Sustainability in the industry: where do we go next?
December 10, 2018
Textiles are part of a larger, more comprehensive sustainability picture. In-situ plasma reactions with various nonfluoro precursors have been used to make the surface of a textile hydrophobic. Photo: SMITA Research Lab, Indian Institute of Technology. Sustainability may be understood as a way to judiciously consume resources while leaving, or
Read MoreAdvances in smart medical textiles
November 26, 2018
Successful new developments and designs have prompted encouraging growth rates, but challenges remain. A series of novel developments in medical textiles see smart textiles coupled with smart design to deliver benefits to both patients and medical professionals. With the medical textile market predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.23
Read MoreE-textiles: where we are
November 12, 2018
With breakthrough technologies and standards under development, it’s been a turning point year for e-textiles. IFAI’s Expo 2018 in Dallas in October offered a good variety of topics in its presentations and a range of products across advanced textiles markets. Medical and health, protective and safety, smart fabrics, solar textiles
Read MoreMove over, synthetics
October 22, 2018
There’s a new appreciation for the versatility of natural fibers in high tech fabrics. Since the industrial revolution, textiles have transitioned from natural fibers of cotton, wool, silk and linen, to textiles created from petroleum products and reconstituted wood pulp. Today’s synthetic fibers are stronger, cheaper to manufacture, and have
Read MoreNatural 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 More