Regenerated Collagen Fiber [Luxaire®]

This time, we'll be introducing a new material:

"Regenerated Collagen Fiber"

We've been introduced to this new collagen fiber material by Kaneka Corporation, and we're currently in the planning stages.

We'll explain what kind of fiber this collagen fiber is, step by step.

At the end, there's a brief summary, so if you're short on time or just want to see the conclusion, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

This collagen fiber is classified as a semi-synthetic fiber, similar to acetate.

Its most distinctive feature is its extremely moist and soft texture, but

Since this is difficult to convey, let's examine the moisture content data to understand its moistness.

At a standard environment of 20℃/65%RH, the moisture content is surprisingly high at around 22%.

Even looking at natural fibers that easily absorb moisture under the same conditions, cotton has a moisture content of only 8%, silk 11%, and wool around 16%.

This high affinity for moisture is the reason for the moist and soft texture of collagen fibers.

Despite its high moisture content, collagen fibers also effectively absorb and release moisture.

The image below shows experimental data measuring moisture absorption and release. (The test was conducted using 100% collagen fibers.)

Collagen fibers moved from an environment of 25°C/40%RH to 25°C/80%RH continued to absorb moisture for over two hours, absorbing 100 mg per gram.

When the conditions were then returned to a dry environment of 25°C/40%RH, moisture release began, and almost all of the absorbed moisture was released within about an hour. In other words, it exhibits excellent moisture absorption and release performance in response to environmental changes.

However, the characteristics of collagen fibers don't end there.

Depending on the solvent used in the process of fiberizing collagen, it has the following three effects:

The first is:

Deodorizing properties

It exhibits particularly high deodorizing performance against sweat odor and ammonia odor.

The reduction rate of ammonia and isovaleric acid odors is over 99%, and the reduction rate of acetic acid is also a remarkably high 95%. It is also effective against other odors such as hydrogen sulfide, pyridine, and trimethylamine.

For ammonia and acetic acid, deodorizing effects can be expected even at low blending ratios (14% collagen, 86% PET).

The second feature is:

Antibacterial properties

The antibacterial action of collagen fibers is not through a conventional antibacterial mechanism where antibacterial agents directly act on bacteria.

The aluminum within the fibers adsorbs phosphate, which is a nutrient source for bacteria, thereby depriving the bacteria of their nutrients and suppressing bacterial growth.

The results of antibacterial tests on a sample containing 10% collagen fibers are as follows:

An antibacterial effect is observed when the bacteriostatic activity value is 2 or higher and the bactericidal activity value is 0 or higher, indicating very high antibacterial performance.

(The test was revised in 2015, and the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity values ​​were replaced with antimicrobial activity values. Antimicrobial activity value ≈ bacteriostatic activity value, and an antimicrobial effect is recognized if the antimicrobial activity value is 2 or higher.)

The third point is:

Flame retardancy

The LOI value, which indicates the oxygen concentration required to continue burning, is a remarkable 36.

This is considerably higher than the LOI value of 33 for highly flame-retardant acrylic fibers.

(Data for 100% collagen fiber)

Collagen fiber possesses various functions, but it also has drawbacks.

It is extremely sensitive to humid heat. Since collagen is a protein, it denatures with heat. Therefore, high-temperature treatment can cause significant shrinkage and deterioration of its texture and feel.

Furthermore, acid and alkali treatments are also impossible as they damage the fiber.

Now, we understand the moisture content and antimicrobial properties, but what about the expected beauty effects of collagen?

What about its beauty benefits?

We created face masks using collagen fibers as a nonwoven fabric and compared them to rayon face masks.

The change in stratum corneum moisture content after removing the collagen nonwoven fabric sheet was approximately 800 μS (μS is a unit of electrical conductivity. The change in moisture content is measured by measuring electrical conductivity, which changes proportionally to moisture content).

The rayon nonwoven fabric showed a change of approximately 700 μS, demonstrating the superior performance of the collagen nonwoven fabric.

Furthermore, a change in moisture content was observed even after removing the sheet.

While the rayon nonwoven fabric reached 0 μS after 60 minutes,

the collagen nonwoven fabric did not decrease to 0 μS even after 80 minutes.

We also conducted another test:

We compared a 100% cotton face mask with a face mask made of 10% collagen and 90% cotton.

The change in stratum corneum moisture content immediately after removing a 100% cotton face mask was approximately 500 μS.

However, the change in stratum corneum moisture content with a face mask containing 10% collagen was over 600 μS!

Furthermore, a mesh-type fabric showed an even higher change, reaching 700 μS.

Of course, regarding the duration of the effect, as before, the skin moisture level with the face mask containing 10% collagen was maintained for over 90 minutes.

Considering these test results, it is thought that collagen fibers can release the serums and other substances they hold from the skin in an appropriate manner, thus allowing for prolonged skin hydration.

I've explained quite a bit, so let's summarize the characteristics of collagen fibers once again:

1. A very high moisture content of 22% at 20°C and 65% humidity, resulting in a moist texture.

2. Extremely high deodorizing properties against ammonia, acetic acid, etc.

3. Antibacterial properties due to depleting the bacteria's nutrient sources.

4. Flame retardancy superior to even acrylic-based high-flame-retardant fibers.

5. Moisture absorption and release properties that allow it to firmly absorb and release beauty serums.

These five points are the main features of regenerated collagen.

We encourage everyone to experience this wonderfully smooth texture for themselves.

If you have any questions, please contact us using the inquiry form below.

Click here for Kaneka Corporation's collagen fiber introduction page ↓