Overview of Functional and Speciality Fibers

Abstract

The development of functional and speciality fibers, which have equivalent performances of easy-care properties of man-made fibers, superior touch and appearance of silk and wool, and outstanding moisture and water-absorbing abilities of cotton, was started shortly after the birth of man-made fibers. Afterward, the application of functional and speciality fibers has expanded toward high-touch, moisture and water absorbability, heat insulation and exothermicity, enhanced color developability, antistatic and conductivity, antibacterial and deodorant, flame retardant and proofing properties, and have contributed to our comfortable, healthy, safe, and environment friendly life. In the development of the functional and speciality fibers, Japan has cultivated the world’s top level of development capability. The driving force of this Japanese R&D originates with the development of technologies that consist of the trinity of polymer, fiber and yarn, and post-processing modifications, together with biomimetic approaches, to learn the structure and functions of living organisms in the natural world. In this chapter, the key production technologies of functional and speciality fibers are presented with comments on representative examples of the fibers.