Kelheim Fibres Develops Static Dissipative Viscose Fiber

KELHEIM, Germany — September 29, 2016 — By developing a viscose fiber which provides static dissipation, Kelheim Fibres broadens its already comprehensive range of speciality viscose fibers.

The black fiber receives its specific properties by the incorporation of electrically conductive additives into the fiber’s core. As a result, the functional additives are evenly distributed in the whole fiber, while at the same time the typical properties of the viscose fiber — as for example its high absorbency — are preserved.

First tests with these fibers that have been successfully produced on a laboratory scale have shown a significant increase of the fibers’ electrical conductivity in comparison to a standard viscose fiber. Depending on requirements, Kelheim Fibers can produce fibers in the middle conductivity range from about 10-4 S/m to 0.1 S/m.

The functionalized fiber could be used in protective work wear for electrostatic discharge, for the protection of electronic components or humans.

Used as humidity sensor — wherever an immediate detection of moisture is required — this dissipative fiber offers a significant advantage.

Here, the fibers could be used in completely different applications: in bed pads for the health and care sector as well as in roof linings that detect possible leakages.
When the fibers absorb moisture, they swell, which leads to a decrease of their electric conductivity. When water is stored in the fiber’s matrix, the conductive pathways of the additives are interrupted. The change in conductivity depending on the fiber’s moisture is reversible.

Customers will decide the next step of the journey of the static dissipative fiber. Dr. Nina Köhne, R&D project manager at Kelheim Fibres: “This topic is as fascinating as it is wide – up until now, we have created a strong foundation. Depending on the market’s requirements, the future way of the functionalized fiber can lead in different directions. From now on it is important to follow the specific demands of our customers and of different applications in the further development of the fiber.”

Posted September 29, 2016

Source: Kelheim Fibres

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