Dispersions for fiber bonding – innovations for nonwovens

This year, an exhibition focus for binders for fiber bonding was the eco-friendly reactive resins of the Acrodur® brand which can be used as binders for natural fiber moldings, glass and synthetic fiber nonwovens.

The latest application example that proves the exceptional capabilities of this product class, are the highly environmental friendly cork floorings of Portuguese group Amorim, the world’s biggest producer of cork products. These products have a higher eco-efficiency than compatible vinyl tiles and floating wood parquet, as shown by a recent Eco-Efficiency Analysis carried out by BASF in collaboration with Amorim.

Acronal® brand acrylate dispersions are an additional focus. Along with the established applications for polyester and glass nonwovens, they can also be used to bind cellulosic substrates. Cellulosic filters produced with Acronal® e.g. display low water absorption, high wet and internal bond strength and are particularly robust.

Binders for fibrous materials in the forms of dispersions or reactive resins have become an indispensable feature of everyday life. They bind numerous products that simplify our lives in a wide variety of ways. As nonwoven fabrics they make roofing membranes tear proof and ductile, and kitchen towels highly absorbent. Grit and paper are made into abrasive materials and cellulose substrates into filter paper for air or oil filters. Besides these technical applications, binders are also used in consumer nonwovens, for example to manufacture kitchen towels and nonwoven materials for diapers.

Superabsorbents - high tech for hygiene and industry

Sustainability is a key issue for the hygiene industry with its products that come into close contact with the body – baby diapers, incontinence products and feminine hygiene. Special superabsorbents can play a crucial role in the design, functional properties and – seen across the entire process chain – the need for resources. On the one hand BASF, as a leading manufacturer, offers all-in-one solutions; on the other, customized solutions developed in close collaboration with innovative customers are becoming increasingly important.

BASF’s product portfolio also includes special superabsorbent brands for industrial applications, such as Luquafleece®, a superabsorbent fabric. Luquafleece® has been developed to provide benefits beyond those of established absorbent materials. The Luquafleece® technology, through strong mechanical interaction between the fiber and the superabsorbent, allows for immobilization of high polymer loadings while maintaining abrasion stability.  Luquafleece® does not only absorb aqueous liquids but can also be employed to cyclically absorb and release large quantities of moisture. This characteristic can be utilized very effectively to enhance seating-comfort and wellbeing in furniture and automotive applications.

The immobilization of superabsorbents by the Luquafleece® technology provides a high degree of flexibility for customized solutions and offers access to a variety of applications beyond absorption and climate control.