Towards a durable finished textile: light-curing process for stretch textiles.

Saal Bira
Donnerstag, 14.09.2023, 14:20 - 14:45 Uhr

The presentation will focus on the developpement of an innovative composition to manufacture a new product generation of 100% bio-sourced protective material (eco-leather) with properties and performance very similar animal based on castor seed oil, natural rubber (non-vulcanized) and Soybean Oil (SBO). Using un-vulcanized rubber is somewhat unusual especially in combination with a bio-thermoplastic. But it was this strategy that made it possible to reproduce leather’s performance.

Sprecher
Ahmad Ibrahim et al (CTT Group, St-Hyacinthe (CAN))

Leather production is linked to serious sustainability and environmental issues, especially as a by-product of the meat industry. Animal leather properties are by nature extremely variable since they depend on the animal itself, its origin, breed, diet and even the location on the animal's body. This dependence makes it very difficult to produce large quantities of animal leather with unique and uniform properties. This lack of uniformity also characterizes vegetable-based vegan leathers, hence the difficulties of using them on a large scale. Currently, several eco-responsible innovations are beginning to emerge within the industrial subsidiary of leather-related applications. Despite the progress made, there is no product that can replace animal leather, especially high-performance applications such as protective clothing: gloves for firefighters, for example. Stedfast and CTT Group have developed a new plant-based composition for the manufacture of a low carbon footprint alternative to leather. The formulation was adapted for extrusion, a common process, which allows the production of a uniform membrane (laminated on textiles) in a single step. This original, natural and uniform product is capable of addressing industry’s demanding performance requirements (flexibility, breathability, protection). The product developed was characterized in comparison with alternative through various tests such as : Water resistance (Hydrostatic pressure test: AATCC Test Method 127-2018), Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM E96/E96M-05-Procedure BW), Water resistance-High Penetration test- After Cold flex CAN/CGSB – 4.2 No. 26.5-M89 (2013) and Abrasion resistance (ASTM D3884-09 (2017)).