Seeking Technology Retaining Effectiveness of Finishes on PET Textile Fibers Over Time

A SpecialChem Client is looking for technologies that allow textile treatment (anti-microbial, water-repellent, wicking…) on PET to retain its effectiveness over the life of a consumer product.

Historically synthetic fibers may have finishes such as anti-microbial, water-repellent and wicking finishes successfully applied to them, however it is quite difficult to ensure that these chemistries will stay attached to the fibers during wearing and washing. Textile claiming long-lasting or, even better, never-ending effects would gain valuable market shares and offer good profits for the technology provider.

Potential volume is high. As an example, our client uses many millions of yards of PET textiles per year.

The SpecialChem client is looking for technologies that will allow for robust treatments to textiles by functionalizing PET in yarn form to link to a functional chain in a textile treatment. The goal is to create a strong bond between the PET extruded fiber, yarn or textile and the surface finish that will survive multiple launderings and retain its effectiveness over the life of a consumer product. Solutions that apply to PA (Polyamide) are of interest as well, but the key focus is PET.

The system must be flexible enough to be efficacious in the yarn manufacturing process or during the textile finishing process, and be compatible with a wide range of surface functionalization chemistries including anti-microbials, wicking and durable water resistant finishes.

Chemical natures of finishes vary a lot, but technology specifically adapted for the following are of interest for the SpecialChem Client:

• Silicones
• C6
• Ceramics
• Chitosans
• Minerals - Quartz, Jade Powder, Zeolites 3. Xylitol
• Silver ions

Testing requirements:
Air permeability of textiles must be maintained to a minimum of 90% of the same material without the treatment (although technologies that fall into the moisture-vapor permeable category will also be considered). Dimensional stability or strength of the fiber must not be impacted.

Technology readiness:
Technologies must have the following characteristics to be considered:

• Description of how the technology can be deployed on a mass scale
• Cost to implement the technology and to treat materials must be addressed
• Time to implement
• Technology must have the capability to support high manufacturing volumes, and a variety of product sizes
• Technology and process must be US EPA and EC REACH approved, or have a very high likelihood of approval; they must be non-hazardous to humans or to the environment

Treatments should not negatively affect textile properties such as:

• Color (especially whiteness)
• Color fastness
• Stretch

Nor should they unduly affect the fabric aesthetics such as:

• Hand (tactility of the textile)
• Visual appearance

The SpecialChem Client is willing to test all new proposed technologies as soon as possible.

The SpecialChem Client is a brand owner and is open to a variety of engagements, including NRE (Non-recurring engineering) payments, licensing, consortia approaches, material purchase, etc. However our Client does not manufacture any chemicals or textiles themselves. Our Client would be looking to engage with third parties to manufacture fiber and chemical systems.