Development of sophisticated non-woven tablecloths for outdoor use
Posted on 24. Jul, 2009 admin2 in News, Popular Science
Researchers at the American Institute for Research on Textile (STFI) from the Technical University of Chemnitz have developed sophisticated non-woven tablecloths for outdoor use. These layers present the following features: folding and resistance to sliding, water resistance, dust resistance, resistance to the sun in terms of color and soft touch feeling.
Researchers have transformed from non-woven cloth so they are suitable for use as table linen – one step would be necessary to transform the granulated plastic base into the finished product, an advantage over the usual way, “What makes these inexpensive tablecloths,” said Ralf Taubner of STFI. The process of formatting is this: the non-woven fabric is produced from granulated plastic, melted and mixed as required. Starting fluid is made infinitely long wire. Treatment with jet allows a flat surface. The researchers wanted to find the right mix so that the water present good properties for outdoor use.
To make the water, they used four polymers: polyamide, polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene. These polymers are distinguished from each other by the temperature treatment. “For table linen, the two combinations: polyethylene-polypropylene or polyester-polyamide are possible,” explains Ralf Tauber. The first combination is hydrophobic and anti-stain and adheres well to wood tables in order to remain on the table even in strong wind. Even without meeting these conditions, the polyester-polyamide combination presents it, the advantage of greater holding temperature: up to 200 ° C. In this way, an impression of the grounds may be made by thermal transfer, a process occurring at a temperature of at least 180 ° C. In contrast, the combination can only be solid color or printed motifs include pigments by a process of medium quality, said Tauber.
In addition to the four polymers, researchers from Chemnitz added to the mixture of chemical compounds providing protection against UV rays or stains. The tests conducted so far (washing, drying, ironing, analysis of surface abrasion, flexural rigidity and tear resistance) have met the expectations of scientists. “Our goal was to achieve water can be used for several weeks, not single-use products. After about 5 cycles of washing, the material no longer as well but the water is so cheap that they may exchange at that time, “he says. Currently, corrosion tests are underway at Kap Arkona on the island of Rügen: Since September 2008, the water is subject to usual conditions: rain, sun and cold.
The introduction on the market, mass production and the sale of netting is supported by the project partner Brändli Textil GmbH in Saxony. The project was supported to the tune of 170,000 euros for 21 months under the INNO-WATT Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi).