Multicomponent fibers are among the most interesting developments in the field of melt-spun synthetic fibers. Our custom-made pilot melt-spinning plant enables the prototype production of mono-, bi- and tri-component fibers with various cross-sections and base material. It comprises two screw extruders and one piston extruder, a spin pack with thermally discrete polymer conduits, and a set of spinnerets allowing for elaborate fiber cross-sections. Mono- and multifilaments with fineness in the range of 0.15-20 tex (mg/m) per filament can be produced.

The plant is, on one hand, a very flexible setup with features corresponding to an industrial plant; on the other hand it requires only a small throughput (0.1-3 kg/h), enabling us to work with very precious materials. Ongoing projects include biodegradable fibers from renewable sources, artificial turf fibers for future sports flooring, chemically resistant core-sheath fibers, and fibers with rheological core for flexure-rate responsive damping.

Contact

Dr. Rudolf Hufenus
+41 58 765 73 41
rudolf.hufenus@empa.ch