New nanofibre production method attracts Itochu - sportstextiles: Lea SportsTextiles

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New nanofibre production method attracts Itochu

27/05/2011
Japanese textile and apparel manufacturer Itochu has signed a distribution agreement with South Korean company Toptec. Toptec will use a newly developed manufacturing process to make nanofibres for Itochu.

Itochu believes it will be able to use nanofibres to add functionality to a range of products, including protective clothing.

"Several methods for manufacturing of nanofibres have been proposed," Itochu said in a statement, "including the nozzle-type electro-spinning method, which involves the use of a nozzle to squeeze out a raw material solution. Applying a high voltage to the solution causes nano-sized fibres to fly along the electric field. This method has been considered unsuitable for mass production."

Toptec developed its method in collaboration with Shinshu University in Japan. It uses a new electro-spinning unit, which Itochu has said eliminates the problems of nozzle-type equipment. There is no nozzle to clog up, so no need to stop production regularly for maintenance and is, therefore, suitable for mass production.

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