The viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Kelheim/Germany, extended its range of speciality products by a newly developed viscose fiber with incorporated infrared-(IR)-reflecting particles.
The human body, like any other matter with comparable temperature, releases a large part of its energy via thermal radiation. This radiation is mainly composed of infrared light. It leads to a loss of energy and therefore to a cooling of the human body.
The newly developed viscose fibre with incorporated IR-reflecting particles can significantly reduce this process, according to the company. Thermal radiation emanating from a body is reflected by the particles incorporated in the viscose fibre and sent back to the body, so reducing the cooling of the person.
In addition, the wearer benefits from the typical properties of a viscose fiber such as comfort, softness and skin friendliness.
This is achieved by the intrinsic quality of the treatment: in contrast to a subsequent finish with additives based on titanium oxide, the mineral IR-reflecting particles are incorporated into the fibre’s core, preserving the typical fibre properties. The effect is permanent as the additive cannot be washed out, the company reports.
First test results of the new fibres that have already been successfully manufactured on a pilot scale, show significant temperature effects in comparison to a standard viscose fibre.
This is said to open up a multitude of possible fields of applications – used in functional underwear, for example, the thermal effect can increase the well-being of the wearer even at low temperatures.
In functional sportswear, the new fibre can lead to improved performance and a faster regeneration of the athlete, thanks to improved blood circulation. Along with textiles, different nonwoven applications could benefit from the IR-reflecting fibre, as for example warming shoe inserts.
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