Research & Development
Graphene offers significant promise for fiber applications of the future
Graphene is a wonder that I believe represents the next phase of nanoevolution. It is, in fact, my new favorite material. Graphene is one single atomic layer of carbon. Graphite is many layers of graphene stacked. Separating the layers in graphite by various processes (termed exfoliation) is the way most commercially available graphene is made. …
Student Spotlight: Electrospun biomaterials
Allison Fetz is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Memphis, where she is conducting research on electrospun biomaterials within the Tissue Template Engineering and Regeneration Laboratory, a joint program by the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Fetz’s research is …
New liquid crystal polyester filament yarns
By Kota Nakamura, Ryosuke Sakae, Hisatoshi Tanaka and Munekazu Matoba, Toray Industries, Japan
Liquid crystal polyester (LCP) filament yarns made from thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer are a type of “super fiber,” which include para-aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).Since the mass production of LCP filament yarns began in the 1990s, demand has expanded owing to their unique characteristics, such as high tenacity, high modulus, low water absorption and heat resistance.
Improving the elastomeric performance of bio-based fibers
By C. Burgstaller and B.M. Lekube, Transfercenter für Kunststofftechnik, Wels, Austria, and S. Riepler and W. Hermann, IFG Asota, Linz, Austria
In this work, we investigated the suitability of a bio-based elastomer to modify polylactic acid (PLA) towards more elasticity, in combination with a reactive coupling agent. We found that this is possible in general, but the processing of the materials has to be carried out with care so as not to locally cross-link the materials, which would result in a reduction of properties.
Dornbirn Congress continues to communicate fiber innovation
With global fiber production now exceeding 100 million tons – and growing at 3-4% a year – non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which focus on all parts of the textile value chain, are increasingly drawing attention to the fiber industry and producing unfavorable, critical reports. Textile products are placing huge pressures on the Earth’s resources and polluting the environment.