Schoeller technology is clearly ahead in comparative tests

07 Mar '09

3 min read

Such as hotel or airport lobbies, conference rooms or public transport and waiting areas – come in for high levels of traffic and are subject to particularly intensive wear and tear. The textiles used in these areas therefore need additional protection – functionality as offered by NanoSphere, the smart textile finish from Switzerland. Because, due to a specially-tuned formula, the NanoSphere finish generates a self-cleaning effect and is also characterised by extremely good abrasion proofing.

Textiles of this kind repel water and stains, stay clean for longer, need less care and have a longer service life. Just how clearly they can be distinguished from conventional water and dirt repelling fabric finishes was explained by Jochen Schmidt, Head of Business Line Functional Effects, Clariant International Ltd., in his lecture at Heimtextil 2009 in Frankfurt.

A tougher candidate – in the abrasion test too
With NanoSphere technology, the manufacturers of soft furnishings and textiles for institutional use offer extremely high functionality and at the same time a product which is ecologically safe.

There is also another important sales argument: the extraordinary resilience of the finish. Among other things, NanoSphere was tested in accordance with the AATCC test method 79. After 30,000 abrasion cycles, the water and oil repelling function of NanoSphere is still top level while a comparable, conventional textile finish drops practically to zero level after exposure to 5,000 cycles. A further feature of the longevity becomes evident in the Bundesmann rain test. After 10 minutes of constant exposure to rain with a simulated 100 litres of water on a 1m2 fabric sample, NanoSphere still displays a value of 4 (maximum = 6), while a conventional product achieved only a level of 1. For the relatively young market of soft furnishings and textiles for institutional use, Schoeller and Clariant carried out numerous experiments and tests and have now licensed a small number of companies.

Bundesmann : Examination of water repellence in accordance with the Bundesmann rain test: Rain is simulated and a fabric sample confronted with a defined quantity of rain over a specific period. The water absorbed by the fabric and the water penetration are measures (after one minute, five minutes and 10 minutes). This results in a figure indicating the run-off properties and consequently the water repellence of the material.

Absorbency of Textiles - Absorbency/repellency is one of the several factors that determines the suitability of a fabric for a particular use.

PRINCIPLE - A drop of water (or oil) is allowed to fall from a fixed height onto the taut surface of a specimen. the time required for the secular reflection of the water drop to disappear is measured and recorded as wetting time.

SCHOELLER TECHNOLOGIES AG

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