Engineered Fibers Technology is pleased to be able to introduce and supply several fibers recently developed by Kuraray. These fibers offer significant new opportunities for the development or modification of specialty papers and nonwovens.

We are presenting both new chemistry in the form of EVOH fibers, specialty polyamide, and high modulus PVA fibers as well as new fiber architectures in the form of a “striped” bicomponent polyester/ nylon splittable fiber, in addition to a flat (ribbon shaped) fiber. These fibers are now available for your evaluations.

These new fibers offer several advantages, including high thermal binding efficiency, high mechanical performance and FDA approval.

An overview of these fibers is given below, and individual data sheets can be provided upon request. If you have interest in these new fibers, or the other PVA and polyester specialty fibers available from Kuraray through EFT, please contact us.

Synthetic Fiber Spun from Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)

EVOH fiber is the first synthetic fiber containing hydrophilic radicals. It can used as a thermal binder fiber for both dry laid and wet-laid applications without the need for calendering, and is available in short-cut fiber form both as a homopolymer, or as a sheath /core bicomponent fiber. Binding efficiency is higher in wet-laid applications than PVA binder fibers, and significantly superior to PET and other thermal binder fibers in all production methods. The melting points under dry and wet conditions are 170°C and 100°C respectively. Due to the presence of hydrophilic radials, water is absorbed on the surface of EVOH fiber. EVOH polymer is FDA approved for food contact under 21 CFR 177.1360, and FDA approved fiber finishes are being evaluated.

Applications of papers / nonwovens made from EVOH include air and liquid filtration media, heat sealable paper, food wrapping papers, wipes and various kinds of paper for cosmetics, hygiene, medical and electrical uses.