Technical Absorbents (TAL) has announced the launch of a completely unique superabsorbent fabric. The patent-pending 100 per cent SAF needlefelt nonwoven has been in development and testing for some time and is now commercially available. TAL is a leading manufacturer of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) and SAF-containing nonwoven fabrics, yarns, and tapes.

Superabsorbent SAF needlefelt fabrics are already used in many applications and, since the installation of its own line in 2015, TAL has created a large portfolio of absorbent fabrics and has supported a number of new product developments. The latest fabric is truly unique and will open up the doors to applications that require a fully maceratable superabsorbent solution.

“The development of a fabric that contains only SAF and no other synthetic, natural or binder fibres is extremely exciting. We are not aware of anyone else that can manufacture such a fabric and this opens up the opportunity for new product forms. There is no other 100 per cent superabsorbent fabric currently available,” product development director, Mark Paterson, said in a press release.

The two metre wide needlefelt line can produce absorbent fabrics in basis weights from 130 to 1000 grams. To help protect the fibre during processing, the line is housed in a controlled humidity environment. Other non-absorbent fabrics can also be manufactured on the line, that is, 100 per cent polyester. Short order trial runs can also be facilitated where commercially viable.

“Initially, the line was used for research and development as well as making commercial products. The first couple of years saw us develop our product range – containing up to 80 per cent SAF – which are now used in many different applications from medical to filtration. The new 100 per cent SAF fabric is the first of a number of products we have developed as we strive to look for new opportunities for our core SAF technology.” Mark added. (GK)