IDEA 2016
B.F.I. supports global growth in hygiene and industrial fiber applications at IDEA®16
Highlights for IDEA16 visitors include:
Hygiene: Meraklon trilobal ranges & PE/PP BICO fibers set a new benchmark in softer-touch nonwovens with extra coverage
The trilobal range of polypropylene (PP) fibers – including ultrasoft trilobal fibers – from B.F.I.’s Italian subsidiary Meraklon deliver superior softness, an improvement in liquid management and required coverage to nonwovens for diaper, adult incontinence, feminine hygiene and wipe applications. The specific trilobal shape enables a reduction in weight which leads to system cost reductions. Trilobal fibers are offered with 0,9-6,0 den / 40mm.
Meraklon’s complete range of Polyethylene / Polypropylene (PE/PP) BICO fibers in white and superwhite cover a denier range of 1.2 den/40mm to 6.0 den/40mm. The PE sheath of the material provides a soft touch to the nonwoven which is ideal for hygiene topsheets where softness for direct skin contact is required. It is possible to add philic, phobic or permanent hydrophilic finishes according to customer requirements for the final nonwoven.
In addition to advancing hygiene applications, Meraklon’s PE/PP bico fibers can also be used as bonding fiber in different applications. The solid PP core provides strength and thermal stability while PE’s melting temperature at 130°C supports low bonding temperatures during processing.
Geotextiles: HT8 fibers for lightweight, state-of-the-art geotextiles
B.F.I.’s HT8 fibers offer unique high tenacity forces of over 6g/N without compromising on elongation (minimum 70%). The 4 and 6 denier super tenacity fibers provide opportunities to reduce the geotextile system cost by allowing customers to maximize needlepunch efficiency and ensure desired performance with weight savings of up to 15% compared to standard geotextile fiber. B.F.I. recently extended its geotextile fiber range to 8 and 10 denier to support heavier geotextiles used for environmental and protective applications.
Automotive: Customized thermoplastic PO binder fibers for lightweight automotive composites using airlay and carded/needlepunch technology.
B.F.I. has developed a series of engineered PO binder fibers for thermoplastic lightweight composites. Each of the binder fibers are designed to provide optimal distribution and bonding of the reinforcing fiber component, whether it be glass, natural or other synthetic fibers. Additionally, B.F.I.’s lightweight polypropylene binder fibers offer dimensional stability in compression molding because of their inherent low shrinkage properties. The market for low weight fiber reinforced thermoplastics continues to be an area of focus in B.F.I’s development and innovation efforts.
Liquid Filtration:
BFI offers a full range of fine and medium denier fibers for carded or spun filter media that need to comply with EC and FDA regulations applicable in the food industry.
Karena Cancilleri, Vice President Engineered Products, Beaulieu Fibers International, comments: “In many sectors, customers are looking for globally-applicable platforms in order to improve efficiency and maintain quality and security of supply for their products. At the same time, we are seeing exciting possibilities for nonwovens in new market areas. B.F.I. is therefore pleased to extend the proven capabilities of its innovative fiber technologies to the North American market segments looking for trusted and comprehensive global solutions.”
Visit Beaulieu Fibres International at IDEA16 Stand 1438.