Corn fiber is a comparatively new innovation in the textile industry. Corn Fibre is also called Ingeo fiber.
Is Corn Fiber a Natural Fiber?
Corn fiber is a manmade fiber derived entirely from annually renewable resources. These fibers have the performance advantages often associated with synthetic materials and complementing properties of natural products such as cotton and wool. Corn fiber is composed of lactic acid, which is produced by converting corn starch into sugar & then fermenting it to get lactic acid. Lactic acid can be considered a commodity chemical sleeping giant, with advantages including:
- It can be made from biomass.
- Corn Fiber has both a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.
- It is optically active.
Advantages of Corn Fiber
- High melting point.
- High crystallization degree and good clarity.
- The fiber also has a high strength which is the same as normal poly fiber, so its use is very abroad.
- Corn fiber has the characteristics of lustrous silk, has excellent hand touch and brightness, and so on. Garments in corn fiber reportedly demonstrated good soil release, quick-drying and show excellent after-wash appearance
Applications and Uses of Corn Fiber
Once produced corn fiber has a natural feel that provides true innovation from yarns to garments. The fiber was developed about five years ago and can be used both with woven and non-woven fabrics.
Apparel :
Characteristics like strength, resilience, comfort and drape combined with loft, natural insulating warmth, and moisture management make corn fiber the perfect solution for both outer and inner fabric performance needs. Moreover, because of its easy-care properties, corn fiber-based fabrics are an easy choice for clothing manufacturers. Corn fiber is used in many different apparel applications such as contemporary sports and casual wear t-shirts, fleece, and jeans.
Home Textiles :
The natural versatility of corn fiber allows it to be created as furnishing and home textile also. Corn fiber is used in different home textile product categories and it is suitable for bedding fiberfill (such as pillows, duvets, and quilts), ticking fabric5, mattresses, blankets, carpets, draperies, upholstery fiberfill, and in-office wall paneling.
Nonwovens –
Corn fiber is already in use in two nonwoven applications: wipes and feminine hygiene products. With its unique end-of-life options, it is well suited for use in cosmetics and diapers.
Industrial applications
Corn fibers can be used for geotextiles, geotextiles, and specialist filtration media. Corn in form of biopolymer can also be used, in its plastic form, for packaging.
References: https://www.fibre2fashion.com
