Posted May 26, 2016

 

By Seshadri Ramkumar

 

LUBBOCK, Texas – Nonwoven substrates with impregnated particles that can be detected by metal detectors have been developed.

 

A team of three researchers at ITW Pro Brands have developed technology to incorporate stainless steel particles into spunmelt nonwovens that can find applications in food packaging sector.

 

Regular spunbond wipes, caps and gowns that are used in food packaging lines have the possibility of getting mixed with the food packages and products while used. However, having these wipes that can be detected by metal detectors that are already in place in food packaging machines will solve the problem and help with reducing health risks and legal issues, according to Karen Mertins.

 

Mertins, a chemist with ITW Pro Brands, presented the patent-pending technology at the recent NET Inc. event during the PaperCon conference last week in Cincinnati.

 

Bob Martin, Emily Aldridge and Mertins are the three named inventors of the patent pending technology.

 

The technology displays collaborations with polymer technology companies and nonwoven roll goods manufacturer.

 

Initial trials were conducted at the Social Circle, Ga.-based Standridge Color Corporation. To further develop the product, Mertins’ team collaborated with Fitesa. They used Fitesa’s 1-meter Reicofil spunmelt line in its plant in Peine, Germany.

 

In talking with the scribe at the event, Mertins advised that they have used 16 micron size stainless steel particles from Eriez Magnetics of Erie, Pa., to develop the spunmelt wipes.

 

The inventors are also looking into developing x-ray detectable textile materials.

 

This year’s NET Inc. event of the TAPPI focused on innovations in nonwovens technology from fibers to processes and was held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati.

 

Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D, FTA (honorary), is a professor at the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech.