KELHEIM, Germany — November 5, 2014 — Kelheim Fibres GmbH is extending its range of speciality products by a newly developed viscose fiber that reflects infrared (IR) radiation.
The human body — like any other matter with comparable temperature — releases a large part of its energy via thermal radiation. This radiation is mainly composed of infrared light. It leads to a loss of energy and therefore to a cooling of the human body. The newly developed viscose fiber with incorporated IR-reflecting particles can significantly reduce this process: Thermal radiation emanating from a body is reflected by the particles incorporated in the viscose fiber and sent back to the body, so reducing the cooling of the person.
In addition to this thermal retention function, the wearer of such a textile also benefits from the typical properties of a viscose fiber such as wearer comfort, softness and skin friendliness. This is achieved by the intrinsic quality of the treatment: in contrast to a subsequent finish with additives based on titanium oxide, the mineral IR-reflecting particles are incorporated into the fiber’s core, preserving the typical fiber properties. The effect is permanent as the additive cannot be washed out.
First test results of the new fibers that have already been successfully manufactured on a pilot scale, show significant temperature effects in comparison to a standard viscose fiber. This opens up a multitude of possible fields of applications: Used in functional underwear, the thermal effect can increase the well-being of the wearer even at low temperatures. In functional sportswear, the new fiber can lead to improved performance and a faster regeneration of the athlete, thanks to improved blood circulation. Along with textiles, different nonwoven applications could benefit from the IR-reflecting fiber, as for example warming shoe inserts.
“Comfortable feel-good clothes and functional special clothing are just two obvious applications for our new IR fiber,” said Dr. Nina Köhne from Kelheim Fibres’ R&D team. Dr. Daniela Bauer, added: “We would be happy to adapt the fiber exactly to the demands of other applications depending on our customer’s specific needs. In the past, individual development partnerships often have proven very fruitful and we are glad when our customers reach out to us with their new ideas.”
For the next step, the Bavarian fiber specialists are planning physical and physiological textile tests.
Posted November 11, 2014
Source: Kelheim Fibres
