Understanding IP law
February 11, 2019
Advice for innovators from innovators. Lumenus is a startup based in Los Angeles that develops smart technology for safety lighting including turn signals and brake lights on clothing and backpacks. Photo: Lumenus Editor’s note: I asked select entrepreneurs that I’ve met to answer questions about intellectual property (IP) law and
Read MoreFire danger!
January 21, 2019
NC State rises to the challenge of developing the next generation wildland fire shelter. Research in the lab compared with tests in the field have helped researchers develop a better wildland fire shelter for firefighter protection. Photo: NC State. The Textile Protection and Comfort Center at North Carolina State University
Read MoreComplete comfort
January 9, 2019
Paratroopers jump with the 517th Airlift Squadron during airborne training over Malemute drop zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 9, 2018. The Soldiers are trained to execute airborne maneuvers in extreme cold weather/high altitude environments in support of combat, training and disaster relief operations. Photo: U.S. Air Force by Alejandro
Read MoreSustainability successes in textiles
December 17, 2018
Both large picture and incremental changes can have a positive impact. Carpet and carpet fiber producer Shaw Industries achieved carbon neutrality in its commercial carpet manufacturing operations in May of this year. Photo: Shaw Industries. Two major challenges facing the advanced textile industry in its pursuit of sustainability are first,
Read MoreSustainability 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
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