2. Speciality Polyester Fibres

2.1 Most of these specialities are available in both staple and filament form. There are some which are available only in staple form and few are produced only in filament form. This information is given in the text below.

2.2 Here is a list of speciality fibres prepared on the basis of the author's information. It is quite possible that some of the specialities could have been missed.

The list gives the name of the speciality, available deniers / cut lengths / , special properties and end uses.

(i) Micro 0.8 Den and Super Micro (0.5 Den) - world's finest polyester fibre.

Available cut lengths are 32 and 38 mm. There are 2 special properties:

(a) Ability to spin finer - up to 160s with 0.5 D in 100% form and

(b) An extremely soft silky feel which is permanent due to the inherent fineness of the fibre, but it is necessary to have a polyester rich blend and fabric should have high reed / pick.

End uses: A brand new range of fine and superfine fabrics in either 100% polyester or polyester / combed cotton blends using 2 / 80s, 2/100s, 2/120s yarns has to be developed to make:

This is just a proposed list. It can well be expanded.

Indian spinners are amongst the very few in the world to spin fine yarns upto 140s in pure cotton. We have, therefore, the culture to spin fine. Author feels we should take advantage of this unique strength of ours to offer fine and superfine fabrics / garments / made ups to the world market. This could be a niche market waiting to be developed. Since there will not be any worldwide competition, Indian manufacturers can easily obtain their prices and earn reasonable profits. Small quantities of 0.5 Den X 32 / 38 mm fibres have been imported by a few adventurous spinning mills in India, and surely in the next few months, several fabrics will be developed and final garments and made ups manufactured. Only then the potential of the super micro denier fibre of 0.5 Den will be known.