Sustainable Solutions for Apparel & Sportswear
by technology:
Explore our solutions for the textile industry:
1. BREATHABLE MEMBRANES
The Pebax® range includes grades that can be processed into breathable and waterproof monolithic films.
These films have a high and adjustable MVTR (moisture vapor transfer rate) and excellent tear strength that won't weigh down athletes. Our team works with partners film makers and laminators that can provide Pebax® films.
2. BIO-BASED YARNS/TEXTILES
It's time to rethink how we manufacture textiles: with more sustainable and durable materials, and traceability along the value chain.
Arkema provides high-performance materials solutions derived from a renewable feedstock: castor beans.
A PROVEN LEGACY
The use of Rilsan® PA11 for textile applications is not new.When the material was invented in 1947, the first applications targeted were for textiles (as other nylons at the time). The material became popular for the manufacture of underwear (socks, tights) or clothing (dresses, shirts) and was used in prestigious occasions, notably for the manufacture of the French flag under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the decorative interior fabrics of the ocean liner ‘France’ in the 70’s.
VALUE PROPOSITION OF RILSAN® PA11
Rilsan® PA11 is unlike any other nylon.Rilsan® PA11 combines the best of today’s synthetic fibers: the low moisture uptake of PET fibers and the high abrasion resistance and nice hand feeling of nylon fibers.
On top of these characteristics, Rilsan® PA11 is much lighter, chemical resistant and present a better durability after several washing cycles.
| Polyester textile |
PA6/PA6.6 textile |
Cotton textile |
PA11 textile |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feedstock origin | Fossil | Fossil | Bio-based | Bio-based |
| Cool touch | ● | ●● | ●●● | |
| Soft touch | ● | ●● | ●●● | ●●● |
| Density (g/cm3) | 1,4 | 1,15 | 1,54 | 1,03 |
| Moisture uptake (24h) | 0,4 % | 3,0 % | 5,1 % | 0,7 % |
| Drying fastness | ●●● | ● | ● | ●●● |
| Chemical resistance | ●● | ●● | ●●● | |
| Abrasion resistance | ●● | ●●● | ● | ●●● |
Technical comparison made on identically prepared hose-knitted textile samples (DTY multifilaments 78 dtex/24F, elongation 25-30%, tenacity 4cN/dtex).
SENSORY PROPERTIES
Rilsan® PA11 provides stronger cool touch and heat transfer than fabrics based on other nylons or polyester fabrics. It also offers top performance in pilling, fuzzing and matting tests, even after washing.
| Polyester textile |
PA6/PA6.6 textile |
Cotton textile |
PA11 textile |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before washing | 3-4 | 2-3 | 3 | 2-3 |
| After washing 10 times @40°C |
3 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
FAST-DRYING
Compared to traditional PA6 or PA6.6 nylons, the low moisture uptake of Rilsan® PA11 allows super fast drying abilities to the final textile.
THERMAL COMFORT
MONOMATERIAL DESIGNS
Committed to help the industry reduce its impact, Arkema offers a wide range of solutions driving monomaterial strategies.
Rilsan® PA11 textiles can be used in combination with Pebax® breathable membranes and Platamid® hot-melt adhesives, derived from the same chemistry, thus compatible.
Additionally, Rilsan® PA11 textiles can be paired with buttons or zippers made from the same Rilsan® PA11 polymer for increased compatibility !
Examples of 100% bio-based fabrics. 100% Rilsan® PA11 yarn.
Woven fabric
Knitted fabric
DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY ADVANCED YARN SOLUTIONS FOR SUPERIOR COOLING PERFORMANCE
Learn more about an advanced yarn solution providing superior & durable cooling performance to be integrated in fabrics used for demanding sports apparel applications.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION
3. ASSEMBLY WITH HOT-MELT ADHESIVES
Platamid® hot melt adhesives are available in filament, web, and film form.
Bio-based grades available.
DERIVED FROM NATURAL & RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Rilsan® PA11, Pebax® Rnew® elastomers and Platamid® Rnew® Hot Melt adhesives are all derived from the same feedstock: castor beans.For more information on the benefits of the castor crop and Arkema's initiatives driving sustainability in the value chain, visit our dedicated page here:
VISIT OUR SUSTAINABILITY PAGE