One highlight from Wilmington, DE-based DuPont Nonwovens at IDEA07 was its Hybrid Membrane Technology platform. As one of two DuPont innovations to receive an IDEA Achievement award this year, Hybrid Membrane Technology is designed to create a bridge between traditional nonwovens and microporous membrane technology.
 
Key benefits of the new technology include lower pressure drop, faster throughput rates, energy savings and consistent, non-diminishing efficiency levels. The fabrics are comprised of continuous filaments with a diameter between 100 and 1000 nanometers and are capable of trapping submicron particles. “A key value proposition of Hybrid Membrane Technology is low submicron particle size entrapment with high flux and high flow,” explained  Sandra VanWormer, president, Hybrid Membrane Venture. “These products offer high flow over the life of the filter, which is an important cost savings for the end user.”
 
The electrospun fabrics are produced at DuPont’s manufacturing facility in South Korea where commercial production started in May 2006. The products target Asia-based markets as well North American and European markets for HVAC, automotive and liquid filtration, bedding protection and apparel applications. “Possibilities for DuPont’s new membrane technology are really limitless,” offered Ms. VanWormer. “Combinations can include different layers, polymers and treatments as well as coating and lamination possibilities. This technology can be pointed in a number of directions.”  She added that DuPont is focused on sustainable solutions as a strategic direction.