Kelheim Fibres is the world's leading producer of viscose speciality fibres intends to extend its range of speciality products by a newly developed viscose fibre with incorporated IR-reflecting particles for improved wellbeing and better performance.

The human body, like any other matter with comparable temperature, releases a large part of its energy via thermal radiation. Thermal radiation emanating from a body is reflected by the particles incorporated in the viscose fibre and sent back to the body, so reducing the cooling of the person.

In addition to the thermal retention function, the wearer of such a textile is also said to benefit from the typical properties of a viscose fibre, such as wearer comfort, softness and skin friendliness.

This is achieved by the intrinsic quality of the treatment: in contrast to a subsequent finish with additives based on titanium oxide, the mineral IR-reflecting particles are incorporated into the fibre’s core, preserving the typical fibre properties. The effect is permanent as the additive cannot be washed out, the company reports.

First test results of the new fibres that have already been successfully manufactured on a pilot scale, show significant temperature effects in comparison to a standard viscose fibre.

This is said to open up a multitude of possible fields of applications – used in functional underwear, for example, the thermal effect can increase the well-being of the wearer even at low temperatures.

In functional sportswear, the new fibre can lead to improved performance and a faster regeneration of the athlete. Along with textiles, different nonwoven applications could benefit from the IR-reflecting fibre, as for example warming shoe inserts

Its viscose fibre products are used in widely diverse applications ranging from fashion, hygiene and medical products, to the nonwovens industry.

Comfortable feel-good clothes and functional special clothing are just two obvious applications for the new IR fibre, said Dr Nina Köhne from Kelheim Fibres’ R&D team.

And her colleague, Dr. Daniela Bauer, adds that they would be happy to adapt the fibre exactly to the demands of other applications depending on their customer’s specific needs. In the past, individual development partnerships often have proven very fruitful and they are glad when their customers reach out to them with their new ideas.”

Kelheim Fibres is focused on developing innovative products, flexible technologies and strong customer orientation, as well as active environmental protection.