KURARAY launches PEI (polyether imide) fiber from this season. The application is exploited specifically with fine-denier fiber, and KURARAY expects the total sales of a few hundreds tons in the medium run.
PEI is a high performance fiber characterized by high heat resistance, high tensile strength/modulus and high chemical resistance. KURARAY aims to exploit its application in the area where meta-aramid fiber could not cover, by utilizing PEI characteristics including (i) high flame retardance, (ii) low smoke evolution, (iii) thermo plasticity and (iv) easy dyeability. For example, KURARAY exploits to apply PEI to flame retardant protective clothing or insulator, fluorescent-colored protective clothing, and airplane insulator which require no water absorbance. Short-cut PEI will be also supplied for nonwoven and woven fabrics. KURARAY considers the blending with flame-retardant vinylon, rayon and modacrylic fiber.

JCFA News Letter (No.3) October, 2012/Japan Chemical Fibers Association