Raw Materials
Previewing The Fiber Year 2020
The 20th anniversary edition of The Fiber Year includes important improvements for participants along the value chain – a distinct differentiation between fiber supply and the volume entering textile processing. This refers to fiber inventory changes and delivers enhanced insights into processing volumes. A projection for last year‘s final end-use will enrich key figures along …
Bicomponent fiber – get more than 2x
A biocomponent fiber, or bico, is a fiber that combines two separate polymers into a single filament. The term conjugate fiber is also used as a synonym. The process of making a bicomponent fiber is relatively straightforward. There are a number of patents that describe this practice. Commonly, the fiber is constructed of two …
A strange brew – genetically engineered polymeric fibers
Over the past century, man has truly harnessed the power of artificial polymer materials; polymeric fiber materials have allowed for applications not possible with the use of natural fibers. Driven by cost, ease of processing and variety of applications, the use of synthetic polymer fibers has expanded to all corners of life. However, these polymers …
Oerlikon shows its mastery and diversity in TPU nonwovens
TPU nonwovens have many talents, although these are not easy to tap into. Now, nonwoven manufacturers can receive help, as Oerlikon Nonwoven has expanded its know-how, providing support in all areas from the selection of the right primary materials and their processing – all the way through to ensuring the colors are right. Industry, agriculture, …
Viscose pulp prices at historical lows
The current price of hardwood viscose pulp in China is $650/tonne. This is the lowest price in real (inflation-adjusted) terms in at least the last 20 years, and probably an even longer time period than that. Today’s price is 10% less than the previous lows posted in the fourth quarter of 2002 and the second …