Guide to Brush Fibers

Nylon

Nylon is a flexible, silky synthetic fiber first used in the 1930s to make toothbrush bristles and women's hosiery. Nylon has a high heat tolerance; it melts instead of burns. It stands up to most acids, alkalis, oil, detergents & solvents and is extremely abrasion resistant. Strong enough to be used for seat belts; nylon resists rotting, bugs and mildew. Unlike most polymers, it will absorb water but does not mat or hold odors. For this reason, it is used in the food service industry.

Palmyra

Palmyra fibers come from the leaf stalks of the Palmyra Palm, native to India, southeast Asia and Africa. Also called a Sugar Palm, Palmyra resembles a tall coconut tree.