(Nanowerk News) Following the announcement of the
strategic distribution partnership between Schoeller Technologies AG (NanoSphere®
patent owner) and Clariant International Ltd. last September, the finishing
components have now also aligned within the new cooperation. The new
NanoSphere® finish achieves top results in terms of the self-cleaning effect, oil and
water repellency, abrasion resistance and washing permanence. Due to the use of
the most modern C6 fluorocarbon technology, NanoSphere® is also free of PFOA and
PFOS. This combination of highest performance and highest ecological safety
reinforces a worldwide unique position for the product developed in Switzerland.
A generation for the future
For the new NanoSphere®, the
research team from Clariant and
Schoeller have combined the
latest technologies and developed
a product that meets the highest
requirements in everyday use and
is geared to meet the
environmental requirements of
the future. Through the use of
future considered C6
fluorochemicals, the NanoSphere®
finish is free of PFOA and PFOS. Due to the new recipe and nanoparticle mix, it still achieves an
extremely high level of water and oil repellency and meets the most demanding washing and
dry cleaning requirements. The finish is highly abrasion resistant and the protective function
remains lastingly active, even when exposed to considerable load and after frequent washings.
The highest ecological safety
The new NanoSphere® finish also meets the challenging specifications of the bluesign®
standard. (www.bluesign.com). According to Peter Waeber, CEO of bluesign
technologies ag, it is particularly important in the context of nanotechnology to
offer a "controlled and controllable product." For example, a specially developed
coating matrix ensures that the millions of nanoparticles on the fabric's surface
cannot come adrift. As such, there is no danger that they will dissolve during
washing, dry cleaning or ironing. In addition, today's nanoparticles are thermostable
up to 1700°C.
Simple use
Safe and simple also applies to the use: The newly-formulated components for this future
considered finishing technology can be incorporated simply and directly into the finishing bath
in specified quantities. An aqueous stabilized formulation ensures that the nanoparticles
cannot be inhaled during further processing in manufacturing plants.
Permanent performance and high levels of safety in use
The examination of the new NanoSphere® finish by the internationally renowned Hohenstein
Research Institute confirms consistently positive properties. In original state and after
mechanical exposure to 5000 abrasion cycles and 30 wash cycles (with
subsequent heat treatment) the finish is certified as having a very high and lasting
level of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. "The new NanoSphere® finish is
undoubtedly a nanotechnology," confirms Dr. Jan Beringer, the institute’s Head of
Testing and Director of the Textile Services and Innovations Department. "We also
tested the biological safety in terms of possible biological activity (cytotoxicity and
genotoxicity or HET-CAM). NanoSphere® passed all tests with excellent ratings and
is safe."
Positive prospects
"Today we have in our hands not only the most functional but also the safest and most
sustainable self-cleaning and dirt-repelling finish," says Thomas Winkler, Head of Clariant’s
Textile business, and Hans U. Kohn, COO of Schoeller Technologies. For the entire textile chain
– from textile producers or finishers to clothing manufacturers or retail trade and on to the
final consumer – a product is now available that not only offers top functionality but also
meets today all the environmental specifications of the future.
Since last September, Clariant International Ltd. and Schoeller Technologies AG have been
working closely in a strategic partnership for NanoSphere®. Schoeller Technologies AG holds
the corresponding patents and manages the marketing and the branding of the NanoSphere®
brand. The Clariant textile business is responsible for production, worldwide sales and
distribution as well as the transfer of knowledge and quality assurance to the licensed textile
mills. Previously licensed operators have already been and will consistently continue to be
converted to the new NanoSphere® components; new license partners come on board with the
further-developed technology.
About Clariant
Clariant is a worldwide leading company in speciality chemicals. The strong partnership, the
commitment to outstanding service and the comprehensive application know-how make
Clariant the partner of preference among its customers.
Clariant is represented on five continents with more than 100 group companies and employs
around 21,000 staff. In 2007, the company achieved sales of around 8.5 billion Swiss francs.
Headquarters is Muttenz near Basel.
Clariant is structured into four divisions: Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals; Pigments &
Additives; Functional Chemicals; and Masterbatches.
Clariant focuses on lasting growth based on the company's own powers of innovation. The
innovative products from Clariant play a decisive role in the manufacturing and treatment
processes of its customers or lend added value to their final products. The success of the
company is based on the know-how of its staff and their ability to recognize new customer
needs and to develop innovative and efficient solutions together with the customer.
www.clariant.com
About Schoeller Technologies AG
Schoeller Technologies AG is a licensing company for innovative textile technologies based in
Switzerland and operating globally. The company promotes the development of new,
pioneering textile technologies through the use of international and inter-disciplinary R&D
teams and is holder of the intellectual property rights (patents and trademarks). In addition to
granting production and trademark licenses, the company organizes the world-wide availability
of the technology together with selected distribution partners. In addition, Schoeller
Technologies AG distributes technology products and supports the license holders in technical
matters as well as marketing and sales. Schoeller Technologies AG is a subsidiary of Schoeller
Textil AG and was established in 2004.
www.schoeller-tech.com
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