Clariant at Techtextil 2013 - Effects that Perform Chemistry that Cares

• New solutions promote processes and products with improved environmental benefits for technical textiles
• Focus on: Repellence & Release; Flame Retardancy; and Stability & Resistance
• Techtextil 2013, Messe Frankfurt, June 11-13, 2013, Hall 3.0 Booth B33

Singapore, June 11, 2013 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, meets the performance priorities of technical textiles with advanced solutions, so as to ensure such textiles are always fully fit for function. At Techtextil 2013, Clariant will present “effects that perform and chemistry that cares” in three key focus areas – Repellence & Release; Flame Retardancy; and Stability & Resistance.

Repellency and Release

In response to increasing concerns about the use of certain chemicals in the production of textiles, Clariant is developing new solutions which are allowing textile producers to adopt more sustainable operations and processes.

Next generation C6-based fluorochemicals: Nuva® N

Nuva N C6-based products, first introduced in 2006, support the gradual switch away from traditional long-chain fluorotelomer products which, as an unintended manufacturing by-product, may contain PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) at trace levels.

Designed to achieve state-of-the-art stain management properties, Nuva N is extremely easy to handle in processing, imparting long-lasting soil repellency and release effects, while being non-sensitive in respect of its compatibility to other finishing chemicals.

Along with improved sewability and no impact on the breathability of the fabric, the agent has a positive effect on the abrasion resistance and tear strength demanded of many materials in the technical textiles field.

Clariant is continuing to expand the Nuva range as well as increasing production capacity. Nuva 1811, Nuva N2114 and Nuva N2155 all meet the bluesign®1 criteria.

New fluorine-free water repellency solution: Arkophob® FFR

Meanwhile, entirely fluorine-free chemistry and long-lasting water repellency – two benefits that have been previously unattainable in a single solution – come together in Arkophob FFR.

This technology is an efficient alternative to conventional fluorocarbon-based repellency products, and its carefully-selected active ingredients and their special formulation allow a durable and even film formation on the surface of the fabric.

Arkophob FFR has been extensively tested by Clariant experts in respect of its water repellency, in addition to its wash permanency and the softness or ‘hand’ of the resulting fabrics. In spray tests on 100% cotton twill fabric, for example, it clearly outperforms other fluorine-free products in terms of water repellence, and its performance is very close to C6 fluorochemicals. It meets the bluesign criteria and, when correctly used, also meets the OekoTex®2 standard.

Flame Retardancy

Firefighters, the military, and others working in extreme environments and weather, require performance that protects – not just against the elements, but against hazards including fire. Furthermore, requirements in areas such as home textile and construction are getting more stringent and require high attention during product development. Those sectors therefore welcome the reassurance provided by technologies such as Clariant’s high performance Pekoflam® flame retardants.

Until quite recently, the common chemistries for fire-proofing man-made fabrics were based on organic halogens. Significantly, the development of Pekoflam began back in 1997 when the debate about the potentially harmful effects of halogen-based chemistry to both human health and the environment was only just beginning.

This gave Clariant a clear advance with its halogen-free* Pekoflam range, which is primarily based on phosphorous chemistry as a backbone. In the development of synergistic additives to achieve broad application properties comparable to existing halogen-based products, chemical know-how proved as important as the deeper understanding of flame retardant physics and related thermodynamics.

The now-established Pekoflam range is consequently ideally suited to helping customers to face today’s ecological challenges and fulfill ever stricter safety regulations – whatever the application.

New innovations for ever more sustainable fire retardant solutions

Pekoflam STC and Pekoflam HFC are new coating additives displaying high efficiency and an improved ecological profile when compared to nitrogen and/or phosphorous based commodity chemicals.

Stability and Resistance

Clariant’s polymer dispersions are highly valued by technical textile finishers, whether in coating, spraying, foaming, lamination or impregnation. The tailor-made solutions for customer-specific requirements allow range from soft to hard, from elastic to rigid, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and from impermeable to breathable.

Crosslinking is used to reinforce the dimensional web created by the polymer, under specific conditions of temperature and acidic catalysis, to provide a range of benefits. In its constant efforts to reduce formaldehyde, Clariant has especially focused on developing self-crosslinking products. Not only do they offer low formaldehyde solutions per se, but they also do not need to be used with melamine resins – which can be a source of free formaldehyde.

From ultra-low formaldehyde to formaldehyde-free* solutions

The company’s Appretan® E range of ultra-low formaldehyde polymer dispersions has been formulated to provide flexibility, strength, stability and resistance in textile and nonwoven applications.

In addition to a general improvement in properties, the key performance attributes of this self-crosslinking dispersion are its high resistance to water, solvents, alcohol, and elevated temperature.

For the production of textiles that are required to comply with very strict eco-toxicological regulations, Clariant has also developed Appretan NF formaldehyde-free* dispersions.

Supplier of Choice

Clariant proves to be the system supplier of choice for textile mills and nonwoven manufacturers in the area of technical textiles as a result of its broad portfolio of innovative materials and finishes, and its ability to deliver tailor-made solutions for specific sectors.

Clariant’s solution-oriented approach to business is also illustrated by its capacity to team up with the best possible partners, such as its own Masterbatches business unit, or SANITIZED AG – who will both have experts present at the booth. Clariant’s masterbatch specialists will share their expertise about adding color and functionality to carpets, clothing, automotive interiors, nonwovens and artificial turf. Additive masterbatches, in particular, can be used to add durability, UV stability or flame retardancy, whilst always keeping in sight safety and environmental compliance requirements.

“Clariant’s commitment to establishing long-lasting customer relationships, backed by extensive customer service and support, ensures we deliver products that not only advance the performance of technical textiles with measurable benefits, but also assist producers in adopting more sustainable operations and processes,” says Jochen Schmidt, Head of Technical Service EMEA, Textile Chemicals Business Unit, Clariant. “These are key elements for our customers’ success in today’s challenging business environment.