Kraton Polymers is claiming a significant breakthrough in bicomponent fibre technology offering for the first time a ombination of elastic spunbond grades, for biaxial stretch, with the strength of Kraton’s styrenic block copolymers (SBC). The company describes this as a major step toward commercialisation of its next generation of SBCs in fibre offerings for industrial, personal hygiene and textile applications.

“This is another example of Kraton’s extensive development portfolio coming together to provide unique materials, applications and technologies not previously considered in fibres,” said Richard Brennan, global vice-president and general manager for Kraton’s Personal Care market. “We continue to find and develop new opportunities that bring unique Kraton innovations to the industry, in this case to make fibres perform better, more efficiently and at lower cost for customers and consumers.”

Spunbond fabrics made with bicomponent fibres, with a PP or PE sheath and a Kraton polymer core, are elastic in both the machine and cross direction, and said to offer excellent drape character. In addition, the fabric’s coefficient of friction can be controlled using various bicomponent fibre configurations.
Potential applications include industrial and consumer wipes, disposable and durable fabrics for the healthcare, infant and childcare industries.