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BASF PolyTHF celebrates 25 years in fibre supply
12 Sep '08
5 min read
The fibers are also light in weight, smooth to the touch and can easily be dyed. They resist humidity and microbes in a wide temperature range and are permeable to steam. For that reason the fibers have demonstrated their value especially in direct contact with the body for instance, in swimwear, underwear, socks, pantyhose and modern sportswear.
Their use in diapers is relatively new. Featuring special flat fibers at the edges these diapers provide a reliable tight seal without the discomfort of cutting into the skin. It takes actually a small volume of fibers to make a woven fabric elastic and thus be more comfortable to wear.
With merely three percent Spandex or Elastan woven into their fabric, stretch jeans live up to their name. In sportswear Spandex or Elastan may represent up to about five to ten percent, in swimwear it may range as high as 30 percent.
Fiber manufacturers appreciate particularly the high PolyTHF quality achieved by BASF thanks to a continuous production process. Use of the BASF intermediate enables producers to manufacture uniform homogenous fibers consistently, which, as a result, will not pose problems in further processing.
At conventional operating speeds of 500 to 8000 meters per minute even these very thin fibers are not likely to break, preventing costly production stoppages.
PolyTHF is also an important intermediate in manufacturing thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU). These products are made into highly-abrasion resistant and flexible hoses, films and cable sheathing.
Other applications include thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide and cast polyurethane elastomers, proven in their use for skateboard rollers and inline skates.
Skaters appreciate the elastomers on which they roll because they make for a comfortable, cushioned ride. Yet the rollers are extremely tough, highly-resistant to wear and therefore long-lasting.
Comprehensive line of PolyTHF products offered:
In addition to PolyTHF BASF supplies a broad palette of other raw materials for the production of Spandex and Elastan fibers and elastomers. The line includes isocyanates, chain extenders and stoppers, crosslinkers as well as a series of solvents.
BASF backs its products with a multitude of comprehensive services designed to make and keep its customers' production increasingly efficient.
In addition to start-up support and general technical consultations, the spectrum of services also aims to improve fiber properties, especially their functionality and thermal resistance.
Furthermore special analyses are offered to determine the chemical composition, the morphology, the viscosity of the spinning solution, solvent recycling and support in attaining sustainability and providing Responsible Care.
This year the company will be opening a special PolyTHF application laboratory at the Shanghai-Pudong site. It will expand BASF's technical customer service in Asia, in particular for the PolyTHF growth markets in Elastan and Spandex fibers as well as thermoplastic polyurethane and polyether ester elastomers (TPU, TPEE).
The laboratory has access to modern polymer analytics and also will be equipped to perform various tests and syntheses. Due to its proximity to customers the laboratory will be positioned to develop new recipes and refine current formulations for them. It will also furnish adjustments of mechanical and thermal properties for PolyTHF derivatives.
Their use in diapers is relatively new. Featuring special flat fibers at the edges these diapers provide a reliable tight seal without the discomfort of cutting into the skin. It takes actually a small volume of fibers to make a woven fabric elastic and thus be more comfortable to wear.
With merely three percent Spandex or Elastan woven into their fabric, stretch jeans live up to their name. In sportswear Spandex or Elastan may represent up to about five to ten percent, in swimwear it may range as high as 30 percent.
Fiber manufacturers appreciate particularly the high PolyTHF quality achieved by BASF thanks to a continuous production process. Use of the BASF intermediate enables producers to manufacture uniform homogenous fibers consistently, which, as a result, will not pose problems in further processing.
At conventional operating speeds of 500 to 8000 meters per minute even these very thin fibers are not likely to break, preventing costly production stoppages.
PolyTHF is also an important intermediate in manufacturing thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU). These products are made into highly-abrasion resistant and flexible hoses, films and cable sheathing.
Other applications include thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide and cast polyurethane elastomers, proven in their use for skateboard rollers and inline skates.
Skaters appreciate the elastomers on which they roll because they make for a comfortable, cushioned ride. Yet the rollers are extremely tough, highly-resistant to wear and therefore long-lasting.
Comprehensive line of PolyTHF products offered:
In addition to PolyTHF BASF supplies a broad palette of other raw materials for the production of Spandex and Elastan fibers and elastomers. The line includes isocyanates, chain extenders and stoppers, crosslinkers as well as a series of solvents.
BASF backs its products with a multitude of comprehensive services designed to make and keep its customers' production increasingly efficient.
In addition to start-up support and general technical consultations, the spectrum of services also aims to improve fiber properties, especially their functionality and thermal resistance.
Furthermore special analyses are offered to determine the chemical composition, the morphology, the viscosity of the spinning solution, solvent recycling and support in attaining sustainability and providing Responsible Care.
This year the company will be opening a special PolyTHF application laboratory at the Shanghai-Pudong site. It will expand BASF's technical customer service in Asia, in particular for the PolyTHF growth markets in Elastan and Spandex fibers as well as thermoplastic polyurethane and polyether ester elastomers (TPU, TPEE).
The laboratory has access to modern polymer analytics and also will be equipped to perform various tests and syntheses. Due to its proximity to customers the laboratory will be positioned to develop new recipes and refine current formulations for them. It will also furnish adjustments of mechanical and thermal properties for PolyTHF derivatives.
BASF Group
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