**3.1.2.2 Separation or splitting type**

This type of spinning aims to utilize the second component in the final product by splitting the two components instead of removing the second component by dissolving. The ultra fine fiberization is performed by a mechanical or chemical process in the splitting and separation types of spinning (Okamoto, 2000). This method of microfiber production involves extruding a bicomponent fiber which two polymers with poor adhesion to each other are used (Richards, 2005). Applications of these fibers are suede for clothing and upholstery, silk like fabrics, wiping cloths, wall coverings, automobile trims, golf gloves and moisture-permeable and water-repellent fabrics (Okamoto, 2000; Richards, 2005). In this method the overall shape of the fiber determines the ease of splitting. If the components are in a radial configuration then splitting is more difficult than if one polymer is located at the ends of the lobes in a multilobal shape (Richards, 2005). Suitable polymer combinations for splittable bi-component filament spinning are polyamide/polyester and polyester/polyolefin (Purane & Panigrahi, 2007).
