MUNICH—Wacker Chemie now uses biomethanol in the production of its silicone-based textile softeners, and there are three eco-products available from the global chemical manufacturer.
WETSOFT eco LV 810, WACKER FINISH eco WR 1100 LV and WACKER FINISH eco WR 1300 LV are available for purchase, beginning Feb. 2.
Wacker's plant-based method for manufacturing methanol—using the biomass balance method, which uses both petrochemical and plant-based methanol in a ratio pre-determined by biomass balance—has now been certified by TUV Nord, according to the REDcert2 standard, Wacker said in a Feb. 2 news release.
Silicone fluids are used in treating fibers, yarns and textile fabrics, giving textiles a soft and fluffy feel. They help improve wear and tear as well.
To begin, both the metal silicon and methanol are required. Wacker's biomethanol is produced mainly from straw, grass cuttings and other plant residues.
According to Wacker, methyl chloride is derived from the methanol, and then reacted with elemental silicon to form methylchlorosilanes.
The aforementioned eco-products offered by Wacker are used in pants, shirts, tablecloths and bath towels, among other cotton and wool products.
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