Custom production of polypropylene fabrics for industrial application

POLYPROPYLENE

TECHNOFABRIC: CUSTOM PRODUCTION OF POLYPROPYLENE FABRICS FOR MULTIPLE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Polypropylene is a synthetic plastic material obtained from petroleum fractions. From a chemical point of view, polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer of propylene (or propene).
Arising from the research of Italian Engineer Giulio Natta, who won of a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 together with Karl Ziegle, polypropylene lends itself to being recycled and is an extremely versatile material.
Indeed, it is widely used as a plastic for foodstuff, such as in rigid food containers, for margarine and yoghurt tubs, plastic coffee cups, plastic bottle caps and for utensils and accessories such as colanders.
Furthermore, recent technological developments in genetic engineering have opened up the possibility of one day being able to produce an industrial scale of polypropylene from natural sources.

Polypropylene can even be made into fibre by passing the molten polymer through tiny nozzles. These fibres are utilised in the textile industry for the production of velvety carpets, upholstery and curtains for outdoor use, as well as for blankets, underwear and technical-sports clothing. Amongst the best-known brands are Dryarn®, a polypropylene microfibre widely used in technical-sports clothing, and Meraklon®, a brand of Italian origin produced since 1960 by Montedison-fibre.
Technofabric produces a broad selection of polypropylene fibre fabrics for multiple applications.

Here is a small guide to learn more about polypropylene:

What are the characteristics of polypropylene?
What are polypropylene fabrics?

What are the applications of polypropylene?

CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYPROPYLENE

By its very nature, polypropylene is water-repellent, stain-resistant, as well as being resistant to mould and bacteria.
Polypropylene is non-deformable and durable, has a small electrostatic charge and a low thermal conductivity, equal to that of wool, with the advantage of drying much more quickly. The pleasant sensation of well-being, heat and dryness allows us to define polypropylene as a “warm fibre”.

By its very nature, this material possesses a high surface tension. Thanks to this characteristic, water and perspiration pass very quickly through the fibres, rendering polypropylene fabrics very useful in the sportswear sector.
Without the need to add chemical additives, polypropylene has hypoallergenic and anti-odour properties, even after intense physical activity. Particularly suitable for sports underwear, thanks to excellent resistance to acid agents and alkaline sweat, polypropylene guarantees a high level of comfort, practicality and hygienic safety in contact with the skin.

Polypropylene is the fibre with the lowest specific weight – meaning very light garments can be produced that are able to always keep the body dry, thanks to the very low moisture absorption capacity.

In detail, the technical characteristics of polypropylene are:

• Thermal Restriction: With exposure to over 100° C, the fibres tend to shrink, altering the initial length. - In water = ½ hour at 100° C with 0% shrinkage - In air = ½ hour at 100° C with 0% shrinkage - In air = ½ hour at 130° C with 2.5% shrinkage.

Acid Resistance

• Alkali Resistance: Stable to weak and strong alkalis.
• Resistance to Solvents: The fibre is resistant to common solvents yet is dissolved by chlorinated solvents at high temperatures.
• Heat Effect: Plasticises at 140° C.
• Melting Point: 170–175° C
• Moisture Regain: 0.05%
• Resistance to Sunlight: Loses resistance.
• Resistance to Microorganisms, Moulds and Insects: Not attackable.
• Behaviour to Flame: Burns slowly as it melts.
• Abrasion Resistance: High.

POLYPROPYLENE FABRICS

Resistant and durable, polypropylene fabrics are hard to wrinkle whilst offering thermal and acoustic insulation. These characteristics render polypropylene fibres suitable for the production of carpets.

Fabrics with polypropylene fibres also have multiple technical advantages compared to the more classic polyester fabrics. Indeed, polypropylene is lighter (weighing around 30% less), offers superior thermal insulation similar to that of wool, and bears a lower heat transfer coefficient. Ultimately, polypropylene fabric is warmer, absorbs less water and is more permeable to vapour. Hence, it is more breathable and dries in less time. In terms of technical performance, polypropylene is generally superior to polyester.

The only disadvantage worthy of note is the higher average cost compared to polyester fabrics, in any case offset by the greater difficulties in processing.

POLYPROPYLENE APPLICATIONS

Polypropylene fibres and relative fabrics find application in many sectors.

POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS FOR FILTRATION

The polypropylene fabrics for filters can be customised in accordance with the client’s needs. Technofabric manufactures pp fabrics for industrial suction or filtration for various industrial sectors. Our team is available to listen to your needs and create the most suitable polypropylene for your business.

POLYPROPYLENE FOR OUTDOORS

Polypropylene fabrics are utilised for outdoor sunshades and upholstery. Indeed, they guarantee resistance to water, humidity, wind, tearing, fungi and bacteria. Contact us for advice – our team is on hand to recommend the best pp fabrics for your company.

POLYPROPYLENE FABRICS FOR CONVEYOR BELTS

Polypropylene fabrics for conveyor belts are utilised in various industrial fields. Polypropylene yarn is extremely resistant to the action of acids, alkalis, fungi and bacteria, without any particular additional finishing required. Furthermore, polypropylene does not absorb water nor does it retain humidity, hence polypropylene belts are not affected by changes in climate and temperature.
Pp fabrics are made with UV-stabilised material that has been anti-statically treated to prevent attracting dust and can be washed in cold water. Technofabric specialises in the production of pp fabrics for conveyor belts – contact us for guidance.

Production includes
Cotton and cotton blend fabrics as well as synthetic fiber fabrics for various industrial applications

Technofabric is active in the B2B market: from car manufacturing to safety (with Nomex, Aramide, PES, Polyamide yarns and more). This branch of our production mill is expanding quickly today, especially thanks to the great attention we pay to global quality, which reflects in each and every aspect of the company, certified back according to das nach ISO 9001:2008.

Production process

Strict control and punctual delivery allow Technofabric to be a reliable partner, deeply involved in complying with the customers’ requirements. We cooperate with our clients in production, research and development aiming at obtaining a totally customized product.

YARN PREPARATION

Winding, warping and sizing

WEAVING

Two departments are dedicated to weaving on the most sophisticated looms

FINISHING

We use modern sophisticated high-technology machinery for different finishing treatments and apply the most advanced information science systems in order to comply with the requirements of a more and more exacting customer base.

Production Polypropylene Fabrics