Toyobo MC Corporation has announced the world’s first success in forming polyphenylene ether (PPE) alone, to fibres, by applying a melt spinning method. The key of their success is improvement of a melting process. PPE is conventionally regarded as resin that are hard for forming and spinning when used alone, because it does not flow well during heat treatment for melting. The improved melting process allows PPE to maintain its fluidity during spinning. Since PPE is resistant to heat, fire, hydrolysis, and chemicals, the PPE fibre is expected to be used widely, for example, electrical/electronic equipment and filters.

JCFA News Letter (No.27)June, 2025/Japan Chemical Fibers Association