At Techtextil 2019, Covestro will be presenting new and sustainable developments with Insqin technology for aqueous textile coatings as well as a water-based polyurethane dispersion enabling biodegradable textile coatings. Techtextil, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, will be held at Frankfurt, Germany from May 14-17.

One of the highlights in Techtextil this time is breathable yet waterproof outdoor clothing. It is intended to protect joggers or hikers from rain, but at the same time let sweat escape from their skin. With the Insqin technology, textiles are coated with water-based polyurethane (PU) dispersions without the use of solvents. The breathable textiles impart a pleasantly comfortable feeling, said Covestro in a press release. This is ensured by an adhesive coating based on Impraperm dl5310 dispersion and a top coat based on Impraperm dl5249. Both products also give backpacks, shoes and gloves their desired functionality.

When assessing the sustainability of textiles, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the entire product cycle – including the behaviour at the end of its useful life. With Impranil dln-sd, Covestro offers a water-based PU dispersion that is biologically degradable by microorganisms at the end of the product life cycle. The initial internal tests performed on pure polymer films without additives confirm this. The raw materials enable biodegradable coatings and composite solutions, which in turn contribute to a modern recycling economy. Under the conditions of OECD Standard 301, more than half of the dispersion is degraded within 28 days. The percentage is significantly higher than with acrylate film formers. The aliphatic PU dispersion Impranil dln-sd can be used to formulate very light-resistant coatings for adhesive, intermediate and top coats. They are also suitable for other product applications, such as latex gloves and packaging.

At Techtextil 2019, Covestro will also showcase a new fibre made from TPU. Compared to conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers, it is characterised by an improved abrasion resistance and can be heat pressed at lower temperatures. Tear resistance and a good haptic feeling are further advantages. The fibre can be used in footwear, functional textiles, sports accessories and casual wear.

The use of printed electronics is becoming increasingly important in the course of increasing digitalisation in the medical and health sector and also in leisure time. Covestro has developed a range of skin-friendly film solutions to meet the requirements for lightweight and very comfortable smart textile design. Smart textiles are an important application, for example for bio-monitoring, diagnostics and drug administration. Platilon thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films are used, for example, in the continuous monitoring of vital functions and exact performance measurement. A conductive ink can be safely applied to the films to achieve this. Housed inside a shoe sole, patient data can be directly recorded and evaluated in real time by electronic devices.

Recently, Covestro has also been developing textile coatings for medical applications. These include surgical clothing, bed pads for hospitals, coatings for medical furniture and even bandages. At Techtextil, the company will present raw materials for sustainable, water-based textile coatings with good haptics and resistance to disinfectants, as well as cohesive bandages without latex for compression therapy and secondary fixation. (PC)