Microfiber
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Chubbles
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[[Image:Cloth, microfiber, folding step 01.JPG|thumb|Microfiber cloth of non-rugged type. Suitable for cleaning sensitive surfaces.]]
'''Microfiber''' ''([[American and British English spelling differences#-re_.2F_-er|British spelling]]: '''Microfibre''')'' is [[fiber]] with strands less than one [[denier (measure)|denier]]. Microfiber is a blend of [[polyester]] and [[polyamide]]. [[Textile|Fabrics]] made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well. When high quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in water. They are also used for some cleaning applications, because of their exceptional ability to absorb [[oil]]s.
== Material ==
'''Microfiber''' is a fiber with less than 1 denier per filament. It is a description of the size of the fiber or filament. These fibers can be combined to form yarns. Yarns can be knitted or woven in a variety of constructions. While many microfibers are made of polyester, they can also be composed of polyamide (nylon) or other polymers.
==History==
Microfibers were first publicized in the early 1990s in [[Sweden]], and saw success as a product in [[Europe]] over the course of the decade.<ref name=id>Barbara Flanagan, [http://www.id-mag.com/article/Missing-Microfiber/ The Case of the Missing Microfiber]. ''I.D.'', April 22, 2008.</ref> In 2007, [[Rubbermaid]] began a line of microfiber products for American markets, the first major company to do so.<ref name=id/>
==Functional uses==
=== Clothing ===
Microfiber performance apparel has become a very popular alternative to [[cotton]] apparel for athletic wear, such as [[cycling]] [[jersey (clothing)|jersey]]s, because the microfiber material wicks moisture away from the body, keeping the athlete cool and dry. Microfibers were also initiated for use in the military and for many federal agencies, such as in the so-called [[Future Force Warrior]] Program in the United States.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} This allows for more rapid drying of the soldier and less skin irritation due to moisture. {{Fact|date=January 2008}}
Microfiber underwear have been said to cause problems with [[Candidiasis|yeast infections]] for some women.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
=== Insulation ===
Microfiber materials, such as [[PrimaLoft]] are also used for thermal insulation as a replacement for [[down feather]] insulation in sleeping bags and outdoor equipment, due to its better retention of heat when damp or wet.<ref>[http://www.primaloft.com/outdoor/products.html PrimaLoft Outdoor<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
=== Basketballs ===
With microfiber basketballs already popular worldwide and in [[FIBA]], the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] proposed the use of a microfiber ball for the 2006-07 season.<ref name=nba>[http://www.nba.com/news/blackbox_060628.html NBA Introduces New Game Ball]. NBA.com, June 28, 2006.</ref> The ball, which is manufactured by [[Spalding]], does not require a "break-in" period of use as [[leather]] balls do, and has the ability to absorb water and oils, meaning that sweat from players touching the ball is better absorbed, making the ball less slippery.<ref name=nba/> Over the course of the season, the league received many complaints from players who found that the ball bounced differently than leather balls and that it left cuts on their hands.<ref name=nl>Josh Hart, [http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=7&num=10405 NBA to Take Microfiber Basketball and Go Home]. ''[[National Ledger]]'', December 12, 2006.</ref> On January 1, 2007, the league scrapped the use of all microfiber balls and returned to leather basketballs.<ref name=nl/>
=== Cleaning ===
[[Image:Mop_for_wet_use%2C_looped_microfiber%2C_velcro_back%2C_60_cm.jpg|thumb|A microfiber mop with velcro back for fastening on handle.]]
Microfiber is also widely used by [[Auto detailing|car detailers]] to handle such tasks as removing wax, quick detailing, cleaning interior, cleaning glass, as well as drying. Due to its fine fibers which leave no [[lint]] or [[dust]], microfiber towels are a popular choice for avid car detailers and enthusiasts. [[Chamois leather]] is also used. {{Fact|date=January 2008}}
In professional cleaning, microfiber is used in many tools, for example [[mop|mops]] and cleaning cloths. Microfiber mops are more costly than conventional mops, however some institutions find them more economical because they are longer lasting and require less effort to use.<ref>UC Davis Health System: Newroom. ''UC Davis Pioneers Use of Microfiber Mops in Hospitals: Mops reduce injuries, kill more germs and reduce costs.'' [[June 23]] [[2006]]. http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/releases/archives/other/2006/mop6-2006.html</ref><ref>Sustainable Hospitals Project, [[University of Massachusetts, Lowell]]. ''10 Reasons to Use Microfiber Mopping.'' http://www.sustainablehospitals.org/PDF/tenreasonsmop.pdf</ref>
Care should be exercised when using microfiber for cleaning of sensitive surfaces. By nature it accumulates dust, debris, and particles inside its material. Sensitive surfaces (such as all high tech coated surfaces e.g. [[Cathode ray tube|CRT]], [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] and [[Plasma display|plasma]] screens) can easily be damaged by a microfiber cloth if it has picked up grit or other abrasive particles during use. The cloth itself is generally safer to use on these surfaces than more common cloths, particularly as no cleaning fluid is required for cleaning such surfaces. One way to minimize the risk of damage to flat surfaces is to use a flat, non-rugged microfiber cloth, as these tend to be less prone to holding for example sand grains.
Cleaning textiles made of microfiber must only be washed in regular washing detergent, not oily, self-softening, soap-based detergents. [[Fabric softener]] may not be used. The oils in the softener and self-softening detergents will clog up the fibers and make them less effective until the oils are removed by washing.
=== Other textile uses ===
Microfibers used in table cloths, furniture, and car interiors are designed to repel liquids and consequently are difficult to stain. Microfiber table cloths will bead liquids until they are removed, they are often advertised showing red wine on a white table cloth that wipes clean with a paper towel. Unfortunately, microfiber furniture has a tendency to attract and contain cat hair within itself.
== Environmental issues ==
Microfiber textiles tend to be [[Flammability|inflammable]] and emit [[toxic]] gases when burning.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} They are made with synthetic fibers such as [[polyester]] and [[nylon]] (often constructed from [[polypropylene]]), which are made from [[petrochemical]]s.
Microfibers are not made from a [[renewable resource]] and they are not [[Biodegradation|biodegradable]]. However, they are designed for repeated use, unlike many disposable cleaning materials such as [[paper towel]]s.<ref name=id/> In many household cleaning applications (washing dishes, floors, furniture, etc.) using microfibre tools disposes of the need to use detergents and cleaning solutions, bringing potentially significant environmental and economic benefits.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Fibers}}
[[Category:Fibers]]
[[Category:Fabrics]]
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[[de:Mikrofaser]]
[[ja:マイクロファイバー]]
[[fi:Mikrokuitu]]
[[ru:Микрофибра]]