Teijin Develops Fabric With Properties Of Nylon & Polyester

Teijin Frontier has developed Microft MX, made from blending nylon and polyester filaments giving the fabric, abrasion resistance and colour development capabilities of nylon, and quick-drying properties and shape stability of polyester.

According to a Teijin press release, the Microft MX is a next generation, high-quality, high-performance material and is made from highlydeformed cross-section multifilament yarn, which is a uniform mixture of single filaments

The Microft MX has a highly-deformed cross-section multifilament yarn, which is a uniform mixture of single filaments of polyester and nylon, using a unique spinning technology, as the optimal woven or knitted structure.

The evenly mixed polyester and nylon filaments produce deep colours, while Microft MX has the appearance of a finely woven chambray due to difference in dyeing effect of both materials. The raw yarn has a gently V-shaped highly-deformed cross-section, which provides bulkiness and a spun-like, soft texture.

Uniformly mixing polyester and nylon on the surface and in the structure of the woven fabric produces a combination of desirable features from both materials, such as the abrasion resistance and colour development capabilities of nylon, and the water absorption, quick-drying properties and shape stability of polyester.

“In recent years, fashions that combine the practicality of sports and outdoor apparel with lifestyle have been expanding in popularity. There is a growing need for fabrics with superior functionality, plus new looks and textures, that differ from conventional products,” Teijin added.

Polyester and nylon are often used in sports and outdoor clothing. Advances in product development are being made to take advantage of polyester’s stretch properties, dimensional stability, water absorption and quick-drying properties, and nylon’s abrasion resistance and vivid colours.

“However, no progress has been made in developing materials that combine the texture and functionality of polyester and nylon,” the Japanese company observed.

Teijin Frontier will begin promoting Microft MX fabric for the 2025 spring and summer outdoor clothing and sportswear collections. Applications will then be expanded to include functional clothing of innerwear and fashion clothing, with the aim of selling 500,000 metres per year by 2026.