Technical
Materials

Most technical materials are synthetic. Over many years, SOFILA has developed a recognized and broad expertise in the identification and processing of the most technical materials to meet the expectations of our customers, whatever the field of activity.

Adapted materials and tailor-made support for optimized projects

Not only do we have access to most technical and functional materials, but we are also able to design the appropriate assemblies based on these materials to facilitate their use in our customers’ projects.
In general, we get involved from the very beginning of a development project, with our customers’ R&D teams, to support the thinking process and integrate the right materials from the start, thus saving time in the following stages: design, sampling, qualification and validation of the yarn and the finished fabric.

High tenacity Polyesters and Polyamides

There are modified versions of polyesters and polyamides that have a higher tenacity (60 to 80 cn/tex, compared to around 40 for the standard versions), which is generally accompanied by a reduction in elongation.
SOFILA offers assemblies and twists on these threads to adapt to the needs of our customers

textile technique

Applications :

  • These threads are particularly used for products requiring high resistance, especially on tire reinforcements and parachute canvases, for example.

High-tenacity (high-modulus) polyethylenes

This is a specific product, obtained by spinning a gel with a very high molar mass (high modulus), which allows for better orientation of the molecular chains. High tenacity PE has very high mechanical strength, higher than most aramid fibers. The best known brand is Dyneema, but there is also Spectra, or HT PE without a specific brand, which SOFILA is able to identify and source for its customers.

Characteristics :

  • SOFILA can support its customers in developments based on HT PE, generally to facilitate the weaving of this material, by twisting or covering (covering) with another more traditional material.

Modacrylics

Modacrylic fibers are non-flammable and are frequently used for protective clothing. SOFILA offers its customers various assemblies using modacrylic fibers, in particular covering with temperature-resistant elastane, to make the final fabric more comfortable.

Aramides

Meta-aramids

Aramids are fibers with good temperature resistance and mechanical properties. SOFILA has extensive expertise in Nomex, which is regularly processed for a number of applications.

textile technique

Characteristics :

  • SOFILA is one of the few players in the world able to offer a meta aramid dyed with a temperature-resistant dye for all demanding applications: Nexocolor ®.
  • SOFILA has a rare know-how for combining Nomex with elastane, generally temperature-resistant, by covering, which then makes it possible to create resistant and comfortable fabrics.

Applications :

  • Technical applications: for sheaths and protective fabrics in the aeronautics or automotive industries, with a product developed by SOFILA: Nexocolor ®.
  • Garments: Protective clothing, particularly for firefighting, workwear for hazardous areas/ATEX, pilot suits, etc.

Para-aramids

SOFILA works with Kevlar, Twaron and Technora, generally in the form of assemblies of varying sizes according to requirements.

Characteristics :

  • Very high dynamic properties: toughness of around 200 cN/tex (5 times stronger than steel)

Polyamide-imides

SOFILA uses Kermel, which has a very good resistance to temperature, for the same type of application as Nomex.

PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol)

Sofila has developed an exclusive collaboration with a PVA manufacturer to offer a range of assemblies with this product: Solvron ®
Solvron ® dissolves in a simple water bath at 55°C (for the most commonly used reference, it is also possible to use a variant that dissolves at 85°C). This very special property is used by Sofila in two specific scenarios.

Characteristics :

  • Protecting a fragile thread so that it can be woven or knitted: reflective blade, cashmere, linen, silk, fancy yarns, etc.
  • Protecting a resistant or abrasive thread so as not to damage the weaving or knitting machines: Vectran, high-tenacity materials, metal.

Antistatic

More and more applications require the use of fabrics that dissipate electrical charges: ATEX environments (explosive risk zones), sterile rooms to reduce the risk of collecting particles or bacteria, areas highly exposed to waves, etc.
SOFILA has extensive expertise in the assembly of antistatic yarns according to customer requirements: expected level of conductivity, type of discharge, type of application.

Characteristics :

  • SOFILA can offer you the right assembly for your applications (generally in warp and weft weaving).
  • SOFILA has access to the main manufacturers of antistatic materials, in different titrations and different versions, to adapt our development as closely as possible.

Microencapsulation

In recent years, several developments have been set in motion to integrate membranes into fibers that can trap an active substance. This microencapsulation technique is aimed at the medical and cosmetics sectors in particular, and SOFILA has worked with clients on several occasions to design a workable and functionalized thread using this technology.

Other technical materials

There are many technical materials, some of which are used less frequently. However, SOFILA works with more than 200 material suppliers worldwide and is able to assist its customers with all these other materials: LCP (Vectran); antimicrobial, antibacterial fibers, Zylon, Chlorofibers (Rhovyl), modified ploysters, P84, Antron, PA 10, PA 4.6, PA12, etc.