Most synthetic materials are obtained by petroleum derivatives and the construction of monomers and then polymers. This construction makes it possible to obtain different properties, sought after according to the applications. Sofila works with numerous suppliers around the world on these materials to identify exactly the characteristics adapted to a customer’s needs.
The range of synthetics on the market is so vast that it is very difficult for our customers to know everything about them: Sofila provides this knowledge, whether it be about existing titrations, the number of filaments for each yarn, the cross-section of the filaments that will provide different functionalities, etc. Our experts are there to help our customers find the best solution.
Polyesters are obtained by the condensation and polymerization of petroleum derivatives. This material is then drawn in spinning form as multifilaments. SOFILA offers a wide range of polyesters from 30 dtex to several thousand dtex per assembly, providing shiny, dull or semi-dull threads. Several types of texturing are available to obtain the desired effect (soft, elastic, airy, etc.). In addition, SOFILA also offers GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified recycled polyesters.
Polyamides are obtained by polycondensation of petroleum derivatives and are characterized by the number of carbon atoms in the base monomer. The polymer thus obtained is then spun in spinning mills in the form of filaments for use in yarns. They are available in different varieties, and SOFILA offers ranges from 10 dtex to several thousand dtex. There are also microfilament polyamides of less than 1 dtex, and the majority can be solution-dyed to ensure better color fastness. SOFILA offers GRS-certified recycled polyamides.
SOFILA was one of the pioneers in a very specific polyamide: Greenfil ®, a SOFILA registered trademark, based on Polyamide 11. SOFILA has developed a bio-sourced polyamide thread from castor beans. This thread is 100% recyclable and has a very low carbon footprint, with less than 2 kg of CO2 emitted for every kilogram of polymer produced.
This thread was already offered by Billion in the 50s and 60s, in partnership with Rhodiaceta, and is now back to address growing concerns about eco-responsibility.
Greenfil®
SOFILA has been working for several decades, historically with the SPANBIL thread developed by Billion in the 1970s. Elastane is an elastic material used to add flexibility to fabrics. SOFILA is an expert in elastic covering in all its forms, including on fiber yarns (cotton, Nomex, etc.).
SOFILA is an expert in elastic covering, a technique that offers better thread protection compared to the core spun process (which inserts an elastane thread into another material such as cotton). The core spun process is more economical but the quality is rather poor, with materials separating over time, elasticity decreasing and unprotected elastane becoming damaged.
The assemblies proposed by SOFILA provide more complete coverage and better protect the thread for use over time.
Polypropylenes are synthetic yarns: a very light material with a low density, which offers good thermo-regulating properties and is resistant to chemicals. Some polypropylene yarns are also available in a high tenacity version, for applications requiring increased resistance and traction.
