Ascend Performance Materials will unveil new fibre technologies for textiles, apparel and filtration applications at K 2019 in Dusseldorf during October 16-23. This includes Acteev, a textile resin with a non-silver antimicrobial additive to provide odour-fighting properties to garments. Acteev is easily dyeable and does not discolour after laundering.

“The apparel industry is moving toward more sustainable, longer lasting and higher performance garments,” said Steve Manning, Ascend’s senior director for business development and technology. “Acteev combines nylon 6,6 with an antimicrobial additive to produce a fibre that is functional, durable and better for the environment than topical garment treatments because it requires no water or solvents for application onto the finished garment.”

Acteev joins Endur by Ascend and No-Shock anti-static fibres as the company grows its functional fibre portfolio.

Ascend is also developing a series of nonwoven PA66 nanofiber membranes with grades designed for apparel and filtration applications. When used in apparel, Ascend’s nanofiber membrane provides superior breathability in outerwear without being bulky or stiff, while maintaining protection from the elements.

The filtration grades of the company’s nanofiber membranes are designed for use in air- and hydrocarbon-filtration applications and offer increased efficiency with reduced pressure loss. Because the nanofibers are made from PA66, they are resistant to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and chemicals.

“We developed a new process for producing PA66 nanofiber that creates a membrane with fibre diameters ranging from 350 to 600 nanometers,” said Manning. “Unlike other nanofiber production processes, our technology uses no solvents – reducing the environmental impact from production.”