Project

ALPA - ALternative PolyAmides with reduced global warming potential for textile floor coverings with a monomaterial surface

Recyclable textile flooring made from PA 12: New paths to durability

Together with the research partner FTB, TFI is working on the ALPA R&D project to develop a textile floor covering based on polyamide 12 (PA 12), which is intended to set new standards in terms of sustainability and recyclability thanks to its special material properties. PA 12 is characterized by significantly lower moisture absorption compared to conventional polyamides such as PA 6 and PA 6.6. This property contributes to improved dimensional stability and stain resistance, which extends the product's lifespan.

A central aspect of the project is the adaptation of conventional production processes for PA 12. While the thermobonding process is already being used successfully for the pile bonding of monomaterial tufting raw materials, e.g. polyester, the processing of PA 12 requires special adaptations due to its specific thermal properties. In addition, an adapted dyeing process is being developed due to the lower moisture absorption of PA 12. Both the dyeing of the yarns and the printing of the monomaterial surface layer will be examined and the respective colour fastnesses and effects on the GWP will be investigated.

The project also includes the development of a practice-orientated test method to verify the dimensional stability of the textile floor covering and the development of a demonstrator to test the performance of the new material under realistic conditions. Ecological and economic assessments will also be carried out.

The industrial implementation of the results is favoured by the increasing demand for sustainable materials and regulatory pressure, e.g. the requirements of the EU Green Deal. Polyamide 12 fulfils these requirements and offers high ecological and economic potential due to the ongoing scaling of production capacities.