By developing a viscose fiber which provides static dissipation, Kelheim Fibres GmbH broadens its already comprehensive range of specialty viscose fibers.
The black fiber receives its specific properties by the incorporation of electrically conductive additives into the fiber’s core. As a result, the functional additives are evenly distributed in the whole fiber, while at the same time the typical properties of viscose fiber, such as high absorbency, are preserved.
First tests with these fibers that have been successfully produced on a laboratory scale have shown a significant increase in the fibers’ electrical conductivity in comparison to a standard viscose fiber.
Depending on requirements, Kelheim Fibres can produce fibers in the medium conductivity range from about 10-4 S/m to 0.1 S/m.
The functionalized fiber could be used in protective workwear for electrostatic discharge, for the protection of electronic components or humans.
Used as humidity sensor, wherever immediate detection of moisture is required, this dissipative fiber offers a significant advantage. Here, the fibers could be used in completely different applications: in bed pads for the health and care sector as well as in roof linings that detect possible leakages.
When the fibers absorb moisture, they swell, which leads to a decrease in their electric conductivity.
When water is stored in the fiber’s matrix, the conductive pathways of the additives are interrupted. The change in conductivity depending on the fiber’s moisture is reversible.