German speciality fibres manufacturer Kelheim Fibres is to present its Leonardo viscose fibre at the upcoming edition of Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress. According to the company, the fibre is a smooth, flat viscose fibre with a width to thickness ratio of up to 1:40.
This shape with parallel sides allows the fibre to possess a number of unique characteristics, Kelheim states. For example, in wetlaid nonwovens, the fibre offers skin friendliness and high liquid storage capacity, while it also offers all the typical benefits of standard viscose.
However, in contrast to the those viscose fibres, Leonardo offers high transparency, a property which is now highly sought after in cosmetic facial sheet masks in the Asian market. In this market, transparency not only suggests a high load of moisture, but it also enables a discreet use of the mask in everyday situations.
Kelheim states that this transparency also offers benefits for other nonwoven products, such as tea bags. In this application, the contents can be seen clearly, meaning that Leonardo is a suitable alternative material.
The possible applications of Leonardo are not limited to just nonwovens. Processed into effect yarns, the transparent viscose solutions can provide a special look in textiles.
Just as all other viscose specialities from Kelheim Fibres are, Leonardo is made of 100% renewable cellulose and is therefore fully biodegradable.
Leonardo will be presented at this year’s Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress by Dr Ingo Bernt of Kelheim Fibres’ R&D team.
