Bio-Based Chemicals with Softening-Wicking-Elasticity Technology

■ Technology Overview

This technology uses bio-based itaconic acid as the core monomer to replace conventional petrochemical raw materials, enabling the creation of  multifunctional textile auxiliaries that provide softness, moisture wicking, and elasticity. Through this design, the balance of long and short chain itaconic esters enhances hand feel and moisture durability in fibers, producing high-performance, sustainable functional textiles. This approach supports the low-carbon transformation of the textile industry and adds value to materials.

 

 

■ Feature

  ▶ Low-carbon: USDA-certified bio-based itaconic acid(86%), for reduced carbon emissions.

  ▶ Functional design: Total hand value ≥ 4, Moisture absorption ≤ 2s and Washing durability ≥ 20 cycles.

  ▶ Green application: Fully replaces petrochemical wicking and softening auxiliaries in functional textiles.

 

■ Application

  ▶ Suitable for sportswear, innerwear and outdoor apparel.

 

 

 

 

A New Opportunity under the Net-Zero Blueprint: Supercritical Dyeing Innovation for Polyolefin Textiles

■ Technology Overview

  ▶ Due to the lack of a dyeing function group, polyolefin fibers in the industry mostly use solution

     dyeing, which makes color change/small-scale diversification difficult and limits the color range/

     hand feeling/fastness.

  ▶ Design a long-chain-alkyl modified specialty agent for supercritical dyeing by tuning the

     hydrophilic–lipophilic balance(HLB)and compatibility with polyolefins, the agent achieves high

     dispersion and affinity within the fiber under supercritical CO₂ and also establish optimized

     formulations and a high-permeation dyeing protocol to deliver medium-to-deep shades.

 

 

■ Feature

  ▶ Dyestuff screening+specialty-agent formulation+high permeation dyeing process-tailored to the

     high crystallinity and low polarity of polyolefins.

  ▶ A long-chain-alkyl specialty agent improves affinity to polyolefin fibers and dispersion stability in

     CO₂, enhancing shade uniformity across inner/middle/outer layers.

  ▶ Energy use~45% of conventional wet dyeing/finishing; estimated carbon reduction ≈ 3.45tCO₂e

     per ton of fabric.

  ▶ Color strength K/S ≥ 10; K/S difference across inner/middle/outer layers ≤ 1; shade difference(ΔE)

     ≤ 1.0; washing fastness 3.5~5grade; friction fastness 4~5grade.

 

■ Application

` Fashion textile accessories:medium-to-deep shades, ex: Ultra-light PP bucket hat.

` Bags & home textiles: e.g.,100% PP totes.

 

 

 

 

 

■ Contact Us 

Material and Chemical Research Laboratories

Dept. of Textile & Speciality(W600)

 

Yi-Chun Liao

Tel:03-5732713

E-mail:gingkoliao@itri.org.tw

 

Chang Cheng-Chieh

Tel:03-5732020

E-mail:cooperchang@itri.org.tw