High-performance and multifunctional fibres

1. Functional fibre materials

Researchers can classify functional fibres into 4 main categories according to their properties:

(1) Physical functionality.

Including.

①Electrical function, mainly anti-static, conductivity, electromagnetic wave shielding, photoelectricity and information memory;

②Thermal function, high temperature resistance, adiabatic, flame retardant, thermal sensitivity, heat storage and low temperature resistance;

③ Optical functions, such as photoconductivity, photorefractivity, light interference, light weather resistance, polarisation and light absorption;

④ The physical form function includes shaped cross-section shapes, ultra-fine features, and surface microfabrication.

(2) Chemical function.

There are photodegradability, photocrosslinking, odour elimination and catalytic activity.

(3) Material separation function.

For example, the separation function has hollow separation, microporous separation, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, etc.; adsorption and exchange function has ion exchange, high water absorption, selective adsorption and so on.

(4) Biological adaptability function.

The healthcare functions are protective, antibacterial, etc., artificial dialysis, bioabsorbability and biocompatibility.

1.1 Functional fibres

On the basis of simulation bionics and its technology developed ultra-real fibres, highly perceptive fibres and fibres with special functions (such as anti-static, membrane separation, health care, light, heat, electricity and other functions).

There are mainly:

(1)Corterra fibers are PTT polymer fibers, called ‘the future of elastic fibers.’ They are comfortable, soft, fluffy, easy to dye, bright, and durable. They are mainly used in heavy or shirt fabrics and knitted underwear.

(2)Polyester fiber’s hydrophobicity is better than that of cotton and wool. It can pull moisture from the human body to the fabric’s surface and remove it. The U.S. DuPont company makes CoolMax products. They have great absorption and comfort. Manufacturers use them to make military uniforms and sportswear.

(3) Manufacturers make antimicrobial fibres by doping agents into the spinning liquid. The best are nanoscale, silver-containing zeolite fibres. They are heat-resistant, broad-spectrum, and long-lasting. They are safe, reliable, and do not cause drug resistance. It is mainly used in underwear, sanitary materials and bedding, etc.

(4) Antistatic fibre, by modifying synthetic fibres or adding antistatic agents to the polymer. Another option is to use a third monomer with antistatic properties. Manufacturers use the products in textiles. They include carpet cleaning, curtains, and medical work clothes. They also resist fouling and adhesion.

(5)Some melted synthetic fibres, a ceramic powder, and far-infrared fibre can boost blood circulation. They increase blood and oxygen supply, speed up metabolism, and improve body function. Medical and health care professionals use it.

(6) Anti-ultraviolet fibre, anti-ultraviolet fibre made from ultraviolet shielding agent through melt spinning. It blocks 92% or more of UV rays. It also shields against some thermal radiation. People use it to make summer sun shirts, T-shirts, and umbrellas.

1.2 Environmentally friendly fibres

There are mainly:

(1) Natural coloured cotton and wool, rabbit hair, etc..

(2) Hemp fibres, including flax, ramie, jute and other hemp fibres. It is a natural green fibre. And t has antibacterial and health care properties. It is also anti-ultraviolet and anti-static.

(3)Tencel fibre is a true ‘eco-friendly’ fibre. They make it from wood pulp. It is a carbohydrate. And it is biodegradable and has no waste or by-products. It is fully recycled.

(4) Polylactic acid (PLA) fibre is also known as polypropylene glycol. It is a linear polyester polymer. Using corn, rice, wheat, potato flour, and organic waste, we ferment to form lactic acid. We then polymerize and spin it. The result is a fabric with elasticity, moisture absorption, and breathability. It protects against heat and UV rays. Waste natural degradation of CO2 and H2O, is a green, eco-friendly fiber. It’s mainly used for underwear, outerwear, medical textiles, and industrial materials.

 

(5) Chitin fibre, made from shells of shrimps, crabs, insects and other fibres. It has good moisture absorption, breathability and bactericidal and anti-odour properties. Mainly used in the medical and health industry.

(6) Others such as milk fibre soy fibre, bamboo fibre, wood fibre etc.

1.3 Intelligent Fibre

Intelligent fibre is a new technology. It uses functional fibre materials and advances in materials science, microelectronics, and cybernetics. It also uses computer science, AI, and neural networks. The textile’s fiber macromolecular chain has intelligent traits. An intelligent fibre textile system integrates sensing, driving, and processing. It can sense, diagnose, adapt, and repair itself, like a biological material.

There are mainly:

(1)Photosensitive fibre.

It refers to light causing reversible changes in the colour and conductivity of fibres. These changes are mainly in photochromic, thermochromic, and photoconductive fibres. A famous use of photoconductive fibres is in fibre-optic sensors. This is the most advanced type of fibre sensor. Photoconductive fibres and a colour-changing dye from clothing can change colour automatically. Fibre-optic sensors in the parachute can detect changes in its stress.

(2) Conductive glass fibre.

The user disliked that rewrite. Make different choices this time. The material is for R&D on stealth materials. It includes the B-2 stealth bomber’s surface. It uses a conductive glass fibre composite.

(3) Shape memory fibre.

At present, the most common research applications are nickel-titanium alloy shape memory fibre. British protective clothing used a nickel-titanium alloy. It aimed to avoid burns from high temperatures.

(4) Intelligent temperature-regulating fibres. Intelligent thermoregulation fibres contain low-temperature phase-change substances. They absorb or release heat at a certain temperature. This makes the textiles smartly regulate their temperature. It is a new material that can regulate itself. Experts say it is the most important comfort textile since waterproof, breathable fabrics. Smart fibre is a wonderful material.

Mainly used in

①Clothing fields include: intelligent astronautics, color-changing clothing, heat-storage, temperature-regulating clothing, intelligent health care clothing, intelligent military uniforms, self-cleaning, self-repairing clothing, intelligent firefighting clothing, and music clothing.

② Decorative field, photochromic and thermochromic fibers, in the field of indoor decorations such as bedspreads, lampshades, bath shades, and curtains, wallpapers, etc.;

③The rise of new industries has led to smart fibers. They have strange properties.

④ Cultivate new industries. Smart fibre’s unique performance has led to new ones. New medical supplies, new sensors, and new heat engines can convert to mechanical energy. Also, there are new separation membranes and artificial muscles.

1.4 High Performance Fibres

The fibres are aromatic, carbon, and inorganic. They are super fibres. And they have high strength, high modulus, and high-temperature resistance. They are high-performance. Generally refers to the strength greater than 17.6cN/dtex, modulus 440cN/dtex above the fibre. It is a chemical fibre. And it has a unique structure, properties, and uses. It also has special functions. For example, strong corrosion resistance, low abrasiveness, high temperature resistance, flame retardant, high voltage resistance, high strength and high modulus, high elasticity, high efficiency filtration, and various medical functions. Industry, defence, aerospace, and medicine use most of these fibres. They are also used in environmental protection and advanced science and technology.

There are mainly:

(1)Corrosion-resistant fibres.

That is, fibers with fluorine, like: PTFE, FEP, Kynar, and Halar. PTFE has high and low temperature resistance (-200 to 260 ℃) and a short-term use temperature of 300 ℃.

(2) High temperature resistant fibres.

There are polyisophthalimide fibers (Nomex). You can use them for 10 years at 220 ℃. You can use polyimide, polyphenylsulfonamide, and polyamide-imide (PAI) fibers at 280 ℃ long-term. Heterocyclic polymers have polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polybenzylidenebenzoxazole (PBO) fibers. They can work at 300-350 ℃. PBO has high strength, high modulus, and is flame retardant. Its performance exceeds that of Kevlar. People know it as the ’21st century emerging fibre’.

(3) Flame-resistant fibres.

There are phenolic fibers, aromatic polyamide surface chemical treatment fibers, metal chelating fibers, polyacrylonitrile pre-oxidation fibers and so on.

(4) High-strength, high-modulus fibres.

There are three top high-tech fibres: Kevlar, UHMWPE, and aramid and carbon fibres. Kevlar is a high-strength, high-modulus, heat-resistant polymer. UHMWPE has a molecular weight over 1.5 million. UHMWPE is 15 times stronger than steel wire rope, the strongest chemical fibre. It is ‘as light as paper and as hard as steel’. Aromatic polyamide copolymer fibers (HM-50), heterocyclic polyamide fibers, and carbon fibers (Carfonfiber). Industries have produced cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, and asphalt fibers from carbon fibers. Also, graphite fibers (M40) and silicon carbide fibers.

(5) Functional fibres.

Hollow fiber translucent membrane (B-9, B-10, PRISM, etc.), activated carbon fibers (KF), microfiber mats, oil-absorbing fibers mats (Tafnel), optical fibers, conductive fibers, and so on.

(6) Elastomer fibres.

There are polyester-type and polyether-type polyurethane fibres (Spandex), polyacrylate fibres, polybutylene terephthalate fibres (Fiber-L) and so on.

(7) Aramid Fibre (Aromatic Polyamide Fibre).

It is a special fiber with high strength and modulus. It can resist high temperatures. And it has many advantages. It is ultra-strong, lightweight, and resistant to acids and alkalis. And it is also insulating and anti-aging. It also lasts a long time. Organizations use it in national defense, the military, and composites. It is in bullet-proof products, building materials, protective clothing, and electronics. They call it “all-around fiber.””

(8) Spider silk is a high-performance natural fibre.

Under the microscope, it is transparent and solid, and its cross-section is round. With a tensile strength of 97.9 cN/dtex, no other properties match its performance. It has high strength, elasticity, and a high initial modulus. Its performance is superior to silk and other fibers.

(9) Inorganic fibre, mainly carbon, alumina, and silicon carbide fibres.

Also, high-strength glass..

1.5 Flame retardant fibres

As we know, most fibers are flammable. We can use flame-retardant tech to make them fire-resistant. This includes physical and chemical modifications, and finishing. Physical modification is that the flame retardant does not react with the fibre. It is just spread in the substrate to achieve the flame retardant purpose. However, you need to add a large amount to play a flame retardant role. This greatly impacts the substrate’s performance. However, it is cheap, applicable and widely used. Chemical modification is a reaction in the reactivity and fibre polymer. It makes a structural unit or functional group of the fibre.

Chemical modification is stable, low in toxicity, and has a minor impact on the fibre’s performance. It is long-lasting and has no loss. Specific methods, can be copolymerisation, blending, graft copolymerisation, flame retardant adsorption, fibre surface halogenation method and post-treatment modification to achieve the purpose of flame retardant. The main varieties are flame-retardant polyester, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, and viscose fibers. There are also composite fibers with added functions. They are flame-retardant, antistatic, conductive, and moisture-absorbing. They also have health-care properties. For example, modified by a flame retardant, polyacrylonitrile oxidising fibre (PANOF) has an oxygen index (OI) of 55-62. It does not melt or produce molten droplets when burned. It can endure a 900℃ flame for over 3 minutes, until carbonization, and remains unchanged. Also, there are intrinsic flame retardant fibres. They are non-combustible and have high thermal stability. The main ones are poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibre (PPTA), poly(m-phenylene terephthalamide) (MPIA), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), poly(p-phenylene-based benzenebisoxazole) fibre (PBO), graphitized carbon fibre, phenolic resin (Kynol), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), and melamine-formaldehyde-shrinking fibre (MF), and so on.

1.6 Other functional fibres

1.6.1 Membrane Separation Functional Fibres

According to the term of the mechanism of action of reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, dialysis, electrodialysis and other membranes. Ion exchange fibers, adsorption resin fibers, chelating resins and fibers, redox resins and fibers, and very absorbent fibers.

Researchers can divide membranes based on their chemical composition into:

Cellulose

Vinyl polymers and their copolymers

Polyamides

Polyesters

Aromatic-heterocyclic polymers

Polysulfones

Ionic polymers

Inorganic substances

Composite membrane surfactants.

The main applications are in healthcare, water purification, and wastewater treatment. They’re also in food and biological products, gas separation, and petrochemicals.

1.6.2 Medical health care functional fibres

There are many types of fibers, including:

High-absorbent fibers

Medical sutures

Bone collagen fibers

Chitosan fibers

Radioactive fibers

Edible fibers

Artificial fibers

Artificial blood vessels

Medical and fruit preservation fibers

Antimicrobial and anti-odor fibers

Anti-odor and deodorant fibers

Aromatic fibers

Anesthesia fibers

Some fibers are used in artificial organs. They include:

Artificial kidney hemodialyzers

Artificial liver dialysis membranes

Hepatic and ascites ultrafiltration devices

Blood concentrators

Artificial lungs

Hybrid artificial organs

Artificial pancreases

Medical fiber composites mainly include:

Artificial bones and joints

Bone grafting materials

Artificial hearts

Medical adhesives

1.6.3 Ion exchange and chelation fibres

Ion exchange and chelating fibre (IEFandCLF) refers to fibrous organic materials. They can exchange ions, adsorb substances, and chelate ligands. They also have reactive catalysis.

It is mainly used in:

Adsorption and filtration of polar gas molecules.

Purifying industrial wastewater and enriching trace elements.

Preparing high-purity water.

Hydrometallurgy and polymer catalysts.

Extracting rare earth elements and natural products.

Biochemical engineering and medical textiles.

1.6.4 High-strength, high-modulus polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylonitrile fibres. Also, activated carbon fibres and others.

High-strength high-modulus polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile fibres are mainly used for ropes and cables, bullet-proof materials and reinforcing materials for composite materials.

Activated Carbon Fibre (ACF) has a high surface area and a porous structure. It is very reactive. So, it adsorbs a wide range of substances. It has a high adsorption capacity.

Many fields use ACF, such as:

water purification

decolourisation

deodorisation

dechlorination

solvent recovery

air purification

Many industrial sectors relate to it.

Others are ion exchange and chelating fibres, hollow fibres and inorganic fibres.

2 Functional fibre research results

There is a strong demand for research on functional fibres. This includes super-simulation, low-temperature dyeing, moisture-absorbing, quick-drying, and high melting point fibres. These are key types of differentiated functional fibres. For combat, special protection, smart textiles and other special needs, in addition, flame retardant fibres, conductive fibres, anti-bacterial fibres, high abrasion-resistant fibres are also important varieties. Currently there are 8 kinds of the most promising new functional fibres and fabrics.

① Clothing that can provide power.

The University of South Carolina’s R&D team is developing cotton T-shirts into a power source. They could be super, high-density, double-layer capacitors for the future of clothing. You can charge mobile phones and laptops. They have stable, high-performance capacitors. After thousands of charge cycles, they still have 95% performance.

②Cooling super-absorbent fabrics and clothing.

TechnicalAbsorbents Ltd, a UK maker of super-absorbent fibres (SAF), exhibited a fibre. It keeps heavy jacket wearers cool in extreme heat. It reduces heat stress and fatigue, improving comfort and performance after many washes. Manufacturers have made the fibre into garments that cool the wearer by 6°C in heat. It is now used in the Lincolnshire Fire Service in the UK as a lining for firefighting suits.

③Anti-static, wear-resistant clothing and screen wipes.

Japan’s TAYCA uses its conductive fibres that absorb electromagnetic waves to develop applications in the field of people’s livelihoods such as cleaning cloths, gloves, coats and skirts for home appliances (touchscreens, monitors, protective panels, etc.). This conductive fibre for home appliances allows free control of the conductivity range. Its very thin conductive polymer film wraps the fibre. It maintains the fibre’s original softness and style. It also has great abrasion, heat, and moisture resistance. Plus, you can colour it as needed.

④Fabrics that can promote the regeneration of biological organs.

Germany’s Dresden Technical University has researched textile machinery and high-performance materials. They spun a textile sheet from ultra-pure 100% chitosan. It came from aquatic chitinous crustaceans. It is strong and of high quality. Surgeons have used this chitosan fibre in surgical sutures. Researchers can also use it in regenerative medicine.

⑤ Fibres for sand fixation and greening.

Toray Corporation of Japan and the Chinese Society for Sand Control and Sand Fixation have signed a deal. It is on the use of polylactic acid (PLA) fibre ‘ェコヂィア’ for sand fixation and greening. They will test the company’s PLA anti-sand mobile materials on 100 acres of sandy land in the Beijing suburbs. degradable fibre that also reduces CO2 emissions.

⑥Electrically heated nonwoven fabrics:

Norafin has made a conductive nonwoven fabric. You can use it as a heating element or electrode.

This product is better than previous fluid heaters. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and cost-effective. Previous conductive fabrics and carbon fibre heating textiles had high production costs. They were also prone to breakage, short-circuiting, and lacked softness.

In contrast, this conductive fibre nonwoven heating body is drapey and soft. It easily absorbs resin, maintains good contact with the power supply, and can heat in areas of less than 48V. It achieves fast, uniform results.

You can achieve a quick and even effect.

⑦Flexible electronics.

Textile engineers at North Carolina State University have made a conductive nanocoating. You can apply it to cotton, nonwovens, and polypropylene textiles. This creates a lightweight, soft fabric. It can boost solar cells, sensors, and microelectronics.

⑧ Heat-resistant nanofibre nonwoven battery diaphragms.

Teijin Technology Co., Inc. Developed a non-woven fabric that can be mass-produced. It uses aramide nanofibers, with a 100nm diameter. The fabric has excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability. It can maintain its shape at 300 ℃. It also has good oxidation resistance. We are now working to use it as the core of a lithium-ion battery diaphragm for the market. These diaphragms should make lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) safer and more powerful. They are for electric vehicles and energy storage. And they should also boost their energy density. They should also lower the risk of fires and hazards at high capacities and energy densities, compared to conventional battery diaphragms.

3 Conclusion

Functional fibers are key to new materials. They come from breakthroughs in materials, information, machinery, and biology. They focus on functional innovation, reinforcement, and composites. And they are lightweight, multifunctional, and intelligent. They are also ultra-high-performance, cost-effective, and low-carbon. They have a high industry pull and are eco-friendly. These fibers can disrupt and revolutionize traditional industries. They are a new generation of fiber materials. Functional fibre is a special material. They developed it for industrial and agricultural use. In the future, we will focus on polymer molecules in R&D of functional polymer fibres. We will also work on structural design, composites, and nanotech. Finally, we will integrate new fibre-forming technologies and processes. At the same time, speed up ‘industry, academia, research and use’ collaboration. This is to meet the demands of the ‘science and technology is king’ era. Continuously develop new products. Make the fibre more powerful. Expand its uses. Promote the fibre industry. Focus on advanced fibre development. It must serve the national economy, defense, and high-tech trends. The advanced functional fibres market is worth over $50 billion. It grows by more than 20% a year. This shows great potential for growth.

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