Know your fabrics, fabrication and flammability

December 2nd, 2012

No matter where you are in the supply chain, a thorough knowledge of flame retardancy leads to well-informed customers—and safer environments If a fabric is going into a commercial space—whether used for a trade show banner, theater drapery or restaurant awning—it needs to be flame retardant (FR). Call the material fireproof, flameproof or flame resistant, […]

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EU issues new rule on biocides

December 1st, 2012

Substances that act to reduce or eliminate bacteria, viruses or mold—and products treated with such biocides—will be subject to a new European Union (EU) regulation (528/2012) that takes effect on Sept. 1, 2013. The new regulation focuses on improving the safety of consumer products by controlling biocide marketing and use. The three main requirements for […]

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From building to body: Current research into interactive and technical textiles

December 1st, 2012

Highlights from the educational sessions at IFAI Expo 2012 in Boston “Health and well-being in the personal and built environments” was presented by session moderator Marie O’Mahony, professor of advance fashion and textiles, OCAD University, Toronto, Ont., Canada. New fibers such as “memory metal” (plugged into a car battery), technomaterials made of natural substances such […]

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Weather or not—fabric measures up

December 1st, 2012

With a great selection of materials available, fabric structures adapt to different climates and project needs Trying to find the right solution for the right application in a particular climate is generally foremost in architectural work. The issues to be addressed in developing building envelopes or employing tension membranes are no different than using more […]

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