#Techtextil 2019

2019-04-25

Toray presents flame-shielding fabric GULFENG at Techtextil in Frankfurt

From 14 to 17 May 2019, Japanese material technology giant Toray is presenting its range of functional textiles at Techtextil 2019. One highlight on display is the new flame-shielding fabric GULFENG, which combines excellent fire-blocking and flame-retardant properties. The fabric is available in different textile forms, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Ranging from thin paper to thick felt, the material works as a fire blocker in electronic devices, seat cushions, and other application scenarios.

Reliable fire protection, soft to the touch

Compared to other flame-retardant materials that are made of glass-fiber, m- and p-aramid or Ox-PAN felt, GULFENG is lighter, thinner, and more flexible. The paper variant is no thicker than 0,06 mm and weighs 60 g/m² – it looks and feels just like regular paper. The material can also be knitted or woven into a soft fabric or felted into flexible mats. This versatility means that the material can be used for batteries, bedding and bus seats alike.

Despite its thinness, GULFENG loses none of its flame-retardant properties and serves as a fire barrier. Flames are stopped from spreading and igniting surrounding combustible materials. This is achieved by combining thermoplastic polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) with oxidized polyacrylonitrile (OX-PAN) fibers. When heated by a flame to 285°C, the PPS fibers start to melt and build a membrane around the non-melting Ox-PAN fibers. These absorb heat and start to carbonize, thus creating a closed barrier against flames

A history of material innovation

In developing the GULFENG material, Toray was able to draw on its longtime experience with both PPS and carbon fiber technologies – it seemed only natural to combine both into one fire-blocking material. Starting with GULFENG paper, Toray engineers then worked to expand the use cases and textile structures to serve different customer needs. Currently, the company is also exploring GULFENG leather, a flame-retardant base material for synthetic leather. It eliminates the need for an intermediate layer of flame-shielding material and could make seating cushions even thinner and thus more comfortable.

Toray’s wide product portfolio will be on display at Techtextil. In Hall 4.2, booth D48, the company is also exhibiting a number of other technical textiles, including the Axtar polyester non-woven fabric and a LCP fiber named Siveras.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

HEAD launches more sustainable(1) BOOM RAW racquet on Earth Day by using Toray’s bio-circular carbon fibers

HEAD continues to innovate with the launch of the BOOM RAW tennis racquet, an encouraging development in the search for a more sustainable future for racquet sports. All of the carbon fibers are bio-circular carbon fibers in the limited-edition and highly innovative BOOM RAW racquet, which offers the same explosive power - along with the same fun, feel and easy playability - as the regular, in-line BOOM racquet. The bio-circular carbon fibers are manufactured by Toray and its subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe.

Toray develops durable reverse osmosis membrane

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a highly durable reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (see glossary note 1). This innovative offering guarantees the long-term provision of high-quality water. It also maintains the superior removal performance of Toray’s existing membranes vital for reusing industrial wastewater and treating sewage.

High-performance yarns for tomorrow's mobility

At this year's Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21–24), Barmag will be presenting comprehensive solutions for the production of industrial filament yarns at the VDMA joint stand (Hall 12, C56). The focus will be on applications that ensure greater safety, durability, and efficiency in automotive engineering.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.