Colour Chronicle - Mar 2011 - Clariant

Number 1 | 2011
Colour Chronicle
A Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited Publication
for Textile, Leather and Paper
32 nd year of publication

colour chronicle 1 | 2011
Contents
Textile 3
Pad-Moist
Wool/Silk Blend
New Effect Lables 2010
Q&A 12
Textile - An Essential, Rich Heritage
Leather 14
Clariant’s customers are well-prepared for
NMP-free future
Clariant’s Easy white Tan to set new industry standard
New Arrivals 17
Inside View 18
Gleanings from press 19
2 colour chronicle 1 | 2011

textile
“Pad-Moist”
A New Process for Dyeing
Pad-Moist is characterized by the fact that no ancillary
substances such as urea, silicate, and salt are required.
Reactive dyestuff from “CLARIANT” which is highly reactive
and highly fixative like Drimaren K and Drimaren HF-CD series
can be used for Pad-Moist process. Significance of continuous
dyeing with reactive dyes is to achieve economically efficient
process of dyeing.
Thermex modules for Maximum speed at different fabric weigh
the Pad Moist process 100 g/m 2 200 g/m 2 300 g/m 2 100 g/m 2
B Thermex B Fabric
content 34 m 17 m/mm 14 m/mm – –
C Thermex C Fabric
content 40 m
24 m/mm 21 m/mm 14 m/mm 10 m/mm
Pad-Moist Process
The fabric passes through the THERMEX hot flue with an air
temperature of 110–130°C and a relative humidity of 25–30%
inside the each chamber. Under these conditions the fabric
is dried and at the same time dyestuff fixation takes place at
68–71°C (The wet bulb temperature). This is the actual fixation
condition for the dyestuff.
The wet bulb temperature = the fabric temperature = the
fixation temperature
The thermex hot flue, utilizes evaporizing moisture from the
wet fabric and here steam is injected at start up, to achieve the
required degree of humidity needed for fixation.
Use of a moisture meter and an exhaust fan ensures the fixed
degree of humidity.
Pad- Moist: Drying Profile in side the hot flue
B B
B C
C C
B B C
B C C
C C C
34 m/mm
41 m/mm
48 m/mm
58 m/mm
65 m/mm
72 m/mm
29 m/mm 19 m/mm 14 m/mm
34 m/mm 29 m/mm 24 m/mm
35 m/mm 23 m/mm 17 m/mm
41 m/mm 37 m/mm 27 m/mm
42 m/mm 27 m/mm 20 m/mm
48 m/mm 42 m/mm 31 m/mm
46 m/mm 30 m/mm 22 m/mm
58 m/mm 51 m/mm 38 m/mm
54 m/mm 35 m/mm 26 m/mm
65 m/mm 57 m/mm 42 m/mm
63 m/mm 41 m/mm 30 m/mm
72 m/mm 64 m/mm 47 m/mm
Pad-Moist: Types of chamber, diameter and its importance
The importance of the chamber type and width (Narrow,
wider) of the M/c to decide the productive and types of fabrics
processed. There are five types of chamber type A, B, C, DB and
DC. Chamber type A is old version.
“short loop”
“long loop”
Roller diameter
Roller diameter
140 mm 180 mm 180 mm 140 mm
Thermex B 34.5 m 30.0 m Thermex B 34.5 m 30.5 m
Thermex C 51.0 m 45.0 m Thermex B 34.5 m 30.5 m
Thermex DB 57.5 m 49.0 m Thermex DB 57.5 m 49.0 m
Thermex DC 85.5 m 72. 5 m Thermex DC 85.5 m 72.5 m
Pad-Moist: Why Drimaren K
High reactivity: Rapid fixation and high dye-fiber linkage stability
under both alkaline and acidic conditions.
Most of the dye is fixed while the fabric is still wet, therefore,
no chance of migration issues (Frosting, face-back and centre
selvedge).
No possibility of dye-fiber linkage being destroyed during the
subsequent drying / final fixation phase.
Simple washing off procedure, no need to neutralize before
soaping.
Similar reactivity therefore on-tone fixation behavior.
Very high reproducibility. Complete on-tone fixation is
achieved even when the fabric isn’t completely dry (robust to
process variables).
Only a simple alkali system, soda ash is necessary.
High pad liquor stability even at high ambient temperatures.
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 3

textile
Pad-Moist: Drimaren K Ternary for high light fastness green :
Drimaren Green HF-5BL
Blacks:
Drimaren Yellow K-2R / Drimaren Yellow HF-CD
Drimaren Orange K-GL
Drimaren navy HF-GN
Pad-Moist : Alkali Recommendation
Pad-Moist: Drimaren K Dye selection
Dyestuff selection:
Ternary for light shade and high light fastness:
Drimaren yellow K-2R / Drimaren Orange K-3R / Drimaren Yellow
HF-CD
Drimaren Red K-4BL / Drimaren Red K-8B /
Drimaren Blue K-2RL / Drimaren Aquamaren HF-CD
Ternary for medium to dark shade
Drimaren yellow K-2R / Drimaren Orange K-3R / Drimaren Yellow
HF-CD
Drimaren Red K-8B / Drimaren Red CL-5B / Drimaren Red HF-B
Drimaren Blue HF-2B / Drimaren Navy HF-GN
Ternary for green shade:
Drimaren Yellow K-4G
Drimaren Blue K-2RL
Drimaren Turquoise K-2B
Drimaren HF/CL dyes g/l 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50
Soda Ash g/l 20 20 20 20 20
Caustic Soda 35ºBé ml/l – 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Drimeren HF/CL dyes g/l 50-60 60-70 20-80 80-100 Black
Soda Ash g/l 20 20 20 20 20
Caustic Soda 36ºBé ml/l 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 10.0
Advantages
Highly reactive dyes (Drimaren K) are used and thus requiring
just 20 to 30 gpl sodium carbonate.
Lower water cost resulted from the higher degree of fixation,
thus lower hydrolysis per kg of fabric.
Lower steam consumption (70–75 % of the conventional
process).
The higher degree of fixation and the absence of auxiliaries
lead to a lower Effluent pollution.
Softer handle (no face back).
Flexibility of batch size.
Less expensive process.
4
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

textile
SILK STRUCTURE
Wool/Silk Blend
Complexity in Dyeing
Chemical Structure
Silk is chemically similar to wool because amino groups are
intergral component of both fibres.
Therefore, silk can be dyed with the same dyes as wool.
Fiber Properties
In wool, three types of sideway links present – cystine links,
salt links and hydrogen bonds.
In silk two links are presents – many hydrogen bonds and few
salt links.
Because of these differences, properties of wool and silk
differ, though both are polyamide from amino acids.
R
H
O
R
H
O
N
N
N
N
O
R
H
H R O
H
R
O
H
R
O
N
N
N
N
WOOL STRUCTURE
R
CH
H O R H O R
CH
R
Properties Silk Wool
Specific Gravita 1.37 1.00
Moisture Adsorption 10.5 15.0
Textile Strength 5 1.5
Fibril Size 0.8 - 1.4 2 - 4.0
Alkaline Stability good moderate
Acid Statibilty medium good
Crystallinity high amorphous
Iso electric Point 5.0 - 5.5 4.5 - 4.8
Amino Groups / gm of Fiber 0.25 0.80
Reduction Potential minimal high
Fiber Surface large small
CO
NH
NH
CH
CO
CH 2
- +
CO NH 3
O
(CH ) 2 4
NH
CH
CO
CO
NH
R CH
CH R
CO
NH
CH
Salt Bridge
NH
Cystine Bridge
CH 2
S S CH 2
CH
CO
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 5

textile title
Dyeing Parameters
Dyeing process for wool
Possibilities to improve the tone-in-tone effect
ºC
100
80
60
40
20
Check pH
x % Dyes
1.5º C/min
45-60 min
2% Lyogen WSN.
pH 4.0 - 4.5 with Acetic Acid + 2.0 g/l Opticid PSI
2º C/min
WOOL
acid
high
high
low
pH
Starting
Temperature
Dyeing
Temperature
Salt
neutral
low
low
high
SILK
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Both silk and wool are natural polyamide fibers, the dyeing
properties are similar to other polyamides fibers.
Thickness of wool fiber is around 2.0 to 4.0 den whereas silk
is about 0.8 -1.4 den. Hence due to these fine fibrils, the
colour yield is on an average 50% of that on wool.
Silk dyes deeper at lower temperatures and wool dyes deeper
at higher temperatures.
Dyeing at a low temperature and neutral pH favors a deeper
dyeing of silk.
Dye Recommendation
Since both fiber components are dyed with the same dyestuff
class
Tone-in-Tone effects are difficult.
Contrasting two color effects are not possible.
Wool / Silk blends are mainly dyed with:
a) Optilan MF - dyestuffs
b) Lanasyn F - dyestuffs
c) Lanasyn M - dyestuffs
6
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

textile
Optilan MF
Standard combination recommended
Optilan G. Yellow Mf-RL
Optilan Red MF-GRLN
Optilan Blue MF-GL
Additional shades
Optilan Yellow MF-2GLA
Optilan Scarlet MF-GL
Optilan Dk Red MF-BR
Optilan Brill Red MF-BG
Optilan Blue MF-2RLA
Optilan Navy MF-RLD
Optilan Black MF-B
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 7

textile
Combination Shades
Combination shades on Wool/Silk Blends
(52/48) Fibres with Lanasyn M dyes
Mustard Brown
Rich Navy
Chemical Selection
Products Application Benefits
Properties
Lyogen WSN Liq Levelling Effect Enforces a slow and even rate of absorption
which results in excellent pentration and level
dyeing.
Opticid PSD Liq Conc Acid Buffer Keeps the pH constant during the whole
dyeing process , thus ensuring an excellent
reproducibility of the dyeing.
Optifix EC Liq Formaldehyde-free Formaldehyde –free fixative for dyeings and
fixative
prints with acid and metal complex dyes
Navy
Classic Brown
General Precaution
Blend ratio is generally ranging from 5- 50% of silk.
Silk used in blends should be degummed before blending.
Type of wool, quality and pretreatment also responsible for the dye uptake.
A compromise on dyeing temperature must be reached to optimise tone in tone
effects.
Glaubers salt retards the dye uptake on wool in favour of silk.
Ammonia wash followed by treatment with Optifix EC is recommended
to achieve optimum Fastness levels.
Olive
8
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

textile
New effect labels 2010
Communicating textile effects
Clariant is offering a new range of labels
to communicate the functional effects.
Our first generation of labels are being
replaced and expanded. The new labels
help to distinguish at-a-glance benefits and
make the effects visible to the end customer
adding value to the offered end articles.
What’s new about our labels
They distinguish between apparel and
interior.
They are more modern and value
adding than the first generation.
They can be used more flexible with
the help of photos, we now can offer
15 labels for apparel and 11 labels for
interior end products.
Labels with Repellency and Stain
release effects are available with
marketing support
Customer
information with
effect labels
conventional C8 chemistry as well as
with PFOA free* C6 chemistry. These
have the claim “Preferred Technology”
to communicate that.
Clariant supports you from the first idea
to the final product
design &
development
Moisture Management (Apparel)
Effective Moisture Management for
sportswear or lingerie which keeps you
skin dry.
The garment will stay soft and
breathable.
Feel the long lasting comfort.
Hydry (Apparel)
Combination of Hygiene protection and
quick Drying.
test & bulk trial
Wicks moisture away from skin
Odor control.
Provides durable sensational freshness
and well-being.
Easy Wear (Apparel)
Easy to iron.
Garment will keep its shape.
Creasing and wrinkling of the garment
is minimized.
Easy Wear : First impression matters!
Easy Care & Comfort (Apparel)
Easy to iron.
Minimizes wrinkling and keeps garment
in shape.
Excellent moisture absorption.
Durable effect even after multiple
washes.
The perfect combination of easy care and
moisture transport
Wash & Wear (Apparel)
Just wash the clothes and wear them
afterwards.
No ironing of the garment is required
because of the wrinkle-free surface.
Saves time, work and energy – offering
comfort and care
product release
quality control
production
Premium Eco Care (Apparel & Interior)
Excellent easy to iron effect.
Ecologically responsible technology.
Improved fabric strength.
Unique soft handle, fabric remains
breathable.
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 9

textile
Environmental friendly chemicals and
processes makes fabric more resistant and
prolong the life-cycle of the garment
Repellence Protection
(Apparel & Interior)
Keeps garments dry and clean.
Repels most acqueous and oily
substances.
Natural anti-adhere and cleaning effect.
Just let it slide off – no need for frequent
washing!
Repellence Protection
(Apparel & Interior)
Preferred Technology
Preferred and Best Available
Technology.
Incorporated C6 PFOA free
chemistry*.
Keeps garment dry and clean.
Repels most aqueous and oily
substances.
Natural anti-adhere and cleaning effect.
No performance loss in comparison to
classical Repellency Protection
* below limit of detection
Rapid Dry (Apparel)
Fabric dries more quickly.
Water absorbtion of the garment is
reduced.
Durable effect.
Dry quickly and remain comfortable
Soil & Stain Release
(Apparel & Interior)
Reduces the fabric’s absorbtion of soil
and stains.
Significantly improves the release of
stains during laundry.
Fabric remains breathable.
Keeps performing after repeated
washing.
Soil & Stain Release
(Apparel & Interior)
Preferred Technology
Preferred and Best Available
Technology.
Incorporated C6 PFOA free
chemistry*.
Reduces the fabric’s absorbtion of soil
and stain marks.
Significantly improves the release of
stains during laundry.
Fabric remains breathable.
Keeps performing after repeated
washing.
No performance loss in comparison
to classical Soil & Stain Release
application
* below limit of detection
Easy Clean & Comfort
(Apparel & Interior)
Easy removal of stains.
Excellent moisture absorption.
Improved drying properties.
Durable effect.
Caring for your comfort : Clean & Dry
Care 4 Comfort
(Apparel & Interior)
Minimizes stains by repelling water
and oil.
Easy removal of stains during laundry.
Preserves breathability of the garment.
Keeps garment in shape.
Four effects ensure your comfort!
Mosquito Protection (Apparel)
Keeps mosquitoes, ticks and horseflies
from landing; reduces stings and bites.
Offers high permanency, protection and
comfort without impact on the “Feel”
and other finishes.
For fishing, hiking, travelling and lots
of other outdoor activities.
Protect your skin from stings and skin
irritation
UV protection by Rayosan ® (Apparel)
Helps to block the majority of UV rays.
Provides a UPF of 30.
Keeps fabric soft and breathable.
Durable effect.
Protecting your skin and health
Cool & Dry (Interior)
Wicks moisture away from skin.
Dries more quickly.
Stays soft and breathable.
Keeps performing after washing.
Keeps your skin dry, bringing you
protection, comfort and care
Easy Care (Interior)
Easy to iron.
Garment will keep its shape.
Creasing and wrinkling of the garment
is minimized.
Easy wear : First impression matters!
No – Iron (Interior)
This fabric does not require ironing.
Helps maintain a wrinkle-free surface.
Allows you to just wash, dry and
use-without further effort.
Saves you time, work and energy..
and brings more comfort to your life
Premium Eco Care (Interior)
Ecologically responsible technology.
Improved fabric strength.
Shrink control.
Naturally soft.
Enhance your life and use the earth’s
resources responsibly
10
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

q&a
Textile – an Essential,
Rich Heritage
Mr. Sushil Kaul,
President - Arvind Mills
1. What are your views on the current
scenario in the textile industry post
recession
The market and the market sentiments
are very positive. Indian retail is growing
rapidly at the rate of 30-35% and the
growth opportunities are huge. Consumers
want innovation and newness.
2. With the present focus on sustainability,
how do you propose to meet the
requirements
At this time it is important that we support
our key partners all across globally. Our
focus is going to be in domestic market
with retail and brand business where you
will see a major change in our thrust.
3. Given your eminent position in the
industry, what is your emphasis on
innovation
Innovation has a key role in any
growth strategy. Currently in a year we
are growing at a rate of around 20% which
is quite significant. These growth plans
can only be sustained when customers
get consistent innovative products. This
would mean that we need to continuously
add and diversify our product offerings.
As innovations go on continuously we
are very watchful for their success in the
market place. This is one of our key to the
success as Raymond has always lived up to
customer’s expectations.
4. How do you propose to expand your
global and retail business
We are growing with key partners
globally as well as in the domestic market.
In the domestic market apart from working
with brands, we are coming with B to C
strategy which will poise us differently
in the market. We have huge plans under
implementation by opening 100 Arvind
Exclusive Stores in next four years across
the country where the product offerings
would be highly personalized and consumer
would get variety of options to shop.
5. How do you envisage the growth
of brands and their impact on textile
business
Last one year has seen great demand
both from global as well as domestic Indian
Brands for textiles. Indian retail market is
growing at a rate of 30%. Internationally
US, specially have made a come back
from recession. China is equally getting
competitive on costs. I personally feel
that more and more brands will want to
distribute their business globally rather
than shifting to any single country.
Currently the contribution of India in the
global textile trading is low and thus with a
vide product basket, there is huge potential
for its growth possibility.
6. How do you see the role of dyes and
chemicals manufacturing companies like
Clariant Chemicals in future to assist the
textile industry
The future of textile industry is based
on innovation and converting innovation
into commercial and feasible products.
Today, consumer needs intelligent fabrics
and there is a distinct change in the taste
and life style of consumer. To enable
and implement this synergy, the role of
Companies like Clariant who have strong
base on product innovation and R&D is
going to be equally critical.
7. What is your message to the textile
industry
The message to the industry is to
remain positive and become strong on
core competencies rather than worrying
about the macro environment. We need to
focus on speed of innovation, efficiencies
and cost competitiveness. Indian domestic
retail and brand business is going to grow
and there is a huge potential for overall
business expansion. For this growth, the
country needs today leaders to encash
this growth potential. As a country India
should look forward to become one of
the dominant player in the global textile
market.
12
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

leather
LEATHER
free
Clariant’s customers are
well-prepared for NMP-free future
Clariant’s pioneering step, back in 2005 to offer N-Methylpyrrolidone-free (NMP-free)
finishing products to the leather industry has ensured that its customers are well
prepared for the December 2010 introduction of binding European Union (EU) legislation
regarding the use of the solvent in leather.
One of the leading suppliers of leather
finishing chemicals, Clariant was
among the first to begin research and
development into the challenge to replace
NMP. The solvent, which was previously
valued for its beneficial effects for
example on levelling and jet blackness,
was reclassified by the State of California
in June 2001 following toxicology reports
and added to the list of substances known
to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
When NMP is used in leather finishing,
almost 90% remains in the leather after
drying. However the solvent is released
over a long period of time, exposing the
end consumer to its potentially harmful
effects.
In California, even minimum amounts
of NMP in a product have to be labelled.
For example, a vehicle instruction manual
must include a warning label if a leather
containing NMP has been used on the car
seats.
At the end of the transitional period in
December 2010, NMP will be reclassified
within the EU. Mixtures containing 5% or
more of NMP must be labelled as toxic with
all the Consequences for the customers
in handling and regarding the emission
limits by law. Even 0.1% of NMP must be
listed in the safety data sheet. So leather
processing companies are asking and will
ask more and more for NMP-free leathers.
“Clariant realised at an early stage that
the use and acceptance of NMP would
come to an end and that it would be a
major challenge to replace it,” comments
Dr. Ralph-Günther Blach, Head of
Marketing & Application Development of
BU Leather Services of Clariant.
“So in 2001 Clariant started a project
for the replacement of NMP in all leather
finishing products.
A lot of different solutions were
necessary to surmount the production
and application problems for NMP-free
products, but since 2005 our standard
finishing products have been free of NMP
and fulfil even the high quality demands
and environmental requirements for
automotive leather.”
Clariant’s Aqualen ® topcoat range
meets strict customer performance and
processing requirements without the use
of Phthalates, Alkylphenolethoxylates,
and NMP, and with very low VOC levels.
The high-performance topcoats, with low
impact to the environment, are suitable for
all kinds of applications, from glazed kid
imitation to high-wear-resistant automotive
leather.
As a result of Clariant’s proactive
stance on NMP removal and its on-going
commitment to advancing sustainable
leather finishing, the company has become
a recognized specialist in this field. Clariant
representatives presented in-depth lectures
at congresses at the LGR Gerberschule
Reutlingen in Germany (March 2010) and
the ALCA (American Leather Chemists
Association) in Wisconsin/USA (June
2010).
14
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

leather
Clariant’s EasyWhite Tan to set
new industry standard
For those in the leather industry,
certain words are instantly associated
with tanning — just think of mimosa,
quebracho or chrome — and now the
industry will have another: Granofin ® ,
specifically Granofin ® F-90. It is the key
to the chemistry behind the launch of
Clariant’s new EasyWhite Tan, which will
itself justify its place alongside Wet Blue
and Wet White among tanners.
With this outstanding technology, the
tanning process becomes leaner, cleaner
and safer than ever before. The use of
salt during tanning is no longer necessary.
Clariant’s Granofin ® F-90 provides a more
environmentally friendly and safer tanning
process and will have major benefits for
tanners, especially those producing leather
upholstery for the automotive sector but
also for other sectors, such as footwear.
EasyWhite Tan is a totally new
concept in chrome-free tanning; using
Granofin ® F-90, an organic compound
that is metal free, as well as aldehyde free,
formaldehyde free and phenol free, its selfreactive
hybrid performance means that
the usual basification process in tanning
and the earlier pickle stage, are completely
eliminated.
By removing two, and in some cases
three, of the tanning processes required
under present day systems, EasyWhite
Tan can reduce production time by at least
six hours and makes the tanning process
extremely simple. It also reduces waste,
and any waste that is generated is inert
in the environment and has no inhibitory
effect on micro-organism activity.
By eliminating the basification and
pickle stages and focusing only on
tanning, EasyWhite Tan not only generates
considerable savings in time and reduced
chemical usage, it also lessens the
opportunities for error, makes handling
easier and safer and provides for greater
production stability and consistency.
“Tanning systems are usually divided
into two main streams — metal and metal
free — and both have their positives and
negatives. Excluding vegetable tannins,
the most used metal free systems are based
on glutaraldehyde or phosphonium salts
(THPS),” explains Claus Reineking, Head
of PM Wet End Chemicals of Clariant’s
BU Leather Services. “We wanted to
develop an improved metal free system,
a wet white tanning process which would
do away with the problematical aspects of
current wet white tanning. Granofin ® F-90
is the answer. It provides a simplified and
more stable production than the current
known processes.”
Clariant is convinced that EasyWhite
Tan will contribute towards a new greener
way of chrome-free tanning, too. One of
the extra benefits of Granofin F-90 is that
it does away with the need to add any extra
salt into the tanning process, commonly
introduced at the conventional pickle stage
to avoid swelling in the hides. It means that
there is a significant reduction in chlorides
and sulphates in tannery wastewater. This
will be welcomed by the industry, as it
means less corrosion within the tannery,
and especially welcomed by those who are
already processing green hides to avoid
one of the main sources of salt within the
tannery.
As the global leather sector continues
to improve its environmental credentials,
Clariant’s EasyWhite Tan will be seen as
helping the industry set a new benchmark
in responsible practice.
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 15

Why pickle, if you can tan directly
® Granofin is a registered trademark of Clariant.
EasyWhite Tan – The chrome-free tanning evolution
towards a greener world.
With this outstanding technology, Clariant’s Granofin ® F-90 provides a more environmentally friendly and safe
tanning process for a wide range of leather types. Enjoy the good feeling to be part of this tanning evolution:
A green perspective on leather tanning without pickle.
• Leaner: Total elimination of pickle and basification
• Cleaner: Without pickle – no salt, cleaner effluent
• Safer: Simple processing, no room for mistakes
Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, Leather Business, Kences Towers, 2nd Floor, 1 Ramakrishna Road, Tamil Nadu – 600017, India.
Phone: +91 44 2814 4136 / 7 / 8; Fax: +91 44 2814 4151. www.clariant.in
What do you need

new arrivals
Clariant launches
beauty and
productivity
boosters for leather
finishing
Clariant launches Melio ® Aquabase
EF and HF, its two new tailor-made
leather pre-coatings designed to bring out
the natural beauty of leather and Achieve
maximum cutting yield.
Developed for full grain leathers,
Melio Aquabase EF can be used either
alone or with Suitable additions as a very
good sealing and upgrading pre-base coat
that keeps the leather’s softness and grain
break. The product is distinguished by its
filling properties for finer scratches and
pinholes and is convincing as a result of
its elegant upgrading abilities. Subsequent
buffing is not required.
Melio Aquabase HF is a strong filling
pre-ground for lower grade material, such
as buffed leather, full grain leather with
deeper scratches, and even splits. For grain
leathers Melio Aquabase HF can be used
in combination with adhesive agents to fill
deep grain defects.
The leathers can then be finished either
buffed or full grain. After application
on splits, a subsequent buffing process
generates a very uniform surface
appearance.
Both products can be combined to take
advantage of their individual properties.
These two versions of the Melio
Aquabase range will help tanners minimise
hide losses and waste, as well as enhancing
cutting yield and profitability.
These latest additions to Clariant’s
Melio Aquabase pre-coating range are
intended for use on reverse roller coaters.
Melio ® 09-T-42:
The new high
gloss aqueous
Patent imitation
Patent leather is always in the
fashion focus of shoe designers
and manufacturers - sometimes more,
sometimes less - but is always in demand.
Therefore a great deal of effort has been
put into the development of an aqueous
alternative for the purely solvent-based
patent topcoats of the past. Clariant’s new
Melio ® 09-T-42 must be regarded as a
major improvement and provides tangible
benefits over other products currently
available.
Melio 09-T-42, an aqueous aliphatic
PU-dispersion, is distinguished by the
following main characteristics:
Aqueous top coat for patent leather
imitation.
Brilliant, transparent and with a higher
gloss.
Maintains leather softness.
Elegant touch.
NMP-free.
Reduced overall emissions.
Excellent flow and levelling properties,
including faster drying times.
Very high physical properties.
No additives (e.g. casein/silicone)
required.
Ideal for spray and roller coater
applications.
Hard to imagine but easy to appreciate–
aqueous patent leather imitation at its best
with Clariant’s Melio 09-T-42.
Clariant launches
solvent-free
alternative for leather
finishing market
Clariant offers leather finishers a solventfree
alternative to nitro cellulose (NC)
emulsions with the launch of Aqualen ®
Top IL, an aqueous, modified polyurethane
dispersion.
Aqualen Top IL is an aqueous
intermediate lacquer, especially developed
to substitute solvent-containing emulsion
lacquers. It is easy to use, in the same way
as standard NC emulsion lacquers without
changes to application or procedure and
without the use of solvents. As a result,
solvents are eliminated from exhaust air
and no solvent smell remains in the leather.
NMP-free with very low VOC levels,
Aqualen Top IL reduces emissions in
tanneries, ensuring further environmental
and health-related benefits.
Aqualen Top IL is applied onto the
base coat to eliminate tackiness when
piling, milling or embossing the leathers.
The excellent plate release and subsequent
milling behaviour offered by Aqualen
Top IL ensures a trouble-free production
process. Aqualen Top IL is mainly for use
on furniture and automotive leathers.
colour chronicle 1 | 2011
17

inside views
Clariant Chemicals - Shaping the
future
The Textile Chemicals Business of
India’s leading specialty chemicals
producer - Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd.
conducted the training program jointly
with the Society of Dyers & Colorist, a
“Certificate Program on Application in
Coloration & Wet Processing of Textiles”
at Panipat and Mumbai.
The training was organized for the
students and the delegates to provide a
deep knowledge on the textile process,
testing and machines. The training program
elicited a huge response from the zones.
The Course included sessions on “fiber to
finishing”, also individual practical session
on chemicals testing.
SDC conducted a session on the
“Introduction to Color Management, Color
Chemistry and Color Vision Test”.
Also there was a one day mill visit to
give the practical introduction on the various
textile processes in big Textile Mills.
Now Clariant is looking forward to
conducting similar program in the South
zone.
18
colour chronicle 1 | 2011

gleanings from press
Cotton – The White Gold
The strong momentum in the rise in
cotton prices has left the domestic
textile and apparel industry in a state
of alarm. Apparel manufacturers across
segments are taking all steps to put a stop
to the escalating prices. There is a strong
consensus for government intervention.
Last month, cotton prices reached $1.50
a point (0.45kg) in the global markets for
the first time, which was double the price
of last year. The Indian government has
also raised the minimum support price
(MSP) by up to 40 per cent for medium
staple cotton. While the decision is a boon
for farmers, labourers working in dyeing
and knitting units are protesting against it.
The Indian apparel industry is the largest
employment provider after agriculture
and shelters around 6 million employees.
The apparel industry also employs the
maximum number of women workers.
Cause of the price hike
The major suppliers of cotton in the
world are China, USA, Pakistan and
India. The recent floods in Pakistan and
China triggered the hike in cotton prices.
Over 4 million acres of cotton fields
were damaged. Tight supply and growing
demand of cotton across the globe was
also another prime factor that affected the
prices.
With the clearance of the recession
cloud the wheels of textile industry started
spinning again successfully. On the Indian
scenario, where more than 50 per cent of
the production is exported, companies
started posting profits.
Integrated textile parks
to generate exports
worth ` 3,700 crore
Madurai: The eight integrated textile
parks (ITPs) proposed in Tamil
Nadu with an investment of ` 2,100 crore
will generate exports worth ` 3,700 crore,
Union Minister for Textiles, Dayanidhi
Maran, said while speaking at the inaugural
ceremony of the Madurai integrated textile
park at Thathampatti near Chennai.
Maran said 20% of 40 textile parks
proposed by the Centre wre planned in
TN. The Madurai ITP was exporting
` 75 crore worth textiles involving
an investment of ` 100 crore with the
initial 15 units functioning here. The
park was expected to get an additional
` 300 crore investment and the exports
would go up to ` 500 crore.
Bihar to set up Textile
Parks
Patna: The Bihar state government
recently held a public complain
hearing and redressal session, under its
‘Sahyog’ programme, at its head office,
whereby a number of persons voiced
their issues and difficulties that they were
facing. During the session, Sushil Kumar
Modi, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar,
declared that the state govenment is going
to announce the new industrial policy at
the beginning of the next financial year.
He also revealed that, the cotton mills at
Pandaul and Siwan, which have been shut
down, would soon be restarted, and also
that the work fo the jute park at Katihar is
likely to be concluded by April 2011. Also
other textile parks would be established
at appropriate locations in the state, he
added.
Feedback
Send your suggestions/entries to
poonam.badhiye@clariant.com
Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited
www.clariant.in
Printed and Published by
Prabhat Trivedi, on behalf of Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited
Design by Point-n-Pixel
Printed by Multiple Images
Chief Editor:
Prabhat Trivedi
Editorial Co-ordinator: Poonam Badhiye
Consulting Editor: Philips Abraham
Editorial Board: Tushar Choudhary
Rajinikanth Prasad
Nirmal Punjabi
colour chronicle 1 | 2011 19