Kelheim Fibres has developed viscose fibre speciality Danufil QR, addressing a challenge in the area of disinfection wipes. “So far, the use of viscose fibres in these antiseptic wipes has posed a significant problem despite their excellent fluid handling properties: the fibres bind certain disinfectant substances which severely interferes with the wipes’ function,” says the company.

The active substances are quaternary ammonium compounds. These so-called quats are positively charged. Standard viscose fibres are negatively charged which is why up to 80% of the quats are tightly bound to the fibre – meaning they are no longer available for their actual purpose.

With the viscose speciality Danufil QR, the Bavarian fibres expert has developed a positively charged viscose fibre that can reduce this undesired effect to less than 10%. As a result, by far the largest proportion of the quats is available for effective cleaning.

Danufil QR receives its functionality through the incorporation of a – completely bio-degradable - additive into the fibre’s core. Therefore, the functionality is evenly distributed and cannot migrate from the material, the manufacturer explains.

While viscose fibres are long established raw materials for other hygiene, medical or food applications, Danufil QR has been developed to offer all the well-known benefits of viscose fibres such as absorbency, softness and skin-friendliness for disinfectant wipes.

Kelheim’s viscose fibres also score points for eco-friendliness, particularly in convenient disposable products: Danufil QR is made of 100% renewable raw materials. The cellulose used for these fibres comes exclusively from FSC- or PEFCTM-certified sources.

Kelheim Fibres is one of the leading producers of viscose speciality fibres. The company is focused on developing innovative products, flexible technologies and strong customer orientation, as well as active environmental protection. Around 90,000 tonnes of viscose fibres are produced and tested every year at Kelheim in South Germany.

www.kelheim-fibres.com