What is Chlorofibre?
Any synthetic fiber made from the polymerization of a chlorinated monomer (especially from forms of polyvinyl chloride) is called chlorofibre. Chlorofibres are made from PVC which is derived from salt and petrochemicals. The term chlorofibre is also widely used to denote polyvinyl chloride fibres as defined by the Federal Trade Commission. This term has the advantage of avoiding any possibility of confusion with the trade name ‘Vinyon’. The term refers to all textile fibers from PVC. They do not support combustion and emit no droplets during combustion but emit toxic gases (HCl and CO) when burnt. They dry quickly, is waterproof, crease-resistant and have a high coefficient of thermal insulation, electric and acoustic. Commercialized in 1949 by the Society Rhovyl, they are mainly used in the manufacture of clothing or linen. Chlorofibers are flammable and emit no droplets during combustion but emit toxic gases. They dry quickly, waterproof, crease-resistant and have a highco-efficient of thermal, electric and acoustic. Chlorofibre came to be noticed because of its special properties. With high performance products and fibre of innovative characteristics, it became an established material. Rhovyl is the leading manufacturer of synthetic PVC based fibres.
Poly (vinyl chloride) fibre used for textiles is manufactured from acetylene and hydrogen chloride which is dissolved in mixtures of carbon disulphide and acetone for dry-spinning of normal vinyl chloride (PVC) homopolymer. The fibers are co-polymer of vinylchloride / vinyledine chloride and vinyl cyanide or vinyl acetate.
The fiber is stretched to varying degrees as it leaves the spinning jet to give different types of filaments. The repeat units of some of the chlorofibres are shown in below fig. The water absorption of these fibres are extremely low, softening temperature is low with considerable shrinkage at 70~ and have poor dyeability at moderate temperatures. These fibres are mainly used in filter cloths, flying suits (in which their property of non-flammability is an asset), curtains (owing to their resistance to degradation of light) and fishing nets (owing to their resistance to water). These fibres have regular round, dogbone or dumbell shaped cross-section and transparent, even and smooth. They are highly lustrous and silky in hand.
Properties / Characteristics of Chlorofibre:
Like polyester, Chlorofibre is a synthetic polymer that is spun and turns into yarns and weaved to become fabric. Chlorofibre is a soft, dry and comfortable fabric. Chlorofiber fabrics are non-absorbent which is why it is easy to keep dry. Its construction gives the fabric a wicking effect, channeling perspiration from the skin and expelled through the fabric. This helps to keep the skin dry and increase level of comfort. The fabric is soft and has an excellent isothermic property, keeping away cold air and acting as an insulator. It also has the highest thermal efficiency of any fibre (natural or manmade) and, being totally non-absorbent, is easy to launder and does not retain dour. To make garments even more comfortable, it is recommended to brush the inner surface of the fabric to give a warm furry finish and use flat-locked seams to ensure comfort when carrying a ruck sack, golf clubs or fishing bag. Chloro fibre is likely to be PVC of low degree of polymerization, which accounts for its softness without the need for plasticizer. Like most synthetic polymers, it is likely to be protected against oxidative degradation with antioxidant. Another redeeming quality for chlorofibre is that the fabric is surprisingly soft and comfortable. As a good insulator, it has the property of keeping out the cold, which has traditionally relied on air (and perspiration) trapped in the air pockets of wool and other thick fabrics.
Applications or Uses of Chlorofibre:
Hosiery
Technique and comfort are the key words for Chlorofibre used in hosiery. These characteristics blend happily with other fibres to respond most accurately to the requirements of the end-users.
Casual Outerwear
Chlorofibre casual outerwear line gives the ability to really take pleasure in looking casual while also giving human body the added health benefits, like, the rapid moisture permeability and added warmth that these garments have to offer and feel protected all day long.
Kids wear
Chlorofibre provides the excellent range of kids ‘garments to assist their bodies to breathe easier and fight those seasonal allergy attacks by surrounding them with a healthy an ionic atmosphere.
Undergarments
Warmth, softness and comfort are among the qualities that make chloro fibre such an essential part of the world of underclothes. Chlorofibre undergarments deliver premium health benefits protecting against harsh environments every day. They are light weight and breathable to keep person dry and comfortable in the areas where they need it the most.
Sportswear
Comfort and performance are among the qualities that make chlorofibre so essential to the sports world. It offers a range of products that meet the requirements of sportsmen for technical clothes that are comfortable, warm and breathable.
Socks
Socks made out of this fibre are the perfect socks for active wear, business wear, or even stay-at-home-wear. The negative ion technology repels moisture, protecting against infection, foot odour, and forming bacteria.
Typical applications include:
- Waddings, filter cloths, braiding, piping and other uses in the chemical industry;
- Battery fabrics;
- Protective clothing‘;
- Tarpaulins, awnings, curtains, fishing nets, etc.;
- Fairings and canvas awnings for aircraft, gliders, boats, buoys, etc.;
- Orthopaedic materials, artificial limbs, saddlery, etc.;
- Accessories for textile machinery, billiard cloths.
Advantages of Chlorofibre:
- Thermal insulation
- Wicking of moisture
- Flame retardancy
- Resistance to mildew and fungi
- Resistance to acids, bases, reducing and oxidizing agent
Health Benefits Chlorofibre:
- Purify the blood, regulate its PH balance, and stimulate circulation
- Rejuvenate cells, stimulate cell metabolism
- Strengthen the immune system
- Regulate autonomic nerves
Author of This Article:
S. M. Hossen Uzzal
B.Sc. in Textile Technology
Monno Fabrics Ltd. Manikgonj
Email: uhossen@gmail.com
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Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. He is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
