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PROCESSING OF CASTOR OIL FIBRES IN TEXTILE INDUSTRIES

Published: October 14, 2019
Author: TEXTILE VALUE CHAIN

The Italian company’s activities in this area are focused on an internal system to optimise use of water resources, use of energy from renewable sources, preference for the use natural light, eco-aware and more restful to the human eye, widespread use of LED lighting for the plant interior, use of metal pallets, policy emphasising the recycling of production waste, and in-house transport using electrical means.

Produced by Fulgar, the new 100% biological texile fibre is the ideal solution for the sportswear world. The company: “This unique product is set to revolutionise the sector”.

A biopolymer derived entirely from castor beans gives life to EVO, an innovative, high-performance textile fibre of natural origin.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS ;

Its manufacture is supported by the cultivation of castor oil seeds that grow in arid regions not suited to other forms of agriculture. The biopolymer that forms the basic constituent of EVO by Fulgar has no adverse impact on the human food chain, unlike many other bio-based polymers that use natural products otherwise destined for the food and agriculture sector, the manufacturer reports.

Fulgar, a leader in the synthetic fibre market, has developed EVO by Fulgar, an innovative high-performance fibre made of a biopolymer derived entirely from castor oil seed. Castor oil has traditionally been used as a laxative and in many other applications ranging from soaps and lubricants to paints and dyes.

EVO® by Fulgar is a yarn made from castor oil – not for feeding plant that grows spontaneously. A totally renewable resource that does not require high amounts of water nor subtracts arable land for food uses.

The biomass source is castor bean, Ricinus Communis. The monomers used in the polymerization are partially or completely sourced from castor oil.

This 100% biological EVO is a result of years of research into engineering standards in a manufacturing, environmental and social context and is said to represent a synthesis of performance and environmental awareness, according to the company.

“Its manufacture is supported by the cultivation of castor oil seeds that grow in arid regions not suited to other forms of agriculture,” writes the company. “The biopolymer that forms the basic constituent of EVO has no adverse impact on the human food chain, unlike many other bio-based polymers that use natural products otherwise destined for the food and agriculture sector”.

It’s a brand new product in the textile industry that reflects the corporate DNA: the company is committed to reducing emissions and consumption since 2010. In fact, their latest sustainability report shows that the entire production process underwent a reduction in the use of water and energy, resulting in a 20% reduction of emissions compared to 2010. Moreover, the entire production process is powered by renewable energy and recycling reached 70%. “This unique product – 100% biological – is set to revolutionise the sector”.

Italian synthetic fibre business Fulgar has launched a new high performance nylon fibre made from bio-polymer derived entirely from castor oil seed. The company says the fibre – Evo – is suitable for all textile applications, with particular applications for the sports sector, being ultra-light, stretchy and extremely breathable. 

Evonik presents women’s fashion made 100 % of biopolyamidefibers at a plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. The high-tech textile fibers have maximum wearing comfort; they are extremely light, flexible, and breathable. Processed into high-quality fabrics, they have an odor-reducing effect thanks to their lasting natural bacteriostatic characteristics. In addition, they dry quickly and require no ironing. The fibers can be processed in all textile applications, including an Italian designer fabric for evening gowns, functional sporting clothes, and durable upholstery materials.

The fibers are produced from VESTAMID® Terra, a long-chain AABB biopolyamide that is obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant. Castor bean plants can withstand long periods of drought, so they are cultivated in dry areas which are not suitable for any other form of agriculture.

The product development process profited from Evonik’s technical expertise in the area of high-performance plastics as well as the fiber-processing experience of Fulgar, an Italian fiber manufacturer, which markets the biopolyamidefibers under the brand name EVO®.

With VESTAMID® Terra, Evonik offers three variants of biopolyamides, PA 610, PA 1010, and PA 1012, which differ in their profile of properties and close gaps in the previously available range of properties of polyamides. They are long-lasting, durable, and meet the requirements of applications, for example in the automotive, sports, and textile industries. Typical applications of VESTAMID® Terra products are injection molding, fibers, powders, extrusion, and films.

Fulgar launches fibre made from castor oil seeds

Italian fibre producer Fulgar said it has introduced a new way of producing fibres to interpret the needs and values of today’s society, creating a perfect synthesis of performance and environmental awareness.

“Years of research have led to the development of Evo by Fulgar, an innovative high-performance fibre made of a biopolymer derived entirely from castor oil seed,” it said in a press release.

“Suitable for all textile applications and an ideal solution for the sportswear world, Evo by Fulgar is ultra-light, super stretch and extremely breathable,” it added.

“It is also quick-drying, non-iron and offers natural thermal and bacterio-static properties, which ensure maximum comfort and unmatched performance, while retaining an intense eco-awareness,” Fulgar noted.

PROPERTIES OF CASTOR OIL FIBRES ;

Suitable for all textile applications and an ideal solution for the sportswear sector, EVO by Fulgar is said to be ultra-light, super stretch and extremely breathable. It’s also quick-drying, non-iron and offers natural thermal and bacteriostatic properties, the company reports.

These distinctive values and benefits are designed to ensure maximum comfort and unmatched performance, while retaining an intense eco-awareness.

A). AN ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT FIBER​

EVO® makes it possible to reduce the fabric weight by 25% as compared to an identical 100% polyester product, whilst retaining the same covering properties.

B ) EXTRA RAPID DRYING

EVO® belongs to the next generation of multifunctional fibres which dry in 50% less time as compared to an 100% nylon fabric.

C ) MOVE COMFORTABLY​

EVO® has a modulus of elasticity which is greatly superior to any other polyamide 6,6 (1900Mpa). This mechanical property leads to the creation of fabrics and garments that boast excellent elasticity and good compressive qualities.

D) ODOR CONTROL

EVO® has a built-in bacteriostatic capacity meaning it keeps odours in check and stops bad smells before they start. *UNI EN ISO 22196

E ) THERMO ISOLATION​

EVO® has intrinsic thermal insulation properties which protect the wearer from any variations in external temperature. *UNI EN ISO 11092:2014

F) BRIGHT COLOURS ​

EVO®’s unique chemical structure was specially designed to ensure excellent dyeing qualities even at low temperatures.

USES OF CASTOR OIL FIBRES ;

 Italian synthetic fibre business Fulgar has launched a new high performance nylon fibre made from bio-polymer derived entirely from castor oil seed. The company says the fibre – Evo – is suitable for all textile applications, with particular applications for the sports sector, being ultra-light, stretchy and extremely breathable. 

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