The Netherlands-based Diolen Industrial Fibers has introduced Diofort®, the first high-tenacity multifilament yarn made with Wilmington, N.C.-based Fortron Industries LLC’s Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) for use in fabrics, nonwovens or textiles, or as reinforcement. The yarn — which can be combined with carbon, glass and other polymer fibers to produce blended fabrics — features chemical resistance, flame retardancy, high durability, low water absorption, toughness and the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures.

Diofort’s production process comprises plasticizing and extruding Fortron PPS in a multifilament extruder at the desired diameter, then stretching individual filaments in a defined temperature range.

Diofort can be used to reinforce hydraulic oil hoses in power steering systems, reducing vibration and noise; and applied in fuel lines or charge-air coolers to simultaneously provide resistance to high pressure and temperature and hose flexibility, industrial filter systems for flue gases and aggressive liquids, and composites for use in aerospace systems.

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August 21, 2007