Technical Absorbents has launched the patent-pending 100% SAF (Super Absorbent Fibre) needlefelt nonwoven, which is now commercially available.
Super absorbent SAF needlefelt fabrics are already used in many applications and, since the installation of its own line in 2015, the company has created a large portfolio of absorbent fabrics and has supported several new product developments. The latest fabric should open the door to uses that require a fully maceratable super absorbent solution.
“The development of a fabric that contains only SAF and no other synthetic, natural or binder fibres is extremely exciting,” says Dr Mark Paterson, product development director. “We are not aware of anyone else that can manufacture such a fabric, and this opens up the opportunity for new product forms. There is no other 100% super absorbent fabric currently available.”
“We particularly see a potential for its use in spill capture products, such as those used in hospitals to contain bloods, urines and other liquids that need to be managed safely, hygienically and effectively,” he adds.
The company’s 2 m wide needlefelt line can produce absorbent fabrics in basis weights from 130 to 1,000 gsm. To help protect the fibre during processing, the line is housed in a controlled humidity environment. Other non-absorbent fabrics can also be manufactured on the line, ie 100% polyester. Short order trial runs can be facilitated where commercially viable too.
“Initially, the line was used for research and development (R&D) as well as making commercial products,” adds Paterson. “The first couple of years saw us develop our product range – containing up to 80% SAF – which are now used in many different applications from medical to filtration. The new 100% SAF fabric is the first of a number of products we have developed as we strive to look for new opportunities for our core SAF technology.”
For information about the new fabric, email info@exploreSAF.com
