Japan-based Teijin Fibers Ltd. has developed a hollow polyester fiber with eight lobes, giving its cross-section an octopus-like appearance. The Octa fiber, targeted to fall and winter innerwear, fashion apparel and other applications, will be available on the market beginning in April 2012.

The spaces between the projections, in addition to absorbing perspiration and contributing to quick drying, add bulk without weight — with yarn weight approximately half that of yarns of comparable thickness — and enhance the fiber's insulation and heat-shielding properties, Teijin reports. The company also notes that Octa can be combined with other fibers using processes such as false twisting, combined filament processing and two-strand yarn spinning.


November 29, 2011