TFJ Completes 'HiX' Factory Dedicated to Production of Semi-Nonflammable Fiber 'Meterium'

Exterior view of TFJ's Hi-X factory in Dangjin, Chungnam.
[Photo by TFJ]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Eco-friendly water-repellent processing specialist startup TFJ announced on the 1st that its state-of-the-art 'HIEX' factory, completed with an investment of 20 billion KRW, will begin full-scale mass production starting on the 26th.

The HIEX factory in Dangjin, Chungnam, which is set to hold its opening ceremony on the 26th, is a dedicated production facility for 'MATERIUM,' a semi-nonflammable OXI-PAN fiber that incorporates the world's only composite convergence technology developed through two years of joint research between TFJ and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

The HIEX factory is equipped with dedicated MATERIUM facilities to stably manage semi-nonflammable level flame-retardant performance, including carbon fiber manufacturing technology, quality diversification technology, and spinning and crimp process equipment. TFJ plans to initially operate one production line (for raw material export) at the Dangjin factory starting in August to establish various products and sales lines, and will add two more lines (for apparel, non-apparel, industrial materials, automotive parts, etc.) from next year.

Developed in 2020, MATERIUM is a high-performance fiber material that simultaneously achieves excellent flame retardancy and water repellency by applying TFJ's eco-friendly non-fluorine water-repellent processing technology called 'Bluelogy.' In particular, it enhances the usability of existing OXI-PAN while shortening production time and allowing use with a wider variety of fiber materials than before.

While flame retardancy is generally considered excellent if the value is above 28%, MATERIUM demonstrated superior flame retardancy with a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) test according to carbon fiber blending ratio exceeding 45%. By applying the eco-friendly water-repellent technology (Bluelogy), water repellency was maintained above 90% even after five washes in 60℃ water, the test standard, and at the same time, flame retardancy, burst strength, and tensile strength were all maintained.

MATERIUM, which is about to be mass-produced at the HIEX factory, can be applied in various fields. It has flexibility and suitability for use that could not be expressed in existing carbon fiber and aramid, making it applicable to fire-related safety areas in non-functional apparel and non-fashion product groups, such as public safety, construction industry, leisure industry, transportation, ESS (energy storage systems), and upcycling sectors.

In July 2020, recognizing this excellence, Japanese general trading company Toyoshima made a strategic investment and launched the 'MATERIUM' brand. The HIEX factory is a result of joint research with KIST. The industry regards this as a successful model of industry-academia cooperation and an opportunity for South Korea to leap forward as a leading advanced fiber material powerhouse.

Jin Eui-gyu, CEO of TFJ, said, "It is significant in terms of expanding the functionality and applicability of existing carbon fiber," adding, "It will continuously contribute to regional economic revitalization not only by creating local jobs but also by expanding exports of advanced materials through the nearby Pyeongtaek Port and Dangjin Port." He also stated, "We plan to actively enter domestic and overseas markets and focus on increasing sales and profits through various marketing activities such as participating in global exhibitions," and revealed, "We are currently targeting annual sales of over 20 billion KRW from composite material sales alone."

Meanwhile, TFJ was selected as one of the 'Top 10 Startups in Korea' by Startup City, a global IT startup specialized media outlet in the United States, in June. Startup City highly evaluated TFJ's eco-friendly and sustainable processing technology.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.