Freudenberg Performance Materials has developed unique fine filament technology made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications ranging from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf. 

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

Ideally suited for construction applications such as roofing and facade membranes, vapor barriers and house wrappings, Freudenberg lightweight fine denier nonwovens complement the well-known Terbond, Texbond and Colback solutions for the construction market. They deliver mechanical strength and, in particular, a high nail tear strength as required by the market. Moreover, they have high UV and temperature resistance and stability thanks to the PET composition. 

Within the filtration market, the fine denier technology is marketed under the Filtura brand, specifically suited for liquid filtration applications such as coolants and lubricants. The technology provides high efficiency and a regular surface, as well as new capabilities with PET-PA and PET-PE nonwovens. Support media applications for glass fiber, nano and activated carbon also benefit from the lightweight fine denier nonwovens as protective layers. 

Additionally, the fully synthetic PET/PE fine denier materials are ideal for packaging applications such as desiccant bags and other dehumidifier products. They enable the efficient and fast production of such pouches due to their exceptional hot sealing capabilities, with no need for chemical binders or additional treatments. Freudenberg’s technology provides high strength, high abrasion resistance and high durability, allowing for long-lasting desiccant bags. 

In the coating industry, too, Freudenberg’s fine denier spunbonds contribute to enhanced process efficiency. The materials are chemically resistant and have good thermal stability. High-quality coating results can be achieved by using these materials as coating substrates, thanks to their smooth and even surface. The material properties can be customized for coating, laminating and concealing applications thanks to different combinations of polymers, fiber types and bonding technologies. For example, a specific very lightweight flat bonded variant of the material is an ideal coating substrate for cold wax depilatory strips, providing the necessary high mechanical strength and material flexibility.

Other applications for Freudenberg’s fine filament technology are crop covers in agriculture, decoration applications and other industrial or consumer applications.