Natural fibers, unconventional uses
October 8, 2018
Bio-based technologies show promise in addressing textile sustainability concerns. Using innovation to address environmental and performance nonwoven issues, Performance BioFilaments Inc has developed a nanofibrillated cellulose that can be used in nonwovens. Photo: Performance BioFilaments Inc. The introduction of new regulations and standards can create a ripple effect that extends
Read MoreProtecting the protectors
September 24, 2018
The DHS addresses crucial needs with its First Responder PPE Program. S&T performs tests on the enhanced PPE technologies that simulate how responders use it in their daily duties. Photo: Department of Homeland Security. First responders—from firefighters to law enforcement to emergency medical services technicians—need to be ready daily to handle
Read MoreHEROES and collaborators
September 24, 2018
Behind every effective PPE are materials designed for specific and critical purposes. Quoc Truong, retired NSRD physical scientist, discusses a process to create super-omniphobic surfaces using a roll-to-roll machine with UMass Lowell post-doctorial researcher, Artee Panwar, at the university’s Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center. Photo: Cheryl Gomes, UMass Lowell.
Read MoreUnderstanding the protective textiles market
September 10, 2018
Participants can benefit from strong growth predictions when armed with solid information. The Army’s new Soldier Protection System includes a new vest and an Army combat shirt with built-in protection pieces. Photo: Alan Lessig / Staff The protective textiles sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4
Read MoreWhat textiles could become
August 20, 2018
Three industry leaders talk about innovation in the textile industry and how early adopters impact the development of new technologies and products. A team of Japanese researchers have developed an Ultrathin deformable “skin” that withstands repeated stretching and can display the wearer’s heartbeat and other vital statistics in real time.
Read MoreTackling wrinkling in advanced textile composites
August 6, 2018
New research shows breakthroughs in solving a persistent challenge in textile composite manufacturing. Image 1: The fabrication of textile composites with geometrical complexity, such as in doubly curved parts, are difficult to manufacture reliably. Photo: Composites Research Network at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The birth of the modern composites
Read MoreTomorrow’s composites
July 23, 2018
The ability to incorporate new materials into composites could open up another world of possibilities. Nature-inspired composites developers are looking to the abalone shell for inspiration in creating a structure that has both hard and soft properties for high strength. In material science, strength alone is often found to have
Read MoreThe world of composites
July 9, 2018
Fiber-based composite development sparks special interest. Kenaf is a common wild plant of tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia. It has been a source of textile fiber for decades and can be used in nonwoven composites. The plant may have a wider range of adaptation to climates and soils than
Read MoreTextile-based robots
June 25, 2018
Harvard researchers collaborate in developing soft, wearable robotics for hands. Harvard University researchers have developed a soft robotics glove that can help people with hand weakness improve mobility and strength. Photo: Wyss Institute at Harvard University and Harvard Biodesign Lab. Soft, wearable robotics is an emerging field which looks at
Read MoreRethinking robotics
June 11, 2018
Soft robotics and exoskeletons offer human-centric solutions. The ONYX-powered exoskeleton is designed to relieve the stress on the wearer’s knees using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm to apply a power boost to the mechanical actuators. Photo: Lockheed Martin. On March 19, 2018, the New York Times ran a headline that said,
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