Materials News

Updates to nonwovens by Dow and Conductive Composites

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Targeted at infant diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinent articles as well as medical gowns and drapes, Dow's XZ 89461.00 Experimental PE fibre-grade resin extends the ASPUN fibre-grade PP resin portfolio, with a resin specifically designed to address industry demand for cloth-like haptics and softness while also offering increased throughput and easy processability.

Due to its optimised molecular design combined with a formulated stabilisation package, the new resin offers converters improved spinnability for longer production runs. The solution also has a high tensile elongation that allows for desired stretch and tear resistance.

Used as a mono-component spunbound application, the resin is said to deliver nonwoven softness; while as a bi-component the nonwoven features are widened offering conformability. The resin can be also used in a bi-component staple fibre application, combined with PET or PP in bonding fibres for applications that require air-through bonding.

Meanwhile, Conductive Composites says its products are lighter, thinner and more conductive than nonwovens made from conductive fibres. Using this method, every external surface is coated and protected and the resistivity of the sheet can be engineered to very low levels. The firm says performance characteristics match or exceed sheets of carbon nanomaterials at a more competitive price and in continuous roll format.