Kelheim touts benefits of new IR-reflecting viscose
01/02/2016
The method preserves the fibre’s properties, rather than being added as a topical finish, using additives based on titanium oxide or other metal-based compounds.
The German group said the new fibre delivers a level of IR-activity that could be proven in measurements of the Total Solar Reflectance Value. Visible light is reflected by 90% to 95%, while in the near infrared range, a reflectance of up to 90% is reached, depending on the wavelength spectrum.
“This proves a clear benefit in the reflectance of direct sunlight, where the fibre is capable of providing a cooling effect, for example by protecting the human body from outside radiation,” it said.
“The fibre may also be used in warming applications, where the thermal radiation emitted from the body is reflected by these particles back to the body, reducing the cooling effect and keeping the person warm. In the mid IR-range an increase of reflectance of about 20% of m-IR radiation was achieved in tests compared to normal viscose.”
The fibre can be used for both textile and nonwoven processes. “Comfortable feel-good clothes and functional special clothing are just two obvious applications for our new IR fibre,” says Dr Daniela Bauer of Kelheim Fibres’ R&D team. “The level of loading can be adapted according to the requirements of the final product, which provides high versatility. As a next step, the fibre will be tested for its effectiveness in various end-applications in cooperation with our partners.”
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