Fibertex SA – part of the global Fibertex Nonwovens group – has developed versatile high-performance components, which form a critical part of protective facemasks and respirators.

“Fibertex, which continuously invests in technological advancements to meet requirements in diverse industries - has increased production capacity of materials so desperately needed during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Rosa Naidoo, Sales Manager, Fibertex South Africa. “Our team is collaborating with local mask manufacturers, to be able to promptly supply high-quality facemasks and respirators, so desperately needed by health workers and the people of South Africa. We are determined to do what we can to save lives and to help flatten the curve as quickly as possible.

“It is critical in the design and manufacture of facemasks and respirators, that the correct materials are used to meet stringent quality and safety requirements – as specified by healthcare authorities. Fibertex synthetic nonwovens and nanofiber-treated products are certified for use in various functional layers in protective facemasks and respirators. Functions include moulding supports, particulate efficiency layers and barriers against the COVID-19 virus. These high-performance materials also offer protection against bacteria and liquid penetration.”

 Fibertex Nonwovens has developed a versatile component - Adhetex 40A90NP0 - which is designed to improve the filtration efficiency of protective face masks and to also extend their safe storage period. By utilising premium, high-efficiency Fibertex nanofibre layers in the production of protective face masks, end-users can expect to reach N95 and FFP2 level of protection.

The main benefit of Fibertex nanofibre layers, being a purely mechanical filtration layer, is guaranteed efficiency of the filtration layer during the lifetime of the mask.

Another important benefit of this advanced technology, is durability of the nanofiber layer, which enables extended storage time of masks, making them suitable for use as disaster and epidemic relief safety stocks.

Fibertex Adhetex nano materials are most commonly used in HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters for masks, industrial dust collection, gas turbine air inlet filtration, air-conditioning units, automotive components and filters in domestic vacuum cleaners.

Fibertex depth filtration media – which extend the service-life of the filter – have a gradient structure comprising an initial pre-filter layer, a dust-holding layer and the final nanofiber layer. Media is available in various thicknesses, depending on specific end-user requirements.

The standard Adhetex roll is 1.55 m wide x 2 000 m and requires special handling to protect the delicate nanofiber component.

Fibertex Breathetex 140WH is one of the components used to mould and shape masks. This material, with FFP1 and FFP 2 / N95 efficiency levels, is positioned adjacent to the melt-blown and outer spunbond layer of the protective mask. The standard Breathetex roll is 2 400 mm x 200 m and is available in typical widths of 1 200 mm or 200 mm x 200 m.

All Fibertex products can be delivered slitted to specific end-use widths required.

Global support from the holding company in Denmark guarantees the edge on product design, impeccable manufacturing standards and cost-efficiency, as well as safety and reliability of every Fibertex material. Apart from the healthcare sector, key areas of business are acoustics, bedding, building, composites, concrete, filtration, flooring, furniture and geotextiles.