skin, and in the winter, on the contrary, it warms. Microfiber upholstery is much easier to care for.
Each type of material has its own undeniable advantages and weaknesses. The consumer chooses for himself what material the product is worth buying.
Care instructions
In order for the microfiber products to last as long as possible, they need competent care.
The main recommendations for the care of microfiber.
- It is possible to wash in the washing machine, but on the most delicate modes.
- Water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
- Do not iron this type of fabric. In case of emergency, it is better to use the minimum temperature conditions of the iron.
- It is not recommended to squeeze things manually, it is better to blot them with a towel.
- It is strictly forbidden to dry microfiber products on batteries and other sources of strong heat.
- Experts advise against using potent products to get rid of stains and other contaminants.
- The fabric may deteriorate due to the use of air conditioning. Therefore, its use is not recommended.
If you follow all the rules and take care of microfiber products, they will last a long time, maintaining their original appearance. It is important to bear in mind that synthetics, although an artificial material, is practically not harmful to human health. This is achieved through the use of modern technology in the production of material.
For how to clean in five minutes with microfiber cloths, see the following video.