microfibers
Ultrafine synthetic strands
Microfibers are extremely fine synthetic fibers, typically polyester or nylon, thinner than a human hair.
Microfiber cloth is prized for cleaning because the tiny strands trap dust and absorb liquid effectively: Microfiber towels won't scratch the paint.
The term also refers to these fibers as pollutants—shed from synthetic clothing during washing, they accumulate in waterways and marine life.
Woven or knit material
- clothWoven or knit material
- weaveInterlace strands into fabric
- threadFiber for stitching
- yarnTwisted strand for crafts
knit · woven · nonwoven · spinning · texturized · loom · garment · apparel
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polyamidePolymer linked by amide bonds
elastane · spandex · lycra · PET · fleece · chenille · microsuede · ultrafine
Sub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- oceanMassive saltwater body
- marineRelating to the sea
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
wildlife · ingestion · bioaccumulation · wastewater · sediment · particles · nonbiodegradable · plastic
Able to soak up
- softYielding to touch
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- durableAble to withstand use
- resilientAble to recover quickly
quick-drying · breathable · static · lint-free · hypoallergenic · stain-resistant · water-repellent · capillary action
Porous separation device
- membraneThin tissue sheet
- meshInterlocking open weave
- screenDisplay or barrier
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
porosity · permeability · separation · purification · HEPA · air filter · water filter · particulate
fabric
Woven or knit material
yarn · knit · woven · nonwoven · spinning · texturized · loom · garment · apparel · upholstery
polyester
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
polyamide · elastane · spandex · lycra · PET · fleece · chenille · microsuede · ultrafine · denier
microplastics
Sub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- oceanMassive saltwater body
- marineRelating to the sea
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
ecosystem · wildlife · ingestion · bioaccumulation · wastewater · sediment · particles · nonbiodegradable · plastic · shedding
absorbent
Able to soak up
- softYielding to touch
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- durableAble to withstand use
resilient · quick-drying · breathable · static · lint-free · hypoallergenic · stain-resistant · water-repellent · capillary action · wicking
filter
Porous separation device
barrier · porosity · permeability · separation · purification · HEPA · air filter · water filter · particulate · trapping
- microplasticsmicrobeads, plastic pellets, nanoplastics
- industrial pollutionemissions, air pollution, pollutants, soot, smog
- Fine Particlesparticulate matter, PM2.5, aerosols, dust, soot
- microfiber clothFine synthetic cleaning textile
- microfiber towelFine synthetic drying fabric
- microfiber mopSynthetic-cloth floor cleaner
- microfiber sheetsThin synthetic bed linens