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Techtextil invitation to innovate with DSM Dyneema

Visitors to the DSM Dyneema booth at next weeks Techtextil in Frankfurt will learn how exploiting the special properties of Dyneema fibre, the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre from DSM, is resulting in innovation for a wide range of high performance materials. Key applications in the textiles industry include: Draggin Jeans uses Dyneema fibres in its mix to make an innovative material blend for jeans that are said to be as tough as leather, an

19th May 2011

Innovation in Textiles
 |  The Netherlands

Sports/​Outdoor, Protective, Transport/​Aerospace, Clothing/​Footwear, Construction, Industrial

Techtextil invitation to innovate with DSM Dyneema. Image: DSM Dyneema

Visitors to the DSM Dyneema booth at next weeks Techtextil in Frankfurt will learn how exploiting the special properties of Dyneema fibre, the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre from DSM, is resulting in innovation for a wide range of high performance materials.

Key applications in the textiles industry include:

Draggin Jeans uses Dyneema fibres in its mix to make an innovative material blend for jeans that are said to be as tough as leather, and able to withstand rider/ground abrasion during a motorbike fall. Carrying the independently awarded red dot seal of quality, this is thought to be the only jeans design of its type to receive the CE mark (ConformitEuropnne or European Conformity).

Amann Goup offers a range of performance threads for automotive and technical textiles. The companys Xtreme-tech sewing thread made with Dyneema fibre combines maximum strength with minimum weight. Xtreme-tech is ideal for all applications with extremely high safety requirements such as sailing, haulage ropes, paragliders, fishing nets, aerospace, load restraint/lifting systems and protective clothing. It is also suitable for sports gear such as climbing equipment, ropes, and harnesses.

Sustainability

Dyneema fibres also make a difference in other industry sectors, both in terms of performance and in terms of sustainability. A clear example cited by DSM is the ultra-strong air container panel that is helping individual airlines to cut carbon emissions. Made from composites of Dyneema and DSMs Aeronite resin, these RP10 container panels are said to reduce the carbon footprint by an estimated 28,000 tons annually the equivalent of taking more than 8500 cars off the road. Manufactured by DoKasch GmbH, they are designed to provide maximum strength at minimum weight. In fact, DSM says, they are three times more impact resistant and nearly 50% lighter than standard aluminium alternatives.

UHMWPE fibre from DSM Dyneema is now widely employed in heavy duty lifting and towing ropes wherever they are required, due to its ideal combination of high strength, light weight and excellent durability. According to DSM, in this context it is now a vital component in SkySails towing kite technology. As the worlds most powerful and effective wind propulsion system for cargo ships, a 320m2 SkySails system can produce a tractive force in the towing rope of more than 320 kilonewton (kN) a force greater than the thrust of both engines on an Airbus A321.

In a seaborne application, a study recently completed among the commercial fishing community has yielded clear proof that nets made with Dyneema yield major cost savings for fishermen. It enables fishermen the use of thinner twines and ropes that are less bulky than more traditional materials, without sacrificing performance. The lower weight and smaller diameter of the equipment result in lower drag in the water, enabling fishermen to make significant fuel savings.

Sustainability is a key driver for our innovation efforts says Yvonne Engelen, VP Innovation at DSM Dyneema. We are continually asking ourselves how we can brighten the life of our clients and their customers, while reducing our environmental impact and contributing to sustainable business and manufacturing processes.

In fact, for DSM Dyneema innovation is one of the strategic drivers, and open innovation is an integral part of that. For DSM innovation involves continually questioning and probing accepted methods and assumptions and has been part of the fabric of the company from the beginning, resulting in many breakthrough developments.

With more than 1000 customers developing new uses for UHMWPE fibre from DSM Dyneema every day, theres a good chance we can connect you with a local supplier for many common applications, says Yvonne Engelen. Please visit us at Techtextil to discuss how our Open Innovation and commitment to sustainability can help your products and processes.

 

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