Where can I find out more? >>> Please contact your local agent.
| What is Kanecaron? |
Kanecaron is an inherently flame retardant modacrylic fiber made by Kaneka Corporation, the largest and most specialized producer of modacrylic fiber in the world. |
| Is Kanecaron fire proof or non-flammable? |
No, it is the flame retardant (FR) fiber. |
| What does "flame retardant" mean? |
See page "Flame Retardancy". |
| What does "inherently flame retardant" mean? |
It means that the flame retardant property of not sustaining a flame is inherent to the fiber and cannot be washed off nor affected by repeated washings. |
| Does Kanecaron meet FR standards worldwide? |
Yes, Kanecaron fabrics can meet most of the important FR standards around the world, including those of Europe, USA, Japan and Asia, for furnishings, transports, protective apparel and bed products. |
| Must I use only 100% Kanecaron? |
No, Kanecaron can be mixed with practically every type of conventional or synthetic fiber including cotton, viscose, linen, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon and aramids. |
| When a conventional fiber is mixed with Kanecaron, is it necessary to apply FR-treatment to the conventional fiber portion? |
No, Kanecaron provides flame retardancy to the entire fabric inspecific blending ratio. This means that the conventional fiber does not need to be flame retardant nor need FR treatment. |
| Is the flame retardancy of Kanecaron durable? |
Yes, the flame retardant property of Kanecaron cannot be washed off nor affected by repeated washings. |
| How does Kanecaron prevent fire from escalating and spreading? |
Three elements are necessary for combustion, namely combustible material, oxygen and ignition-energy. When ignited, Kanecaron fiber quickly releases a small amount of inert gasses. These gasses then intercept oxygen from the combustible material. That is the self-extinguishing mechanism of Kanecaron. |
| Do I have to worry about smoke or gas with Kanecaron? |
Since Kanecaron is self-extinguishing, it will retard the escalation and/or spread of the flame. Therefore, the amount of gasses released from Kanecaron will be significantly smaller than that of combustible materials. |
| Will Kanecaron melt and drip like polyester does? |
No, Kanecaron does not melt or drip when ignited. |
| What does LOI mean? |
LOI stands for "Limiting Oxygen Index". This is a direct measure of the self-extinguishing ability of a fiber (or blend). The higher figure, the greater the flame-retardancy of the fiber or fabric. Kanecaron fibers range from LOI 28 to 34. |
| What deniers are available in Kanecaron fiber? |
Kaneka can supply from 1.7dtex to 27dtex Kanecaron fibers. But each is different from the other according to the type specified. |
| What lengths of Kanecaron fiber are available? |
The denier range of Kanecaron fiber in cut lengths varies according to type. |
| Is Kanecaron crimped? |
Yes, it is a crimped staple fiber, except KCE TOW type. |
| Can Kanecaron be carded? |
Yes, it can be carded into yarn or non-woven fabric. |
| What is the cross-section shape of Kanecaron? |
The cross section of Kanecaron is dog bone or kidney shape. |
| Does Kanecaron have a good hand? |
Yes, it has a soft hand, similar to wool. |
| What colors are available? |
Kaneka regularly supplies Kanecaron in natural color (off-white). But dope-dyed colors of Kanecaron are also available. Color availability, however, varies by fiber type. |
| Is Kanecaron easy to dye? |
Yes, Kanecaron is dyed with cationic dyes much like regular acrylic. Likewise, Kanecaron is easily dyed in brilliant coloration with stock, top, package, hank or piece forms. |
| What are Kanecaron temperature characteristics? |
Kanecaron starts softening at approximately 80 degrees centigrade and shrinking at approximately 140 degrees centigrade. Protex-type fiber starts softening at approximately 100 degrees centigrade and shrinking at approximately 155 degrees centigrade. |
| What is decomposition point of Kanecaron? |
It is from 220 degrees centigrade, which might vary, depending on fiber type and the speed at which temperature rises. |
| At what temperature is Kanecaron dyed? |
The dyeing temperature of Kanecaron is 98 degrees centigrade. The dyeing temperature of Protex-type is 103 degrees centigrade. |
| Can Kanecaron be molded? |
Yes, Kanecaron can be molded uniformly by the cold press method and easily retains its molded shape. |
| At what temperature should the fabric be before molding? |
Before cold-pressing, Kanecaron should be heated to between 130-150 degrees centigrade, depending on the thickness of the fabric. |
| Is Kanecaron chemically resistant? |
Yes, Kanecaron has strong chemical resistance against both alkali and acid. |
| Is Kanecaron available for different spinning systems? |
Yes, for OE, ring, woolen, and worsted and in fancy format such as chenille, slub and boucle. |
| Can I print on Kanecaron fabrics? |
Yes, printings are available by blending various other fibers, by pigment, vat and transfer methods. |
| Are Kanecaron fabrics dry-cleanable and washable? |
Yes, the fabrics are dry-cleanable and washable at 40 degrees centigrade. |
| Where can I find out more about Kanecaron fiber? |
Please see the page of "Contact Us" or ask your local agent. In addition, contact the following locations for more detailed technical information: |
[Top Page] [What is Kanecaron?] [Fiber List] [Contact Us]
[Flame Retardancy] [Chemical Resistant] [Thermal Moldability]
[No Dripping, No Melting][Easy Processing] [Natural Hand]
[FAQ's] [Important Notice]
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