DITF investigates biopolymer finishes

Researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are investigating bacteria-generated polymers that have potential to make textile coatings.

The polymers created from the bacteria have a stable structure and have water-repellent properties, which could make them useful treatments for fabrics used in the automotive industry and for outdoor clothing. Their benefits would be materials that are renewable, recyclable and nonpolluting and could be produced in large quantities.

DITF scientists coated cotton yarns with the material through extrusion and finished cotton, polyamide and polyester fabrics via a doctor blade and found good, smooth adhesion. The polymer’s molecular structure determines the resulting stiffness and ability to wash and abrade the textile, so researchers are working on balancing those qualities. They are also investigating creating aqueous formulations to allow for thinner coatings than are able to be applied with straight molten polymers.

Other DITF teams are looking at whether these polymers can be used to make fibers and nonwovens.