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| High Loft technology |
The world's largest nonwovens exhibition, INDEX, has reflected this year again the challenges that can be tackled through innovation. Consumers of nonwoven hygiene products in China and the Asia-Pacific region demand high quality products with a strong preference for softness. Markus Müller, Sales Director at Reicofil, says: "The trend in Asia is now influencing the European and US diaper markets. Soft-touch applications play an increasingly important role, especially in top sheet and back sheet applications where mid-segment product ranges are being gradually squeezed out of the market by premium products. The High Loft technology is our answer to the strong demand for bulky and soft nonwovens."
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| Full High Loft |
The Reicofil High Loft technology is based on the proven Reicofil Bico technology which is used to produce filaments of two different raw materials (PP/PP or PP/PE). These filaments are produced in a side-side structure. The subsequent bonding of the self-crimping fibres is made by hot air or an embossing calender. Reicofil development engineers have matured the High Loft process even further and are proud to present at INDEX the three different technology levels Semi High Loft, High Loft and Full High Loft. Development engineer Sebastian Sommer explains the differences: For soft and semi High Loft nonwovens we are using prebonding with a heated press roll and a final bonding calender. The Full High Loft nonwoven is made through air bonding to preserve thickness and softness ". All these features deliver superior touch, but differ in characteristics for their later applications:
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| Semi High Loft |
Semi High Loft
- at least one layer with low or un-crimped fibers to allow easier processing
- at least one layer with crimped fibres (e.g. side/side) to generate thickness
- bonding with calender → softbond pattern is recommended
- recommended resin combination: PP/PP
High Loft
- all layers with crimped fibers (e.g. side/side) to generate thickness
- bonding with calender → softbond pattern is recommended
- recommended resin combination: PP/PP
Full High Loft
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all layers with crimped fibers (e.g. side/side) to generate thickness
- bonding with hot air to preserve maximum thickness
- recommended resin combination: PP/PE
- premium products with superior softness & thickness
Markus Müller comments: "High Loft produced on our lines are a true alternative to carded fabrics. It is the perfect choice for applications in the hygiene industry, e.g. diapers or femcare products. Also industrial applications such as filtration or sound insulation can be targeted."
