
Split fibers are microfiber having linear density less than 1 dtex (decitex). Although production technology has been available to manufacture split fibers, powerful demand for split fibers did not start until 1980s. Toray was first company in the world to launch Micro Fibers followed by DuPont, ICI. Polypropylene is the material used to produce split fibers because of ease of processing and perfect mechanical properties. The major properties of polypropylene are stiffness, high tensile strength, lower elongation and very fibrillation length. Polypropylene also used with other olefins in form of blends to increase the fibrillation tendency. The split fibers are produced by treating bi-components filaments physical and chemical processes. Bi-components has the two types of polymers. Polyamide/ Polyester and polyester/ Polyolefines are the suitable combination for splittable bi-component filament spinning. Split fibers are produced in various steps such as tape production, stretching process, and splitting process. Applications areas of Split fibers are carpet backing fabrics, canvas over tarpaulin, sacks, bags, ropes, twine, release fabrics, filter fabrics, household textiles and reinforced fabrics.