Ascend Performance Materials launched its new fiber
technologies for textiles, apparel and filtration applications at K 2019 in
Dusseldorf from October 16 to 23.
Acteev is a textile resin with a non-silver
antimicrobial additive to provide odor-fighting performance for the life of a
garment. For apparel applications, Acteev is easily dyeable and does not
discolor or wash away after laundering like topical fabric treatments.
Acteev joins Endur by Ascend and No-Shock
anti-static fibers as the company grows its functional fiber portfolio.
Ascend is also developing a series of nonwoven PA66
nanofiber membranes with grades designed for apparel and filtration
applications. When used in apparel, Ascend’s nanofiber membrane provides
superior breathability in outerwear without being bulky or stiff, while
maintaining protection from the elements.
The filtration grades of the company’s nanofiber
membranes are designed for use in air- and hydrocarbon-filtration applications
and offer increased efficiency with reduced pressure loss. Because the
nanofibers are made from PA66, they are resistant to prolonged exposure to high
temperatures and chemicals.
“The apparel industry is moving toward more
sustainable, longer lasting and higher performance garments,” said Steve
Manning, Ascend’s senior director for business development and technology.
“Acteev combines nylon 6,6 with an antimicrobial additive to produce a fiber
that is functional, durable and better for the environment than topical garment
treatments because it requires no water or solvents for application onto the
finished garment.”
“We
developed a new process for producing PA66 nanofiber that creates a membrane
with fiber diameters ranging from 350 to 600 nanometers,” said Manning. “Unlike
other nanofiber production processes, our technology uses no solvents –
reducing the environmental impact from production.”