What is Low-melting Yarn?

Low-melting Yarn is essentially a synthetic fiber characterized by its ability to soften or melt at relatively low temperatures.

This special heat-fusible yarn undergoes a physical transformation at a specific temperature, enabling it to perform bonding and shaping functions. This property makes it an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to traditional glues and adhesives.

The Unique Mechanism and Composition of Low-Melting Yarn

Low-melting Yarn is typically made from two or more polymers through a composite spinning process. One polymer (usually the core or side layer) is designed to have a higher melting point, providing structural support; the other polymer (usually the sheath or other side layer) is designed to have a lower melting point, the so-called "low-melt" portion.

When this heat-fusible yarn is heated to the melting temperature of its low-melting component, the low-melting portion melts and flows, acting as a binder. Upon cooling, the molten polymer solidifies, firmly bonding the surrounding fibers, fabric, or other materials together to form a stable structure.

Key Advantages and Applications of Hot-Melt Yarn

Low-melt-point yarns are popular because they offer advantages in processing and product performance that are unmatched by traditional yarns.

1. Environmental and Processing Benefits

• Glue-free bonding: Its primary advantage is that it can replace traditional chemical adhesives such as glue or latex, achieving seamless bonding. This not only avoids the pollution caused by the use of chemicals but also simplifies the finishing process and reduces production costs.
  
  
• Energy-saving and High-Efficiency: Due to its low melting point, processing requires less energy, improving production efficiency.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable: Hot-melt yarns made of a single material (such as polyester/polyester) make the final product easier to recycle, aligning with the trend of sustainable development.
  
  

2. Wide Range of Applications

Low-melt-point yarns, due to their unique bonding properties, show great potential in a variety of industries:

• Footwear: Used in the production of uppers, linings, and various structural components, achieving lightweight, breathable, and structural stability.
  
  
• Apparel Fabrics: Used for bonding and shaping knitted and woven fabrics, as well as in the manufacture of seamless underwear and functional clothing.
  
  
• Filter Materials: Used to create highly efficient air or liquid filters. The bonded materials have a stable pore structure and excellent filtration performance.
  
  
• Industrial Textiles: These include automotive interiors, geotextiles, and sound insulation.
  
  
• Carpets and Mattresses: Used for bonding carpet backings and shaping mattress cores, improving resilience and durability.
  
  

How to Select and Identify Low-Melting-Point Yarns

There are many types of hot-melt yarns available on the market, with common materials including:

• Low-Melting-Point Polyester (Co-PET): The most widely used, with a melting point typically between 110°C and 180°C.
  
  
• Low-Melting-Point Nylon (Co-PA): Offers improved abrasion resistance and elasticity, but with a wide melting point range.
  
  
• Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP): They have lower melting points and are suitable for products with less demanding temperature resistance requirements.
  
  

When selecting low-melting-point yarns, companies need to determine the appropriate material and melting point based on the end product's application (e.g., required bonding strength, wash fastness, feel, heat resistance, etc.).

Low-melting Yarn is more than just a fiber; it represents a cleaner and more efficient way to manufacture textiles. As technology develops, heat-melt yarn will play a central role in more innovative areas, pushing functional textiles to a whole new level.