Polybenzimidazole

This fiber is also known by its abbreviated designation of PBI. It has not been given a generic classification. The fiber is produced by Celanese Fibers Marketing Company. Its principal characteristic is its resistance to heat or flame at high temperatures. It is therefore particularly useful for thermo protective clothing and related industrial applications.

Alginate.  

Of minor importance is an alginate fiber made of jelly like calcium alginate derived from certain forms of se-weed. It is soluble in water and has been used as “scaffolding” in such fabrics as surgical, dressings which can be dissolved away.

Fluorocarbon.   

This fiber is polymerized from fluorspar and chloroform and is sold under Du Pont’s trademark, Teflon. It is extremely difficult to dye and has excellent resistance to chemicals, mildew, bacteria, and insects. Another type of fluorocarbon is Halar, developed by Allied Chemical Corp. It has been found to have greater strength and better dye ability. Fluorocarbon is used primarily for industrial applications rather than for consumer fabric uses. Consequently, it is not defined under Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.

Matrix fiber. 

A matrix fiber is defined by the FTC as “a manufactured textile fiber that is essentially a physical combination or mixture of two or more chemically distinct constituents or components combined at or prior to the time of extrusion (i.e., produced in fiber form), which components if separately extruded would each fall within different definitions of textile fibers.” Note that the matrix fiber is a physical mixture of its components. It therefore differs from bi-component and bi-constituent fibers which are comprised of two or more chemically distinct compositions. Both components of these fibers are whole but adhere to each other to form one fiber. The first commercially produced matrix fiber is marketed under the trademark of Cordelan and manufactured by Kohjin International Corporation of Japan. This fiber should be labeled Cordelan matrix fiber (50% vinyl, 50% vinyon). It is interesting to note that separately each component does not have the combination of required properties to be suitable for general consumer use. Yet, in matrix form this mixture gives Cordelan built-in flame resistance (though it is not flameproof), makes it self-extinguishing when removed from the flame, and provides other qualities which make it suitable for sleepwear and other kinds of garments. The matrix fibers cannot be classified according to their appearance and characteristics as can other types of fibers which are treated in this book.

Graft fiber.   

The FTC has established a rule for identifying a graft fiber as “ a manufactured textile fiber (which) is essentially a graft copolymer, the components of which, if appearing as separate fibers, would each fall within different existing definitions of textile fibers as set forth (in the rules), the fiber content disclosure as to such fiber shall, for all purposes… (i) disclose that it is a graft copolymer fiber, (ii) set out the components contained in the fiber by appropriate generic names specified (in the rules) in order of their predominance by weight, and (iii) set out the respective percentages of such components by weight.” An example of the proper way to label these fibers is 100% Graft Fiber (70% Acrylic, 30% Azlon). The first commercially produced graft fiber is marketed under the trademark of Chinon and manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., of Japan.  It is a copolymer graft fiber. According to the company it is made of 25 to 60 percent by weight of casein protein, and 40 to 75 percent by weight of vinyl monomer units, of which at least one-half by weight are acrylonitrile units. The difference between the graft and matrix fiber is that the two or more components of the graft fiber are molecularly bonded to form a chemical hybrid form which the components cannot be subsequently isolated or regenerated by physical or chemical means. It is apparent that the appearances and characteristics of such graft fibers have almost limitless unique possibilities, although their present development and commercial production are in the early stages and are relatively minimal.

Protein Fibers

The protein from such products as corn and milk has been processed chemically and converted into fiber. However, such fibers have not been commercially successful.

Rubber Fibers

Rubber fiber is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is comprised of natural or synthetic rubber. The treated rubber is produced in strands, so that the cross section is either round or square and the longitudinal surface is relatively smooth. It is used to make certain elastic fabrics.

Metallic Fibers

Metallic fiber is a manufactured fiber composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal. This fiber is usually produced in flat, narrow, smooth strips with a gleaming luster. It is used as a decorative yarn for various apparel and home furnishings.

Mineral Fibers

Various minerals have been manufactured into glass, ceramic, and graphite fibers, having prescribed properties for specific uses.

Glass.  

Natural minerals such as silica sand, lime stone, soda ash, borax, boric acid, feldspar, and fluorspar have been fused under very high temperatures into glass which can be processed into fiber. It is produced by a number of manufacturers under their respective trademarks Glass fiber is inert and highly flame-resistant. It is used for such home furnishings as curtains and drapery. It has many industrial applications.

Ceramic. 

A group of fibers not classified by the FTC is that of ceramic fibers. Most information regarding production is proprietary. The fibers are multifilament, are highly heat-resistant, and are suitable for aerospace applications. Two trademarks are Avceram and Fiberfrax. Graphite.   Carbon fiber is derived from a precursor, usually rayon, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), or pitch subjected to high heat under carefully controlled conditions. Such carbon fiber is produced for such highly specialized purposes as reinforcement in airplane and rocket structures, as well as for golf stick shanks. Thornel and Magnamite are trademarks of graphite fibers.