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Five Products To Vie For 2009 Visionary Award



new nonwovens-based goods showcase expansion of technology in consumer markets




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The role of nonwovens in consumer products has never been stronger and as companies look to move beyond traditional areas such as disposable diapers and wipes, this role is only broadening. This trend is particularly evident through the wide range of products chosen as finalists for the 2009 Visionary Awards. This year’s finalists include a water filter, a disposable underpant, absorbent underwear for older girls and boys, a means to stop the spread of germs and disposable dog booties. These products will be voted upon by attendees of the 2009 Vision Conference, scheduled for January 26-29 in New Orleans, LA and sponsored by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

With the availability of pure water in short supply in many countries, Ahlstrom Filtration LLC has developed Disruptor nonwovens technology to help address many consumer needs for clean, safe water.

Disruptor PAC for Powdered Activated Carbon contains both the smallest particles of powdered activated carbon (PAC) available in a nonwoven filter media and the smallest commercially available nanofibers that also have a natural electrical charge potential.

The alumina nanofibers at the heart of the technology are 2nm x 250nm in size and are grafted onto microglass carrier fibers, which can then easily be made into a wetlaid nonwoven filter media. When exposed to water, the nanofibers radiate a charge field up to one micron from the nanofibers that is effective in removing viruses, bacteria, particulates and pathogens from water by adsorbing them on the nanofibers.

Typically, nonwovens contain granular activated carbon (GAC) that is usually greater than 30-50 microns in size and often uses starch, binder fibers or adhesives to help retain the particles in the nonwoven structure. In addition to helping retain the carbon granules, these binders can potentially occlude up to 15% of the surface area of the carbon, rendering that area virtually useless for the removal of con­taminants. Disruptor PAC takes advantage of the natural electrical nature of the nanoalumina fibers to retain PAC with an average particle size of only about 8 microns. PAC at this small size has very high surface area to weight ratio, therefore a high dynamic absorption capacity for a wide range of chemical contaminants and heavy metals that can be present in water. Since no binders or adhesives are used to retain the PAC, there is no occlusion of the carbon pores, allowing full use of all carbon present in the sheet.