In the textile industry, chemical fibers, as an important material, have attracted much attention due to their excellent physical properties and wide application fields. Chemical fibers not only come in various types, but also have different structures to meet the needs of different fields and applications. Today, we will delve into the structure and classification of synthetic fibers, especially the three common types of "SIM", "HIM", and "NIM" in foreign trade synthetic fibers, as well as their respective meanings and applications.

The structure of synthetic fibers

The structure of synthetic fibers mainly consists of two parts: fiber morphology and network structure. The fiber morphology determines the basic physical and chemical properties of fibers, such as strength, wear resistance, wrinkle resistance, etc. And the network structure affects the processing performance of the fibers and the performance of the final product, such as dyeing, printability, network fastness, etc.

Network structure is an important feature in synthetic fibers, which refers to the cross-linking points formed between fibers through chemical or physical methods. These cross-linking points tightly connect the fibers together, improving the overall strength and stability of the fibers. According to the density of network structure and the number of cross-linking points, nanofibers can be classified into different types.

The meanings of SIM, HIM, and NIM

In foreign trade chemical fibers, "SIM", "HIM", and "NIM" are three common terms that represent different network structure types of fibers.

SIM（slight-intermingled）： Light Net

The network structure of SIM fibers is relatively sparse, with only 40-50 cross-linking points (or "nodes") per meter of fiber. Due to low network stability, SIM fibers are prone to unraveling when pulled by hand. This type of synthetic fiber is usually used in occasions that require softness, lightness, and good dyeing properties, such as high-end underwear, sportswear, etc.

HIM（high-intermingled）： Heavy network

The network structure of HIM fibers is relatively dense, with 100-120 cross-linking points per meter of fiber. Due to its high network fastness, HIM synthetic fibers are not easily dispersed when pulled by hand. This type of synthetic fiber is usually used in applications that require high strength, wear resistance, and stability, such as automotive interiors, industrial fabrics, etc.

NIM（non-intermingled）： No internet

NIM synthetic fibers have no network structure at all, and the number of cross-linking points per meter of fiber ranges from 0 to 10. Due to the lowest network fastness, NIM synthetic fibers will quickly disperse when pulled by hand. This type of synthetic fiber is usually used in situations that require excellent softness and breathability, such as baby clothing, medical supplies, etc.

Application Fields and Choices

After understanding the meanings of SIM, HIM, and NIM, we can choose the appropriate type of synthetic fiber according to specific needs. For example, in car interiors that require high strength and wear resistance, HIMized fibers are a better choice; In baby clothing that requires softness and breathability, NIM synthetic fibers are more suitable.

In addition, the selection of synthetic fibers should also consider factors such as raw materials, production processes, and costs. Different raw materials and production processes can affect the performance and price of chemical fibers, so when choosing, multiple factors should be considered comprehensively to find the most cost-effective solution.

epilogue

The structure and classification of synthetic fibers is a complex and interesting topic. By understanding the meanings and application areas of terms such as SIM, HIM, and NIM, we can better choose and use synthetic fibers to meet the needs of different fields and applications. With the continuous development of textile technology, the performance and application fields of chemical fibers will also continue to expand and innovate, bringing us more surprises and convenience.