Smart" ingredient in fabric made from corn

DuPont, the creator of nylon products and the famous Lycra®, has successfully manufactured a smart" ingredient for its newest polymer, Sorona, using a fermentation process based on corn sugar.

DuPont, the creator of nylon products and the famous Lycra®, has successfully manufactured a smart" ingredient for its newest polymer, Sorona, using a fermentation process based on corn sugar.

The smart" chemical, known as PDO (short for 1,3-propanediol), was produced by DuPont scientists together with Tate & Lyle, a major corn-based products company with expertise in fermentation processes.

The process of producing PDO from corn involves biotechnology, specifically a fermentation process, similar to that used in making fine wine. This process relies on the development of the microorganisms used as the catalyst in the fermentation process. Before this development, the substance could only be produced from petrochemicals.

DuPont has announced that by 2003 it will commercially produce PDO derived from corn to replace petrochemicals in the production of polymers for many end-use applications, including fibers. Because corn is a renewable resource, and can be produced anywhere in the world, PDO becomes less expensive to manufacture. Unfortunately, the technology is not yet available in the Philippines.

Fabrics made with Sorona fiber are soft to the touch, exhibit excellent stretch and recovery characteristics, can be dyed readily and feature the easy care attributes of polyester and stain resistance for a wide variety of uses in the apparel industry.

"We are extremely pleased with this development because it offers solid proof that biotechnology can and will deliver far-reaching, transformative benefits in a wide variety of areas," said Ellen J. Kullman, DuPont group vice president and general manager of DuPont Bio-Based Materials.

DuPont Sorona is the first product developed by the company's Bio-Based Materials business. It is one of the most significant new polymers developed by the company in recent years. The Bio-Based Materials unit serves as the company's focal point for the application of modern biology to industrial markets.

DuPont was founded in 1802 and currently operates in 70 countries. It is the industry leader in polymer technology, inventing nearly 75% of the 40 or so nylon products in use today.

During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation-providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care;
apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.

All products with ® and TM are DuPont registered trademarks. For more information on SoronaTM, you may visit www.dupont.com/sorona.