Ascend Performance Materials will launch new fibre technologies for textiles, apparel and filtration applications at K 2019. Acteevâ„¢ is a textile resin with a non-silver antimicrobial additive to provide odour-fighting performance for the life of a garment. For apparel applications, Acteev is easily dyeable and does not discolor or wash away after laundering like topical fabric treatments.
“The apparel industry is moving toward more sustainable, longer lasting and higher performance garments,†said Steve Manning, Ascend’s senior director for business development and technology. “Acteev combines nylon 6,6 with an antimicrobial additive to produce a fibre that is functional, durable and better for the environment than topical garment treatments because it requires no water or solvents for application onto the finished garment.â€Â
Acteev joins Endur by Ascend™ and No-Shock® anti-static fibres as the company grows its functional fibre portfolio. Ascend is also developing a series of nonwoven PA66 nanofibre membranes with grades designed for apparel and filtration applications. When used in apparel, Ascend’s nanofibre membrane provides superior breathability in outerwear without being bulky or stiff, while maintaining protection from the elements.
The filtration grades of the company’s nanofibre membranes are designed for use in air- and hydrocarbon-filtration applications and offer increased efficiency with reduced pressure loss. Because the nanofibres are made from PA66, they are resistant to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and chemicals. “We developed a new process for producing PA66 nanofibre that creates a membrane with fibre diameters ranging from 350 to 600 nanometers,†said Manning. “Unlike other nanofibre production processes, our technology uses no solvents – reducing the environmental impact from production.†Ascend sales and technical representatives will be at the company’s stand 6A07 at K 2019 in Dusseldorf from October 16 to 23.