Ludwigshafen , Germany ? May 18, 2011 ? From May 24 to May 26, BASF will present new products and customer-orientated applications at Techtextil 2011 in Frankfurt, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. At the booth B79 in hall 3.0 visitors will find information on BASF’s comprehensive service and product range in the field of textile chemicals, binding agents and plastic additives.

Textile Chemicals ? Putting *FUTURE into Textiles

BASF offers innovative and sustainable solutions and products in all process stages across the entire textile value chain. At Techtextil 2011, BASF will be showcasing a range of textile solutions for wovens and knit goods under the theme “Putting *FUTURE into Textiles”. These solutions are part of BASF’s commitment to shaping the future of the textile industry together with customers, contributing to better textiles and development of the industry through improved consumer protection, efficient use of resources and reduced carbon emissions.

For resource saving and climate protection, there is Cyclanon  XC-W NEW, an after-soaping agent for reactive-dyed cellulose fibers which considerably shortens the processing time in comparison with the conventional process, saving both water and energy. The intelligent coloration system “BASF Color Fast Finish”, a one-step process combining pigment dyeing and finishing, visibly reduces the total processing time compared to the conventional process, cutting down energy and water use and thereby carbon dioxide emissions. BASF also offers under the brands Lurapret  and Texapret  , high-quality coating products that are water-based and therefore environmentally friendly for technical textile applications.

Other solutions which will be featured include the formaldehyde-free textile processing system which ensures higher standards of consumer safety. Garments produced using BASF’s products and solutions are safe and reliable, and fulfill standards including
Oeko-Tex  Standard 100, The European Union Eco-Label, as well as those of leading retailers and brands.

Dispersions for fiber bonding ? innovations for nonwovens

Binding agents for fibrous materials in the form of dispersions and reactive resins have become part of our daily life. When used in nonwovens, they make roofing membranes tear-proof and ensure that PVC floors keep their shape. Thanks to such dispersions, waterproof cellulose substrates can be turned into highly efficient decorative paper, filters or nonwoven wallpaper. Natural fibers are used to produce light-weight construction materials or floor coverings.

At this year’s Techtextil, one focus in the field of dispersions for fiber bonding will be on the ecologically compatible reactive resins of the Acrodur  brand. The water-based crosslinking system offers an environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based or formaldehyde-containing resins and consequently guarantees safe and simple handling. Acrodur  is, for example, used as a binding agent for nonwovens made of polyester and glass fibers in construction applications such as PVC floors and insulating mats. Additionally, it is particularly suited to process natural fibers. Natural fibers are both light and stable at the same time , enabling automobile manufacturers to use them in molded parts made for door linings, shelves or car ceilings. Other industries, such as transportation and furniture for example, are also showing increasing interest in natural fibers and their various fields of applications.

Additives and pigment competence for technical textiles

As a key supplier of pigments and additives BASF also offers the fiber-producing industry a range of products: organic and inorganic pigments, light and thermal stabilizers, antioxidants as well as selected polymer soluble dyestuffs.

For demanding fiber applications such as Buildtech, Geotech and Hometech, BASF provides a broad range of high performance pigments and preparations as well as a comprehensive portfolio of heat and light stabilizers such as Uvinul  , Chimassorb  and Tinuvin  . The halogen-free flame retardant Flamestab  NOR 116 combines flame retardancy and light stability in one molecule.

At this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt, BASF presents the innovative technology Irgatec  CR 76 for nonwoven production. This technology enables converters to adapt material properties to the specific requirements, for example to make use of more cost efficient raw materials or to convert in-house nonwoven scrap to high-quality nonwoven.