Belgium-based Devan Chemicals NV — a developer and producer of protective solutions for textiles — has acquired Portugal-based Micropolis SA, a developer and maker of reactive microcapsules for phase change material (PCM) technology.

Devan Chemicals focuses primarily on manufacturing antimicrobials, flame retardants, special functional polymers, and microencapsulation and polymer additives used to add protective benefits to textiles. The technology is used in a variety of applications, such as home textiles, apparel and technical textiles.

Micropolis has created a patented microencapsulation technology that allows microcapsules to be attached to any type of textile — such as cellulosic, man-made fiber or wool — without using a binder. The technology is used mainly in PCMs, which are applied to fibers in smart textiles to provide thermal insulation.

The companies have recently developed a new technology in which PCM microcapsules with functional reactive groups are applied using conventional textile processes such as padding, exhaustion or spraying. The chemical bonding of the microcapsules to the fibers results in increased thermal capacity, as well as breathability, good wash durability and a soft hand.

October 7, 2008