Monofilaments
Monofilaments for toothbrushes are essentially segmented by the value benefits they deliver to both, the toothbrush manufacturer buying the filaments for tufting the toothbrushes and more importantly the consumer purchasing the toothbrush. The filaments are priced based on the perceived value benefits it delivers to the customer that determines the price point for the specific offering. The value benefits can be broadly classified under three headings, bend recovery and wear performance which is the heart and soul of the toothbrush, the optimum water absorption and the ease of processing.
- Bowen Plus Improved Wear (IW) Nylon 10,10 : A 100% bio-based product derived from poly-condensation process of sebacic acid and decamethylene diamine. Both raw materials are derived from castor plant, naturally grown. It has excellent bend recovery, can be considered the top-most or number one in Nylons, on both bend recovery and wear performance. With the increasing availability of wooden handles, the concept of a 100% bio-based toothbrush has become a reality.
- Bowen Plus Improved Wear Nylon 6,12 : The in-house developed improved wear technology enhances the original bend recovery of Nylon 6,12 by over 20-25% Combined with the other regular properties of Nylon 6,12 of optimum water absorption of 3% to ensure the comfortable feel in the mouth, lesser abrasion , superior end rounding, makes it an offering for consideration in premium high end toothbrushes.
- Bowen Virgin Nylon 6,12 : Without the “special improved wear” treatment matches the normal requirements of long life without splaying, lesser abrasion, superior end rounding and other attributes to match the requirements in premium toothbrushes.
- Bowen Virgin Nylon 6,10 : Is almost on par with Nylon 6,12 in all attributes with marginally lower bend recovery.
- Bowen PBT : Solid Round filaments have the uniqueness of excellent bend recovery that compensates to some extent for the higher density, zero moisture absorption higher abrasion and also difficulty in end rounding.
- Chemically Tapered Single end with the other end chemically end rounded : In white, natural and fully coloured are available in three different qualities and price points, premium Inno EP, High Standard and Standard. The difference is mainly in the taper ratio precision and control at different lengths and the diameter at the end. The lesser the diameter, more difficult to control the taper ratio. Chemical end rounding of the un-tapered end removes the imperfections and can be compared to mechanical end rounding.
- Chemically Tapered Single end and both ends with Colour Tip : Colour tipping to highlight that the tip is tapered and unless precisely controlled, can lead to colour migration. Bowen colour tipped filaments, have fairly precise colour tip lengths.
- Chemically Tapered Single end and Both Ends : In white, natural and fully coloured. As mentioned, they are available in three qualities of premium Inno EP, High Standard and Standard to meet the price point expectations of the toothbrush marketer.
- Chemically Single End Tapered Filaments with the prefect end rounding of the Un-tapered End : A technological breakthrough with assured & >90% end rounding of the untapped end for gum protection has been recently launched.
Other Innovations
Charcoal Filaments
Charcoal exhibits absorptive properties that help remove surface stains on the teeth and also plaque removal. With the benefits of charcoal and if required with black pigment incrementally added to make it blacker, rather than greyish. It can also be offered with anti-bacterial agent added, additionally.
Co-extured Filaments
Chemically Tapered Co-extruded Filaments: In different color combinations. On chemical tapering the outer sheath gets dissolved and the inner core gets exposed, giving it a visually pleasing effect.
Anti-bacterial Filaments
Anti-bacterial filaments: Is silver based. Silver ions which flow from nano particles when oxidised are lethal to bacteria. Our filaments tested at the Test Center Of Anti-microbial Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing showed that the commonly occurring bacteria in the mouth, Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia coli, bacterial reduction of >99% Chemically tapered anti-bacterial filaments offers the twin benefits of the tapered tips reaching all cracks and crevices in between teeth with the assured anti-bacterial reduction of >99%
Spiral Filaments
Spiral filaments: Have a hexagonal cross sectional shape and six corners are twisted to form a spiral. The spiral grooves increases the lateral frictional force for better plaque removal. The twisted cross sectional shape to make it spiral with increased lateral frictional force after chemical tapering improves inter dental cleaning and plaque removal.