Electroconductive textiles to open up new possibilities

03 Jun '09

3 min read

Once again, BASF is presenting ideas for innovative technical textiles at Techtextil 2009 (Hall 3.0, Stand B79) in Frankfurt/Main, Germany on June 16 - 18. In addition to a variety of textile coating solutions, the focus this year is on electroconductive textiles.

E-Textiles will open up new possibilities
Electroconductive textiles, so called E-Textiles, combine typical textile properties such as flexibility, tensile strength and handle with electrical or metallic functions such as thermal and electrical conductivity. BASF introduces under the name Texapret E, a new technology, where these products can be produced on an industrial scale. E-Textiles can be used in diverse fields of application such as the automotive and construction sectors.

Various possible applications for this innovation will be presented at the stand, such as:
• The surrounding environment can be observed with textiles fitted with sensors: A sensor-equipped carpet, for example, could detect, evaluate and relay movements. Such textiles can be used in nursing homes where unusual falls can be immediately reported and assistance called for.
• Textiles with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) open up new possibilities for furnishings and advertizing media. They could, for example, be used in flags and banners that are visible at night.

Textile solutions for construction and home textile applications: self-cleaning effect and water-, oil-, and dirt-repellence
BASF Textile Chemicals have a variety of solutions for both inside and outside any building, including private homes.

For example, when textiles are treated with BASF's Mincor, even stubborn dirt particles can be washed off easily simply with water. Mincor is a finishing system based on nanotechnology for self-cleaning technical textiles that can be used for awnings or parasols allowing textiles to remain clean and look new for longer. Since its launch in 2007, the technology has been continually improved. For example, the customized dispersions for flame retardancy are effective even at low application rates, and thereby hardly affecting the handle of the fabrics.

Tablecloths and upholstery fabrics are protected from dirt and stain when textiles are finished with Lurotex fluorocarbon finishing that gives textiles long-lasting water, oil, and dirt repellency. For automotive and upholstery fabrics, BASF's unique solution provides additional protection against pilling caused by hook and loop fasteners making them look new for longer.

BASF will also present a new textile coating solution based on its unique Texapret range for manufacturing artificial leather that can be used for furniture, such as sofas.

The Textile Chemicals business unit of BASF Group offers textile auxiliaries for weaving, pretreatment and dyeing, as well as comprehensive solutions for pigment printing, finishing and textile coatings. BASF products are manufactured and marketed worldwide. BASF is one of the leading suppliers in these fields.

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