ExxonMobil partners to develop new nonwovens

ExxonMobil has partnered with Reifenhäuser Reicofil, a global supplier of nonwoven, meltblown and composite production lines, to develop high-loft, ultra-soft nonwovens that can be tailored to specific applications
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This "breakthrough solution" will be on display at the Index 20 nonwovens trade show in Geneva from 19 to 22 October
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"The collaboration with Reifenhäuser Reicofil creates a new benchmark for high-loft, ultra-soft nonwovens to meet growing market demands globally, especially in Asia Pacific," said ExxonMobil Polypropylene, Vistamaxx and Adhesives Olivier Lorge, business global market manager, said, "This solution addresses the hygiene market's need for innovative, differentiated soft nonwovens and will open opportunities for ExxonMobil customers across the value chain
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The fabric is made from a blend of ExxonMobil PP3155E5, ExxonMobil Achieved PP3684 and Vistamaxx 7050BF high-performance polymer and is easily processable using Reifenhäuser Reicofil's bicomponent (BiCo) spunbond technology
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By adjusting the formulation, non-woven fabrics can be customized to meet the needs of different hygiene product ingredients
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According to the press release, the thickness of the nonwoven meets the requirements for soft cushioning, providing both high elasticity and fluff while providing good drape, consistent product uniformity and low fuzz for surface stability
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Variations in formulation allow the production of non-woven fabrics with different feel, from cotton to silk touch, to suit the needs of the application
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Spunbond fabrics can be up to 15% thicker than other BiCo spunbond high loft solutions
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In addition, 80% of the thickness is maintained after prolonged loading
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