Kelheim Fibres, the largest supplier of viscose fibres for the manufacture of femcare tampons, is exploring new area of applications and suitability of its hydrophobic Olea fibre for emulsion separation. In a series of tests over the next months, Kelheim will analyse how these hydrophobic properties influence the separation of water or oil mixtures.

According to the German company, preliminary trials have shown an accumulation of oil on the fibre’s surface which then enables the separation of the larger oil droplets.

In a next step, Kelheim will examine the efficacy of separation of different emulsions, as well as the influence of the nonwoven construction and suitable blend partners.

Olea is a viscose fibre with durable hydrophobic properties and the additives used in production are approved for food contact by the FDA and the BFR, and at the same time, are free of silicones. (AR)