Smart Textiles & Nanotechnology
Earlier this year when 4,662 innovative products from 1,865 inventive companies competed for one of the world’s most treasured design prizes, the red dot - X-BIONIC, the high-tech sportswear brand won double honours in Essen. The innovative Swiss company was able to convince judges with its latest technological invention and won an award for its Precuperation/Recovery Shirt & Trousers and a second award for its Precuperation/Recovery Socks. Both products aid sports performance and muscle recovery through the application of compression.
In the run in to Techtextil, the leading trade fair for technical textiles and industrial nonwovens, organisers Messe Frankfurt have published the following article on the spread of nanotechnology in technical textiles. The article shows how nanotechnology is being used in a growing number of applications from clothing, through construction to regenerative medicine. Techtextil takes place in Frankfurt from 11-13 June.
The Journal of Industrial Textiles has published the results of a study conducted by Texas Tech University and Enercon Industries that determined when spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabrics are pre-treated with atmospheric plasma it increases the breathability of the fabric.
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Well known industry consultant David Rigby (formerly David Rigby Associates) is now providing personal advisory and consulting services to business owners, CEOs and senior managers in technical textiles and industrial nonwovens, with the aim of helping them create more profitable and sustainable futures for their businesses.
This video was made by Robert Newton a TV documentary producer whose family were in textiles in North Carolina for generations. Newton got the idea for the documentary after he found himself constantly correcting people who said that the textiles industry in NC state was dead. It’s a full blown TV documentary which lasts 30 minutes but its well worth watching.
Energy efficient membranes, silicone-coated textile fibres, a new master batch for tintable polypropylene or new technologies for integrating systems into apparel – these are just some of the inventions of the ten winners of the Techtextil and Avantex Innovation Prizes.
In this two part feature, Debra Cobb takes a look at a new high-tech wave of interactive functional yarns and fabrics which are designed to deliver a whole range of benefits to wearers. You can read Part 1 at Ancient wisdom inspires ‘responsive’ Far Infrared fibres – Part 1.
The overall response from the exhibitors and visitors at the latest edition of Techtextil North America was confirmation that they were pleased with the show and venue, organisers say. The tenth edition of Techtextil North America took place from 19-21 March at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, California.
In this two part feature, Debra Cobb takes a look at a new high-tech wave of interactive functional yarns and fabrics which are designed to deliver a whole range of benefits to wearers.
US based technical textiles manufacturer Carolina Silver, has been acquired by Noble Biomaterials, which wants to add the North Carolina based company’s antibacterial technologies to its range of antibacterial products.
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Sanitized AG, a leading producer of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for textiles and plastics will be launching two new advanced additives designed for the protection of plasticized PVC at this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt.
Alexium International Group has announced that its affiliate Alexium Government Solutions LLC (AGS) has submitted a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal to the US Army to develop novel multi-threat protection capabilities on military applications.
Market leaders in the sportswear sector will present specialist technologies at Texprocess, the leading international trade fair for processing textile and flexible materials from 10-13 June this year in Frankfurt, Germany, in co-location with Techtextil, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. The following text, provided by the show’s organiser summarises some of the leading technologies which will be exhibited.
Following a successful product development period, Alexium International has announced it is starting the product launch phase of its flame retardant (FR) nylon products, which it will introduce over the coming months under the Ascalon trademark.
The Russian government together with the country’s nano giant Rusnano and Swiss Oerlikon, a developer of innovative industrial solutions for food, clothing, transportation and other industries, (owned by the Russian financial conglomerate Renova), are considering accelerating efforts in the field of design and production of new types of textile products, based on nanotechnologies in Russia.
Smart materials to extend the life of a vehicle or textiles which incorporate electronics are among the ideas being sought by the UK Ministry of Defence.
FibeRio, the developer and manufacturer of novel Forcespinning nanofiber production systems has announced it has completed a $13M capital raising exercise led by two global strategic investors – SABIC Ventures B.V., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation’s corporate venture capital arm, and Aster Capital Partners, sponsored by Solvay, Schneider Electric, Alstom and the European investment fund.
Nanotechnology maker Litrax’ L2 fibre and filament technology has been named in ISPO 2013’s Top 5 Fibres Innovations for fall/winter season 2014/15.
Already catering to German, English and Chinese speakers, the long established Reutlingen, Germany based company Stoll is now launching its website, www.stoll.com , in Russian.
Teijin has announced that it received a Grand Award at the nano tech 2013 International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference, which took place at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan from January 30 to February 1.
Alexium has announced it has secured Chinese patent rights which give it the ability to expand in China without competition and increases its patent portfolio to reach out to the global marketplace.
Just a short time after UK start up, MMT Textiles Ltd announced on www.innovationintextiles.com that it had invented and patented a method of constructing bio-responsive fibres and yarns so that they react to humidity levels in a micro-climate, the London based company revealed this week that it is now close to bringing the technology to market.
According to researchers at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, wearable computers which can withstand washing are one step closer thanks to a technology which integrates electronic micro devices into yarns. The academics developed a prototype garment to demonstrate the technology, which they say could be used for medical and military purposes.
Alexium International Group has announced that Nick Clark, the group’s current Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer based in Greer, South Carolina.
Scientists from Rice University in Texas have unveiled a new carbon nanotube (CNT) fibre that looks and acts like textile thread and conducts electricity and heat like a metal wire. The following article was published on the University’s website just a few days ago and the scientists are published in this week’s issue of Science.
Its official - the next edition of Techtextil will be bigger than ever before. According to organiser Mess Frankfurt, the number of exhibitor registrations for the trade fair, which will be held in Frankfurt am Main from 11 to 13 June 2013, is already significantly higher than at the comparable time two years ago.
Alexium International Group has announced that its late product development phase and commercial roll out are proceeding to plan and that the company’s novel nylon FR treatment is quickly moving from development to scale-up and initial production.
Outlast Technologies, the market leader for temperature regulating phase change materials (PCMs), is rolling out its new brand identity this New Year with the aim of sharpening its profile.
Alexium International Group (Alexium) announced it has received its second progress payment on a US Air Force contract this month, with additional progress payments on the contract expected over the next five months. Alexium’s says its financial position is strengthening, based on growing revenues from the US Air Force contract, awarded earlier this year and continued revenues from its commercial roll out of its novel FR nylon treatment.
Alexium has announced a major advancement in the development of its Flame Retardant (FR) treatments and curing methods. The company has developed its novel, non-halogenated FR chemistry for nylon so it can be applied with a standard oven as well as Alexium’s microwave technology. The ability to use traditional heat curing methods, aims to significantly lower entry barriers to key markets and speed up market introduction.
Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) has announced that it expects to receive a cash payment of approximately $205,000 from the Australian Government under the 2012 Research and Development Tax Incentive (Australia) scheme.
Researchers at a top Scottish university have helped develop headwear that uses smart textiles for women with cancer related hair loss. Micro-encapsulated textiles, which offer added comfort as well as aroma-therapeutic benefits to cancer patients, are now being used in a luxury handmade headwear range.
Alexium International Group (Alexium) announced today that its growing revenues are from multiple sources as a result of commercial development agreements, license payments, and a project funded by the US Department of Defense.
Novel supermicro fibres based on cellulose and cellulose-2.5-acetate are being developed at ITCF Denkendorf (the Institute of Textile Chemistry and Chemical Fibres) in Germany.
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry has announced that nominations are now open for the prestigious IDEA13 Achievement Awards, which it organizes in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine.
In this two part feature, Debra Cobb takes an in depth look at the world of textiles which deliver cosmetic benefits and concludes that there is potential for cosmétotextiles to go beyond beauty and deliver wellness, therapeutic, and medical benefits. You can read Part 1 at Beyond Beauty: The Future of Cosmétotextiles.
In this two part feature, Debra Cobb takes an in depth look at the world of textiles which deliver cosmetic benefits and concludes that there is potential for cosmétotextiles to go beyond beauty and deliver wellness, therapeutic, and medical benefits.
Italian seamless garment manufacturer Cifra SpA has launched a brand new line of beauty and sports apparel called Doubleskin, which combines the Milan based company’s seamless warp knitting technology with Rhodia’s bioactive fibre Emana. Doubleskin is available from this week via a brand new website and online shop.
Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) (announced today that the Australian patent office has granted a patent for the “Method for Attachment of Silicon-containing Compounds to a Surface and for Synthesis of Hypervalent Silicon-compounds” (Australia Patent No. 2006290509).
Organisers have released early details of speakers and topics in the expanded free-to-attend Open Forum conference programme at the second annual UK Plastic Electronics Show, which will be held at the UK’s NEC in Birmingham on 7-8 November. The show is part of the Advanced Engineering UK group of events.
The recently-announced bankruptcy of Konarka illustrates just how tricky it is to bring groundbreaking new technologies to market – however smart they may be.
The company is the latest in a list of companies who over the past decade have attempted the fusion of technologies – in this case mass manufactured solar cells with plastic films, but the marriage of electronics with textiles is just as applicable – and come unstuck at the lengthy lead times and endless financial resources required for successfully launching such products.
Reactive Surface Treatment (RST) technology provider Alexium announced today that it has been awarded a $200,000 contract by the US Air Force Research Laboratory to demonstrate its Cleanshell CB treatments for chemical and biological protection applications. The contract follows two other purchase orders by the US Army in the last twelve months and is expected to further validate RST technology for defence applications.
International Newsletters has announced that the speaker on nanotextiles has been confirmed for its TCL2012, International Conference on Textiles Coating & Laminating. Dr. Dirk Hegemann from the prestigious Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) will address the subject Nano Textiles: What can be expected from it?
Alexium announced this week that it has successfully demonstrated its Reactive Surface Technology (RST) treatments for functionalizing temperature-sensitive fibres such as high-performance polyolefins to add new properties such as antimicrobial, adhesion promotion, and flame retardancy.
With ten months still to go, Techtextil, the International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens in Frankfurt am Main from 11 to 13 June 2013, is already almost fully booked.
“Over 90% of the exhibition space occupied in 2011 has been reserved; 86% has actually been firmly booked. Never before have we had such a good result at such an early stage”, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies.
All the signs are that Texprocess, Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials, in Frankfurt am Main from 10 to 13 June 2013, will be a success. With a year still to go before the doors open, over 50% of exhibition space has already been sold and the market leaders are on board.
Experts wishing to give a lecture at the symposiums during Techtextil in Frankfurt, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens being held from 11 to 13 June 2013, are invited by the organisers to submit their manuscripts. The deadline for receipt of the manuscripts is 31 October 2012.
The recent symposium on cosmétotextiles held at Interfilière Paris highlighted the growing success of these hybrid fabrics, as well as posing questions about their future.
A cosmetic textile is defined by the French Office for the Standardisation of Textile and Clothing Industries as “a textile article that contains a substance or a preparation that is intended to be released sustainably on to the different superficial parts of the human body, especially the skin, and which claim particular properties such as cleansing, perfume, change of appearance, protection, maintenance in good condition, or correction of body odours.”
The recent Interfilière show in Paris confirmed the importance of the cosmetic textiles or cosmetotextiles market for producers and marketers of next-to-skin knitted fabrics.
Interfilière organiser Eurovet, has published a seven page report on Cosmetotextiles (cosmetic textiles), which summarises a symposium held at the Paris show and which was jointly sponsored by Interfilière and La Federation de la Maille et de la Lingerie.
The high performance fabrics beloved of mountain sport enthusiasts are fast becoming a fixture on clothing racks. Their growing popularity is providing a boost for the Swiss textile industry.
Growth in sales for the industry overall has been in the “double digits for the past few years,” explains Moritz Becher. He is editor at Outdoor Guide, Switzerland’s biggest alpine and outdoor sport magazine.
Around 200 textile research professionals met at the end of May in St Gallen, Switzerland at the international Fiber Society Spring Conference to keep abreast of current trends in research and development in this field.
By Valérie Lamontagne.
A few weeks ago I attended the annual Smart Fabrics Conference 2012 held in Miami, Florida. This industry-focused event brings together owners, players, entrepreneurs and developers from various textile-based R&D fields interested in intelligent embedded technological applications.
Messe Frankfurt has announced that the eleventh edition of Techtextil North America and the second edition of Texprocess Americas will be held from 13-15 May 2014 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
The first edition of Texprocess Americas took place April 24 – 26, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was co-located with Techtextil North America and aimed to create a synergy making the largest and best technical textiles, textile machinery, nonwovens, sewn products and equipment trade show in the Americas.
The ninth edition of Techtextil North America, now incorporating ATME-I, took place April 24 – 26, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was co-located with Texprocess Americas which resulted in a dynamic synergy creating the largest and best technical textiles, nonwovens, textile machinery, sewn products and equipment trade show in the Americas.
Dr. Sam Moore of Hohenstein Institute America will present interim findings from a long term study of the effects of nano silver particles on the environment. The presentation will be made at the joint conference of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC) to be held May 20-22, 2012 at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort in Pawley’s Island, SC.
The mass manufacturing of textiles and apparel will return to developed regions like Europe and the USA, but probably not in any recognisable shape from the past. The only question is what timeframe this will take.
BioPosture, a manufacturer of BioMemoryFoam eco-friendly mattresses, pillows and health products has announced it is entering into an exclusive licensing agreement and a strategic partnership with California-based Hologenix, the makers of Celliant technology for the health care sector.
Specialty chemicals supplier Clariant and Swiss textiles innovator Schoeller have worked with USA based sports performance brand Under Armour to develop its latest coldblack sportswear collection which offers advanced UV protection and reflection. The new collection was launched in March 2012 and is said to be creating a sensation in the US sports market.
Alexium International Group has announced today it has received a letter of intent from Duro Textiles to license Alexium’s novel flame retardant (FR) treatment under an exclusive commercial agreement. The scope of the license would cover Duro’s nylon product areas for military, government agencies, upholstery, and industrial workwear markets in North America.
Conductive Composites is to commercialise its nickel Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) coated nonwovens, with a manufacturing line expansion that doubles its production capabilities.
Leading Italian warp knitter Eurojersey has introduced a new range of ‘intelligent’ cosmetic textiles under its patented Sensitive Fabrics brand.
Teijin Fibers Limited, a Teijin Group company, has announced that it is supplying Nanofront high-strength polyester nanofibre for the palms of Srixon's new Pro Tour golf gloves
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories is growing its operations by opening a new laboratory to expand its technical textiles research and development program and accelerating the ramp up of its spider silk product toward industrial scale production.
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Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) announced today that it will supply additional Cleanshell CB fabrics to the US Army for further prototyping and extensive evaluations. The latest Cleanshell CB treatment has been optimized to provide excellent water and oil repellency, but is also said to dramatically increase the repellency of Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) simulants.
TenCate Geosynthetics and AGT International have signed a letter of intent for collaboration on the installation of TenCate GeoDetect technology in a dike body at the Yellow River in Dayulan (Zhengzhou) in the Henan province in China.
Having secured significant additional finance in the past few weeks, Alexium now has a clear roadmap for accelerating the industry take-up of its potentially groundbreaking new flame retardant and oil and water repellent nylon treatment.
For the past three years, Assistant Professor and Fashion Design Program Director Genevieve Dion of Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design has focused her research on identifying production methods that advance the field of wearable technology.
Polyester producer Teijin Fibers Limited has announced it is supplying Nanofront high-strength polyester nanofibre for use in the palms of bicycle and motorcycle gloves made by Goldwin Inc., a major sport apparel maker in Japan. This is the first time Nanofront is to be used in bicycle and motorcycle gloves.
Switzerland’s Schoeller Textil AG has a new medical textiles business called Schoeller Medical AG. The new subsidiary will focus on innovative healthcare projects and has launched its first product line of incontinence products.
The $4.2 trillion healthcare market is increasingly eating into the GDPs of nations, as people seemingly get fatter, do less exercise, and as populations become drastically older.
Vicki Barbur, VP Research and Development, M-Segment, at Cardinal Health will be presenting ‘Materials in Medicine: The Need for Smart, High Performance Textiles ‘at Smart Fabrics 2012. Organisers IntertechPira asked Vicki to share some of her insights on the industry, specifically in terms of medical applications for smart fabrics.
Hologenix, manufacturer of Celliant, a responsive textile technology for apparel, bedding and veterinary products, has announced the formation of a Science Advisory Board.
According to Schoeller Technologies, the efficacy its energear textile technology has been confirmed in an innovative test process at the Hohenstein Institute. The Swiss company also says that the technology has received positive feedback from German Olympian equestrian Bettina Hoy and her horses. energear is a new textile technology from Schoeller that is said to ensure that the energy radiated by the body is returned to it.
P2i was promoting its ion-mask technology at the ISPO Munich show last weekend (29 January - 1 February 2012).
Schoeller Technologies is launching a new fluorocarbon free textile finish which repels water at this weekend’s ISPO in Munich. The Swiss company, known for its innovative products, will exhibit its ecorepel finish for the first time at the Munich event which runs from 29 January until 1 February.
Disruptive RST technology company Alexium has begun the commercial roll-out of its flame retardant, oil and water repellent nylon, which it says has met key technical milestones for flame retardancy, water repellency and durability.
When digital inkjet printing first emerged in the 1990s, it was a welcome innovation for printing flags, banners, and POS textiles, made primarily of polyester. Using disperse inks for direct printing or water-based inks for sublimation, the technology was the answer for quick-turn, small runs or single pieces needed in the display business.
Polyester producer Teijin
Fibers announced today that it has decided to commercialize a new version of
its Nanofront high-strength polyester nanofibre with a diameter of 400 nanometres,
or 22,500 times smaller than the cross-sectional area of a strand of hair, an
unprecedented achievement for a commercial polyester fibre.
The new version, which will be marketed by Teijin Fibers as
a finer version of its existing 700 nanometre Nanofront nanofibre, is expected
to expand the m
Polyester producer Teijin Fibers is supplying its
high-strength polyester Nanofront nanofibre for use in running socks made by
New Balance. Frictional force, one of the noteworthy properties of Nanofront,
creates outstanding slip resistance to help prevent the sock from sliding
inside a shoe, thereby reducing blisters and shoe sores. Nanofront also boasts
high absorbency for added comfort.
The socks are being marketed by New Balance Japan and sold
in its own shops in Toky
5 January 2012, Greer, SC Alexium has signed a new Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL),
Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Airbase Technologies Division, to further
develop and commercialize its patented and potentially disruptive Reactive
Surface Treatment (RST) technology.
The agreement will leverage resources and capabilities of
Alexium and the Tyndall AFB, Florida based AFRL and advance the effort of
developing and tr
Global life and materials sciences company Royal DSM, owner
of the Dyneema UHMWPE fibre brand, has made an investment in NanoHoldings LLC,
a Connecticut, USA based company which specializes in breakthrough
nanotechnology discoveries in the field of energy.
NanoHoldings funds the development of world improving
technologies and is also said to have a solid business model for bringing
products to market that will balance sustainability with profitability.
Accordin
Kertak Nanotechnology, a leading manufacturer of ceramic
nanofibers located in the Czech Republic, has invested in FibeRio Technology
Corporation's new continuous nanofibre production system, the Cyclone FE 1.1
with Forcespinning technology.
Kertak manufactures cutting edge ceramic nanofibers for a
broad range of industries including batteries, fuel cells, catalysts, solar
cells and high end cosmetics.
"Ceramic nanofibers have been extensively researched and the
o
IntertechPira has announced the agenda for the 8th annual
Smart Fabrics 2012 conference which includes speakers from Adidas, M.I.T., Nike
and Philips Lighting.
The scheduled presenters for Smart Fabrics 2012 include:
· Dr. Vicki A. Barbur, VP Research and
Development, M-Segment, Cardinal Health
· Stacey
Burr, VP Wearable Sports Electronics, adidas
· Hap
Klopp, Chairman, Cocona Fabric
· Sti
Teijin Limited and
the Tokyo Institute of Technology have co-developed a highly conductive carbon nanofibre
(CNF) which is said to have a high linearity structure which offers 30-40%
greater electrical conductivity compared to conventional CNF.
The primary application envisioned for the new CNF is for
battery components, including lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, capacitors,
electrode additives, plastic additives, fuel-cell gas-diffusion layers and
plastic reinfo
The Centre for
Research in Advanced Textiles (CReATe) at Nottingham Trent University has an
ambitious development strategy which it says allows it to offer an exciting opportunity
for a PhD Studentship, starting in January 2012. The studentships will pay
UK/EU fees and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (£13,590
per annum for 2011/12) for up to four years.
The studentship is describesd as follows:
"Everyday clothing consists of textile fibres which a
The Fifth Wearable Technologies Conference will take place
alongside the ISPO sports show in Munich, Germany, on January 30, 2012.
The conference will focus on key areas in which wearable
electronics and smart textiles are rapidly emerging, including sports,
smartphones and consumer gadgets and therapy and medical, while at the same
time introducing a range of new innovations.
Showcases from established companies will include the
wearable diabetes management system developed by
Alexium's ‘nanoscopic
shrink-wrap' gains traction
Adrian Wilson reports
It's been a year of solid achievement for Alexium in
commercialising its potentially disruptive RST technology.
The company is working with major prospective commercial
partners and also started-up a new production line at its headquarters in Greer
in South Carolina, USA, which triples its capacity.
And Alexium's Business Development Director John Almond
reports that the first mass market application for RST are getting c
iLoad, the latest
development from Swiss textile and technology specialist Schoeller Textil AG, was recognized with the
Swiss Technology Award in the segment ,Maturity Stage' at the Innovation Forum,
held at the Novartis Campus in Basel on 3 November.
In a two-phase adjudication process, a high profile jury of experts
carefully selected the three winners from among 96 applicants and awarded them Switzerland's
leading technology and innovation prize. The Swiss Technol
Smart textiles network Wearable Technologies is to exhibit a
range of technological innovations at this month's leading medical and
healthcare trade fair MEDICA in Dusseldorf.
These days, we have modern medicine to thank for longevity.
But according to Wearable Technologies, with this long life comes a need to
live independently as long as possible.
"According to the German Federal Statistical Office,
DeStatis, there will be a deficit of 260,000 caregivers by 2025.
FibeRio Technology Corporation announced today that it will launch its new 1.1 meter wide continuous nanofibre production system at the INDA Filtration 2011 show in Chicago on November 16th.
The company says its Cyclone Fiber Engine 1.1 is the first full scale production model utilizing Forcespinning technology, which offers both melt and solution spinning capabilities, increased productivity and a significant
India's technical textiles industry is expected to grow to a value of Rs 1,58,000 crore by 2017, a senior government official said at the opening of Techtextil India 2011 in Mumbai, Moneycontrol reports.
"The technical textiles industry is forecast to grow at Rs 1,58,000 crore by 2016-17, with a projected growth of 20%. The industry has grown to Rs 63,000 crore in 2011-12 from Rs 41,000 crore in 2010-11, which is 11%
Texas based FibeRio Technology Corporation has announced that it has closed an oversubscribed Series B round of private investment led by Silverton Partners and supported by current investors including series A lead investor Cottonwood Technology Fund.
The new capital will facilitate the company's production ramp for its new industrial scale nanofiber equipment formally launching later this year. The finan
"When the sun shines, thousands of enthusiastic cyclists take to their bikes - In the city, on the roads or in forests and mountains they are cycling for all they are worth and increasingly, they are being accompanied by coldblack double sun protection." These are the words of coldblack fabric technology developer, Austrian textile innovator Schoeller Technologies.
Coldblack is said to alter the heat man
Triton Systems, Inc. has launched its Invexus brand of high performance, durable, conformal, nanothin coatings which are deposited via its patented atmospheric pressure plasma liquid deposition technology.
Invexus for liquid repellent, primer and anti-microbial applications was developed by the ASSET (Advanced Solutions in Surface Engineering Technology) division at Triton.
"Our coatings formulation capabilities coupled
A new spin on an old technology will give scientists and manufacturers the ability to significantly increase their production of nanofibres, according to researchers at North Carolina State University.
"Collections of nanofibres, because they are porous and lightweight, are useful in applications ranging from water filtration to tissue regeneration to energy storage. But although nanofibres are relatively inexpensive to pro
Systex, organisers of the Smart Textiles Salon (STS) say it is an innovative exhibition concept. "It combines the transfer of theory through a presentation of various exposés from the field of Smart Textiles as well as hands-on practical insight through demonstration of the prototypes' working principle."
"The participant can experience the inventions on three different levels: listening to the information given by the presenter, seeing the
IntertechPira has announced that Smart Fabrics 2012 will take place April 17-19, 2012, at the Conrad Miami Hotel in Miami, Florida. The event, now in its eighth year, is expected to bring together experts from a variety of industries, including textiles, fashion, electronics, technology, research and academia, all of which play a unique role in the emerging smart fabrics industry.
"We are thrilled to be back i
By David L. Chandler, MIT
New MIT-developed materials are making it possible to produce photovoltaic cells on paper or fabric, nearly as simply as printing a document.
The sheet of paper looks like any other document that might have just come spitting out of an office printer, with an array of coloured rectangles printed over much of its surface. But then a researcher picks it up, clips a couple of wires to one end,
Following the recent launch from Schoeller Textil AG, the company's energear technology will now be available commencing summer 2011 under licence from group company Schoeller Technologies.
energear is a recently launched novel textile technology from the Austrian textile innovator, that is said to ensure that the wearer's energy is reflected back to the body bringing health and fitness benefits. A print version (paste
Innovation in Textiles RESEARCHSTORE - for your market research needs
6 July 2011, Manchester
Innovation in Textiles (www.innovationintextiles.com ) has teamed up with market research leader Datamonitor to give readers quick and easy access to selected quality market research for the textiles and clothing sector.
Innovation in Textiles' RESEARCHSTORE website, which is also accessible via the Innovation in Textiles main website, gives readers the opportunity to buy information from a catalogue of
FibeRio Technology Corporation has announced it has been selected by the editors of R&D Magazine as a winner of the 49th Annual R&D 100 Awards. The accolade recognizes the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace over the past year.
FibeRio's rapid development and launch of the Cyclone L-1000 product line incorporating Forcespinning technology for nanofibre pr
Theme day: Intelligent textiles for physical training, therapy and safety
Readers wanting to learn more about intelligent textiles that can:
Treat depression
Integrate physical training into everyday life
Increase safety at festivals
Can sign up for this theme day in the interest group for intelligent textiles. According to the organisers, attendees will gain insight into the latest breakthroughs within IT-enhanced textiles and get the opportunity to meet other comp
What would it take to make a manned mission to Mars a reality? A team of aerospace and textile engineering students from North Carolina State University believe part of the solution may lie in advanced textile materials.
The students joined forces to tackle life-support challenges that the aerospace industry has been grappling with for decades.
"One of the big issues, in terms of a manned mission to Mars, is creating living quar
Polyester fibre and fabrics producer Teijin Fibers announced today that it has developed a new stain-resistant polyester fabric that offers, both water absorption to eliminate stickiness and oil repellence to resist oil-based soiling.
According to Teijin, the key to the breakthrough was the company's leveraging of proprietary fibre processing and nanotechnologies to succeed in covering the fibre surface with a 100-nanometer coating that consists of separate hydrophilic and oi
Techtextil, the world's primary event for generating business between manufacturers and users of technical textiles and nonwovens has extended its industry leading position with more than 24,500 visitors from 96 countries attending last month's Techtextil 2011 in Frankfurt. Visitors saw a host of innovations presented by 1207 exhibitors from 50 countries.
"This is a great success from both the national and internati
High-tech Belgian monofilaments producer Luxilon Industries NV has developed an award winning cooling monofilament yarn which can cause the surface of fabrics to cool by up to 3.7°C. Luxicool was developed in conjunction with French knitted fabrics producer Sofileta SAS and was awarded an Avantex Innovation Prize in the Comfort + Function category for ‘Luxicool Performing Yarn in Sofileta Cooling Fabrics.'
Luxicool is a patented and trade mark registered cooling monofilam
"Imagine plugging a USB port into a sheet of paper, and turning it into a tablet computer." It might be a stretch, but ideas like this have researchers at North Carolina State University examining the use of conductive nanocoatings on simple textiles - like woven cotton or even a sheet of paper.
"Normally, conductive nanocoatings are applied to inorganic materials like silicon. If we can find a way to apply them to textiles - cheap, flexible materials with a contorted
The East Midlands' materials hub project (MATHUB) is running a seminar aimed at all companies and individuals who have an interest in Smart and Sensory Materials with built in technology. Key speakers are leading textile academics Professor Tilak Dias of Nottingham Trent University and Dr John Williams of Leicester's De Montfort University.
"This exciting field of development has brought the traditional knitted structure a new lease of life. An interdisciplinary app
CALL FOR PAPERS
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural conference ‘Managing Innovation In Textiles’, papers are now invited for the 2nd international conference to be held in Manchester on 30 November 2011.
The technical textile industry has seen major developments in the production of technical and industrial textiles. An extensive variety of innovative products have been introduced into the world market as a result of techno
Four students from Aalborg University in Denmark have designed a smart fabric technology which aims to make mobile phones and other hand held devices truly mobile. Students Hans Christian Thiesen, Mads Gydegaard, Morten Ydefeldt and Marius Koppang were awarded the prize for their project involving a fabric which can charge mobile computers, mobile phones and other electrical devices. The fabric automatically charges a mobile
Extreme performance and environmentally friendly textiles
are highly important to Designtex, a Steelcase company with 110 global
locations. As a leading company in the U.S. contract furnishings market
Designtex has added Schoeller Technology's NanoSphere to its repertoire of
textile finishes, products which will be featured during Techtextil 2011 at the
Schoeller booth. Schoeller's NanoSphere nanotechnology based textile
impregnation is said to feature a high level of wate
According to Schoeller Textil, holistic health is now a
major trend and it is becoming a key economic factor for many sectors and for
many companies. Accordingly, the Swiss high-tech textiles company is launching a
new technology at next month’s Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt which aims to
offer improvement to the status quo in the areas of wellbeing, prevention and therapy
in the context of textiles.
The innovation, designated iLoad, is a textile carrier
material w
Researchers have developed an Insect protection blanket
which prevents horses being bitten by insects which could be harmful to their
health. The blanket is made from a lightweight spacer fabric incorporating a replaceable
repellent and is said to possess good moisture vapour transmission to eliminate
sweat evaporation problems.
The project took place at the Institute for Hygiene and
Biotechnology at the Hohenstein Institutes in Bönnigheim, Germany and the work was
carr
Debra Cobb reports from the 7th Smart Fabrics Conference
The
7th Annual Smart Fabrics Conference, held April 4 – 6 at London’s
Russell Hotel, covered an array of new technologies and applications focused on
making our lives easier, safer, healthier and more comfortable through the
textiles we wear and use every day. Speaking at the conference, wrtier/editor
Adrian Wilson defined Smart Fabrics as “fibre-based structures that can react
to stimuli,” integrating electro
Survival-One Limited, a leader in the design, manufacture
and service of survival clothing and equipment, has recently launched a new
helicopter passenger survival suit incorporating Outlast technology for better
comfort.
We all know that water can be dangerous with unpredictable
element, but with some jobs and activities it is not possible to stay away from
it. To get to offshore oil installations for example there is no other choice
than to fly over water. So if a risk
Innovation
in Textiles is now offering readers the opportunity to buy online, business
information reports on the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. The
reports are compiled and published by Textiles Intelligence, a highly respected
and leading provider of business information.
Technical Textile
Markets reports provide an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven
and technical textile industries. They provide market data and analysis of new
and established markets for technical
Innovation in Textiles is now offering readers the opportunity to
buy online, business information reports on the global fibre, textile and
apparel industries. The reports are compiled and published by Textiles
Intelligence, a highly respected and leading provider of business information.
Textile Outlook International reports provide an overview of
the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. They are essential reading
for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries – a
Innovation in Textiles is now offering readers the
opportunity to buy online, business information reports on the global fibre,
textile and apparel industries. The reports are compiled and published by
Textiles Intelligence, a highly respected and leading provider of business
information.
Performance Apparel Markets reports provide an overview of
the sector for performance apparel and corporate wear. They provide market data
and analysis of new and established markets for performance fibres, fa
The School of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent
University has an ambitious development strategy which allows us to offer an
exciting opportunity for a PhD Studentship. The studentships will pay UK / EU
fees and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (£13,590 per
annum for 2011/12) for up to three years.
Everyday clothing consists of textile fibres which are woven
and knitted to
How can light be controlled without a switch or dimmer?
Isabel Cabral, a guest researcher at the Swedish School of Textiles, asked
herself just that question. Her project 'Light Filters,' where textiles control
the light, is now on display at the Smart Textiles Origami exhibition at the
Textile Museum in Boräs.
Isabel was originally a product developer and started taking
an interest in smart textiles during her studies in Portugal and Barcelona. For
six months, she has be
Around 70 academics, students and industrialists from the UK
attended an inaugural lecture by Professor Tilak Dias, at Nottingham Trent
University’s Newton Lecture Theatre at the end of February. Professor Dias
holds the Chair of Knitting in the School of Art & Design at Nottingham
Trent University and directs the activities of the School’s Centre for Research
in Advanced Textiles (CReATe).
Within the School of
Art & Design, Professor Dias is leading the
FibeRio Technology
Corporation – ‘The Force For Nanofibers’ - is introducing its nanofiber
production equipment utilizing Forcespinning Technology to the textiles
industry at the Techtextil Conference in Las Vegas, NV on March 15-17. The
company recently launched their Cyclone L 1000 series laboratory equipment to
enable research and development in forcespun nanofiber enhanced textiles.
Forcespinning is an
award winning technology that utilizes centrifugal
IntertechPira has announced that the agenda has been
finalized for its Smart Fabrics 2011 conference. Taking place at the Hotel
Russell in London, UK, from 4-6 April, the conference will feature two full
days of presentation as well as a pre-conference seminar, and is expected to
draw more than 150 participants.
“Smart Fabrics 2011 is a one-of-a-kind global event that
unites the fashion, technology, electronics, research, academia, textile and
diverse application
Techtextil, the world’s
biggest trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, will present a
comprehensive symposium programme for exhibitors and visitors from 24 to 26 May
2011. As in the past, the 16th Techtextil Symposium and the 6th Avantex
Symposium are being held under the patronage of EURATEX – European Apparel and
Textile Confederation. Top speakers will present the latest product, material
and technology developments and offer a future oriented view
Adrian Wilson reports from Munich
By 2014, Nike’s target is that ten million people around the
world will be hooked up via sensors in their clothing, footwear, wristwatches
or other accessories to the Nike+ running community portal.
As the latest chapter unfolds in what started out as a straight-forward
campaign with Apple to bring together the running and music communities – but
quickly grew to encompass the monitoring of sports performance – the
Nikeplus.com interactive
A new ambitious project is said
to be set to put Denmark on the world map of smart textiles and the opening of
the project is to be marked by an international prize competition for students
with a prize of Euro 6500. Students from all over Europe are invited to take
part, and the winner will be decided on 12 May 2011, when TEKO, VIA University
College in Herning is hosting a summit for international experts and companies
working within smart textiles.
“Many people a
Alexium has announced the
development and commercial roll-out of its Cleanshell textile treatment
process, an advanced process for water- and oil-repellent treatment of
textiles.
In a statement yesterday Alexium said: “This process offers
unparalleled material performance. It provides exceptional liquid repellency
while preserving the breathability, hand and drape of the fabric. The
Cleanshell process has already produced textile industry leading repellency for
a
Following a recent agreement
between the two companies, Dienes Apparatebau GmbH is to take over sales and overall
project management for nanofibre spinning lines manufactured by Reiter GmbH +
Co. KG Oberflächentechnik.
“Over the last five years a centrifuge spinning installation
was developed in cooperation with a German research institution, which provides
a quantum leap in nanofibre technology. The new line type not only represents
the first commercially availa
Hohenstein researchers carry out field study into the effect of antibacterial clothing on
skin flora and microclimate. Trials show that the natural skin flora is
unaffected even after long periods of wear.
In recent years,
antimicrobial textiles have become enormously important, whether in the field
of technical textiles for preventing infection, medical/therapeutic clothing to
help in the treatment of atopic dermatitis or anti-odour treatments for
sportswear and
According to Messe
Frankfurt, the current number of registrations for Techtextil 2011,
International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens, indicates yet
another successful exhibition. The organiser says that by the end of December, over
90% of the space used in 2009 had already been booked and there was equal
interest from new and returning exhibitors for the 24-26 May 2011 show.
“The mood is good
following Techtextil 2009, which set a new r
Today, New Year’s Eve 2010,
Barcelona is the main focus of the international sailing world as it is the
starting point for the Barcelona World Race 2010/11, the second edition of a
double handed non-stop race around the world. Textile technology will be
playing its part in many ways and active>silver technology from Austria’s Schoeller
Technologies will be going along on the 25,000 nautical mile trip on board the
Hugo Boss yacht, one of the most powerful i
With the aim of confirming
that textiles treated with silver nano-particles are harmless to the
environment, researchers at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim, Germany, together with 16 partners from research
institutions, industry and the regulatory authorities, are working on a major project
to investigate the behaviour, whereabouts and effect of silver nano-particles in
the environment.
The Hohenstein says the results of the undertaking, which
will b
Loughborough University
is to lead a three-year collaborative project with neighbouring Nottingham
Trent University to develop a new type of fabric based antenna technology that
can overcome problems currently encountered by the military, search and rescue
teams and the emergency services.
The groundbreaking project aims to produce a fabric antenna
and associated electronics, which could be integrated into a wearer’s uniform.
Traditional monopole antenn
The 7th annual Smart Fabrics 2011
is to take place from 4-6 April 2011 at the Hotel Russell in London, UK and
will cover topics such as the current status of innovative smart fabric
technologies in the marketplace, as well as recent application breakthroughs
and adoption. Organiser Intertech-Pira says, if you are involved in
electronics, textiles, medical, sporting equipment, fashion, wireless
communication industries, or military/space agencies this event could be of
Leading Belgian research institution
Imec and its project partners have announced the launch of the European FP7
(Framework Program) project PASTA (Integrating Platform for Advanced Smart
textile Applications) aimed at developing large-area smart textiles. Imec says
that large-area manufacturability is an essential aspect in bridging the gap
between lab prototyping and the industrial manufacturing of smart textiles for
sports and leisure wear, technical textiles for
US based Zephyr Technology,
developer of Physiological Status Monitoring (PSM) solutions, announced
recently that it had been working with the Chilean Government in its efforts to
monitor the health and fitness levels of the 33 trapped miners in the run up to
week’s dramatic rescue at the San Jose mine, near the city of Copiapo, north of
Santiago.
For the two weeks prior to the rescue, the miners were preparing,
sending keepsakes up in the same capsules that
Teijin’s carbon fibre business,
Toho Tenax, has announced that it has developed a gas diffusion layer (GDL)
made of a carbon fibre fabric for use as an electrode component for fuel cells.
The new GDL will be marketed from late September this year.
According to Toho Tenax, the new fabric-type GDL exhibits
better flexibility and strength than commonly used paper-type GDLs, which are
carbon fibre sheets impregnated with resin or other materials. The company says
that
Exmovere Holdings, Inc., a US
based biomedical engineering company, has announced plans to release vital signs
monitoring sleepwear for babies. The company says it is in the advanced stages
of taking washable, conductive fabric-based biosensor pyjamas called Exmobaby
to market.
In December last year Exmovere acquired exclusive worldwide
rights and license to manufacture and sell baby garments using biosensor
textiles developed by Sensatex, Inc. Sensatex, is a li
Researchers at the UK’s
University of Southampton have revealed plans to develop fabrics for clothing which
will generate electricity through wearers’ movement and body heat. It is
believed the technology could be used to power personal devices such as MP3
players or wireless health-monitoring systems. The smart fabrics will be made
by using rapid printing processes to attach a film of piezoelectric or
thermoelectric material to a textile base, which will the
This summer, sun protection is literally a hot topic. Shading textiles such as
sunshades, blinds and beach shelters promise to provide cooling shade and
protection from harmful UV radiation and there is also more and more specific
UV protection clothing to be found in the shops.
But how in fact do textiles protect you from the sun's
radiation, and what differences between them should be taken into account? Dr.
Andreas Schmidt (AS) of the international Textile R
Building on the success of
the first two IFAI Advanced Textiles conferences (in Berlin and Brussels), IFAI
presented a third successful edition in Paris 16-17 June, in the modern
Congress facilities of UICP (right next to the Eiffel Tower).
The Industrial Fabrics Association International hosted 70
participants from Europe and the U.S. at the 2010 conference, which focused on
major applications of technical textiles and investigated new technology
solutions and
Cheese, chocolate and a chairlift over
a flowering meadow taking visitors to the Swiss pavilion is apparently one the
biggest draws at the World Exposition in Shanghai which runs to the end of
October 2010.
From May to July, more then 1.1 million visitors learned
about Swiss traditions and Swiss developments visiting the pavilion. Bratwurst,
rösti potatoes, raclette and fondue are said to be proving just as popular
among the Chinese and international guests as the
At Nanofibers for the Third
Millennium, held from August 30 – September 1 in Raleigh, NC, world leaders in nanofibres
will gather to discuss the state of fibre formation as a science and as a
corner stone for new nonwovens and technical-textile enabled products.
“The Nonwovens Institute has always had a commitment to
bringing together fundamental science, new product concepts and leaders in
industry. We’re very excited to be
hosting this conference w
Article written by the Hohenstein Institute
On Thursday 10 June 2010, Prof.
Dr. Stefan Mecheels welcomed nearly 80 people with an interest in the textile
industry and research to the 4th Innovation Exchange at the Hohenstein
Institute. On the previous evening, the Hohenstein "Award for
Entrepreneurial Excellence in Global Textile Services" had been presented
to Christine Krautschneider, long-standing managing partner and now Chair of
the Supervisory Board of Salesi
Swiss high-tech textiles
developer Schoeller technologies has launched a new fabric range called
‘energear’ which uses Far Infrared Rays to ensure that energy radiated by the
body is recovered to positively affect performance capacity and wellbeing. The
technology has applications in sports and outdoor, in the work environment and
in day to day life and runners are said to have reported lower pulse rates and
improved performance whilst wearing garments ma
NanoHorizons Inc., a manufacturer
of nanoscale performance additives for textile, health care, and industrial
applications, has announced a new partnership with J2LFA Co. Ltd. of Seoul,
Korea, under which J2LFA will be the sole distributor of its SmartSilver
antimicrobial performance brand to the Korean textile and industrial markets. According
to Nanohorizons, J2LFA is a highly respected manufacturer of a broad assortment
of natural and synthetic performance yar
As part of the 2010 Congress of the
Humanities and Social Sciences, two teams of researchers led by Professor
Barbara Layne of Concordia University, Montreal, and Professor Janis Jefferies
at Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K., claim to have brought research in
intelligent textiles to a new level.
According to a recent statement the research teams have
developed a highly sophisticated concept of interactive clothing whereby the
body’s physical and emotional state
- The seventh edition of Techtextil North America, which took place May 18 –
20, 2010 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia as part of a
co-location effort with both the ATME-I show and SPESA EXPO creating the first
ever Textile & Sewn Products Industry Week in an effort that is said to
have provided tremendous value for textile and sewn products industry
professionals at all levels of the textile and sewn products manufacturing and
application su
Coldblack and Descente are
teaming up to sponsor Australian pro triathlete Paul Ambrose. Ambrose is a rising star in
professional triathlon and will race events globally in Descente apparel with
coldblack.
“I am looking forward to racing some of Europe's top
athletes, on what I consider one of the most challenging half ironman's in Europe.
I would like to tests my strengths on the bike, against the commonly known
culture of cyclists "The Germans". They ar
Leading technical textile and
nonwovens companies from around the world will showcase the latest products and
advanced technologies in textiles, nonwovens and materials during Techtextil
North America 2010 next month in Atlanta, Georgia. The show represents all
vertical aspects of the technical textile industry from research and
development, through raw materials and production processes, to conversion,
further treatment and recycling.
Some of the highlights of the
NanoHorizons Inc., a leader
in the creation of nanoscale performance additives for textile, health care,
and industrial applications, will extend its global antimicrobial business to
Turkey through Uniteks of Istanbul, who will act as the SmartSilver distributor
to the Turkish market.
SmartSilver is a brand of antimicrobial additives that are
engineered using a patented process to integrate silver nanoparticles at the
molecular level into a variety of textile,
FibeRio Technology
Corporation has received the silver prize among the over 90 top technology
innovators from across the USA and around the world competing in Arlington,
Texas, March 16-17 for top honours at WBT2010 presented by Lockheed Martin.
FibeRio Technology Corporation’s force spinning technology,
which uses centrifugal force to spin nanofibres, is said to have been rigorously
screened and mentored by WBT commercialization experts to present to a sold
NanoHorizons Inc., a leader
in the creation of nanoscale antimicrobial performance additives for textile,
health care, industrial, and consumer products, announced that the Small
Business Commerce Association of San Francisco has awarded it the 2009 Best of
Business Award in the Chemical Additives category.
The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small
businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer
feedback, the SBCA ide
Bayer MaterialScience has
announced that thanks to a combination of two new dispersion technologies, aqueous
suspensions of its Baytubes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can now be produced which
contain single tubes which show high electrical and thermal conductivity. According
to the company, multifilament yarns coated with such CNT dispersions can be
woven to efficient fabric heaters which have already performed well in
preventing the water in water storage tanks of Ja
Techtextil North America
Symposium 2010 has announced that Kim Glas, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Textiles and Apparel, is to be its Keynote Speaker at its
forthcoming event.
The latest technology, applications, and the overall
direction of the technical textile and nonwovens industry will be presented by
experts and leaders from around the world during Techtextil North America Symposium
being held from 18-20 May 2010 at the Georgia World C
Xennia Technology Ltd, a
subsidiary of the Netherland’s Royal TenCate, is today unveiling its process demonstrator
for nano printing and finishing of textile materials at its Letchworth, UK
headquarters. The novel nano process technology, which TenCate says will change
the textiles industry, is based on inkjet technology, whereby ink or coating
particles are applied with great production precision and high speed. The technology will eventually enable TenCate to
Teijin Limited and the Tokyo
Institute of Technology have developed a highly crystalline carbon nanofiber
(CNF) which it says will offer 30% greater electrical conductivity than
conventional products. The extra-conductive CNF, which is 100-300 nanometres in
diameter and 20 micrometers long, has been developed with a melt-spinning
process.
Teijin says that since melt-spinning is widely used for the
production of ordinary chemical fibres, the newly developed CNF can
According to a recent news report,
researchers at Stanford University are making batteries and simple capacitors
from fabrics dipped in nanoparticle-infused ink. According to the Stanford News
Service, the conductive ‘eTextiles’ represent a new class of integrated energy
storage device, born from the synthesis of old technology with cutting-edge
materials science.
Special ink formula
"We have been developing all kinds of materials, trying
to revolutionize bat
RMIT University
researchers are using a natural biopolymer found in crustaceans to create
odour-repellent fabrics for use in the automotive industry. The researchers are
studying how specialised fabrics could provide smart solutions for car
interiors, resisting odours and staying cleaner for longer.
Dr Rajiv Padhye, Discipline Head, Higher Education in the
School of Fashion and Textiles, said the researchers were working on various
concepts for a number
Teijin Techno Products Limited, the
core company of the Teijin Group's aramid fibres business, together with the
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and Hosokawa
Micron Corporation, have announced the development of a new fabric
incorporating nanostructure fibre for use in advanced fire fighting suits. Teijin Techno says the new
fabrics are 40% more effective in preventing burns than fabrics without
nanostructure fibre and 15% lighter tha
From the start of this year TenCate
Geosynthetics will be concentrating on the market launch and sales of TenCate
GeoDetect in North America. The geotextiles based monitoring system, which
encompasses optical fibres, has already been used in Europe for a few years and
the launch in North America will enable the company’s global marketing efforts
in the field of geotechnology to be coordinated and the continued development
of the system to be intensified.
TenCate GeoD
100 mins/ KS 3/4 /2008New technology and cutting edge
processes are combining with traditional textiles to create a new
generation of smarter and more technical products than ever before.
Filmed with some of the worlds most innovative textile companies, this
programme explores the properties, characteristics and functions of
these new materials and shows how they are being used to revolutionise
the world around us. The DVD shows how textiles will play a role in the
next generation of planes, car
ESA funds development of textile technology to prevent muscle loss in space
23rd November 2009 0 commentIn a bid to scientifically
evaluate the efficacy of various training aids and astronaut workout methods,
the European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Danish smart textile
specialist, Ohmatex to develop and test an intelligent sock device to map the
electrical and metabolic activity in leg muscles.
The contract, for 199,810 Euro is for an 18 month project to
develop and integrate near-infrared sensors and textile based EMG electrodes in
a specially manu
Teijin Fibers Limited has
announced that it has begun to market its high-strength polyester nanofibre
Nanofront for use in the palms of golf gloves manufactured and marketed by
Acushnet Japan Inc. under the FootJoy brand. Called Nanolock, the new product
is the world's first golf glove to use nanofibre material, and will be
available in Japan from November.
Conventional golf gloves are made with natural or artificial
leather, with waterproof coating applied to pro
The Institute of
Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University is to host the
6th annual international conference on Advances in Textiles, Machinery,
Nonwovens and Technical Textiles, (ATNT) 2009.
The event, held in collaboration with Bannari Amman
Institute of Technology in India (BIT), will run from 7-9 December at the
institute’s campus in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu, South India. The conference
will feature papers from natural fibres to
Reportlinker.com has added ‘Innovations
in Textiles’, a new market research report covering the latest innovations in
the technical textiles industry. The following are some of the highlights of
the report:
Rayonier has developed a highly absorbent cross-linked
cellulose fibre for use in incontinence garments, Weyerhaeuser has patented an
economical biodegradable superabsorbent fibre, and SRI International has a
range of novel biodegradable polyolefin copo
The event kicks off with an interactive workshop presenting
Carbon Fibre Market Analysis 2015. Facilitated by Ben Rasmussen, President of
BMR Associates, the workshop promises to deliver fresh, in depth research into
carbon fibre markets extracted from IntertechPira’s forthcoming report, due for
publication in December 2009.
The two day conference starts after the workshop and is
chaired by Professor Steve Pickering, of the University of Nottingham, who will
introduce a comprehensive and
UK based SmartLife Technology Ltd, has been awarded an
international patent for a knitted ‘linear electronic transducer’ which is
incorporated into a garment in order to monitor a patient’s health.
The invention described in the patent relates to electronic
transducers, and particularly to transducers incorporated into a knitted
structure. The device disclosed in the patent publication comprises a knitted
structure having at least one transduction zone knit
The USA based Texas Tech University and
Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT), Sathyamangalam, India, jointly
announce the 6th edition of, “Advances in Textiles, Machinery, Nonwovens and
Technical Textiles-ATNT 2009,” December 7-9, 2009.
For the past five years, USA based Texas Tech University has
been providing an international platform in the Coimbatore area for exchanging
cutting-edge topics and ideas on emerging textile fields such as nonwovens,
specialty fabri
UK based start up company, MMT Textiles Ltd has invented and patented a method
of constructing bio-responsive fibres and yarns so that they react to humidity
levels in a micro-climate. The porosity of subsequent knitted, woven or
non-woven fabrics increases with high levels of humidity or wetness in the
micro-climate, facilitating the release of moisture, or decreases in low level
humidity or dry conditions, improving insulation. This is referred to as ‘the
pine con
According to the EU-funded HealthWear
project, comfortable smart clothes that monitor the wearer’s heart, breathing
and body temperature promise to revolutionise healthcare by reducing hospital
visits and allowing patients to lead more active lives.
Unlike many remote health monitoring systems that rely on
sensors strapped to users’ arms or chests connected by wires to bulky
equipment, a European team has embedded sensing devices directly into textiles,
creating gar
Schoeller Technologies AG is to show
its highly water repellent Nanosphere technology at this week’s OutDoor trade
fair which takes place in Friedrichschafen, Germany from 16-19 July. New tests
show that Nanosphere finish lasts longer than conventional finishes.
NanoSphere combines high weather protection with breathability
and long-term functionality, which Schoeller says is a pioneering finish that
is the best choice for functionality, ecology and sustainability.
TAMK University of Applied Sciences
in Tampere, Finland, has developed a unique warp knitted textile based lighting
system intended for use in commercial greenhouses. The light required by the
plants is produced by means of LED technology and is placed between the rows of
plants. It is estimated that in the future the method will achieve savings of
up to one half of the present vast need for energy in hothouses.
The curtain of light between the rows of plants is an id
Product piracy is becoming an ever
greater problem worldwide and it is no longer just a question of copies of good
designs. Fakes and copies of technical products call the safety of these
products into question and, consequently, product liability claims are on the
increase. At Techtextil in Frankfurt, the Swiss technology company Schoeller
Technologies AG presented its DNAtex project for the first time, a new technology
which detects counterfeits almost instantly.
Sch
A total of six innovations have
been selected for this year’s Techtextil and Avantex Innovation Awards. The
awards go to innovative solutions from the fields of material and product
development, new processes and innovative garments. The aim of the awards is to
promote unconventional thinking and to intensify the dialogue between research,
manufacturers and users.
“Trade visitors will find the award-wining developments in a
special exhibition during the Interna
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a
provider of DNA security solutions, announced today that it has successfully
marked over 500,000 pounds of raw cotton fibre with a naturally derived
botanical marker called SigNature DNA, as part of a pilot study conducted in
collaboration with one of America's largest cotton growers. SigNature DNA was
detected homogeneously throughout the various stages of cotton processing,
before and after baling, right down to the single cotton
Industrial Nanotech, Inc., an
emerging global leader in nanotechnology, today announced that the Company's
patented Nansulate product line of energy saving thermal insulation and
corrosion prevention coatings will be featured at the upcoming International
Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITM 2009) to be held June 6-10, 2009 in Istanbul,
Turkey.
The company's Turkish distributor, Kolorgen Ltd, will be
demonstrating the energy saving effectiveness of Nansulate coatings
In his office, MIT Professor of
Chemical Engineering Gregory Rutledge keeps a small piece of fabric that at
first glance resembles a Kleenex. This tissue-like material, softer than silk,
is composed of fibres that are a thousand times thinner than a human hair and
holds promise for a wide range of applications including protective clothing,
drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Such materials are produced by electrospinning, a technique
that has taken off in the pa
Cath Rogan reports from Rome
Intertech Pira’s excellent annual Smart Fabrics conference
is now in its 5th year and this year (March 10th-12th 2009, Rome) welcomed over
150 delegates to an agenda packed with practical advice, inspirational ideas
and of course, a handful of spectacular but occasionally entirely baffling
scientific data charts.
Stacey Burr, CEO of Textronics Inc. opened the conference
with a highly motivating keynote speech outlining how the E-textiles small
business sector is
Heating textiles specialist EXO2 is
finding new applications for its technology outside of the company’s
traditional heating motor cycle gloves market. Recently the company has been
exploring healthcare applications and has used a heating mitt to assist a young
Glasgow man who is recovering from a spinal injury.
Challenge
Matt Atherton (22) was planning an evening out with friends
one night in January. His plans were shattered, however, when he fell from a
height,
More than 100 participants from across Europe attended the
Information Day organised in Brussels by the Spanish textile research centre AITEX
“New Textiles. Research and
innovation in the textile-clothing-technical textile industry” was the title
chosen for the Information Day hosted earlier this month by AITEX. A whole day
of conferences and scientific roundtables discussed the most promising lines of
research in the near future and how innovation can cont
DuPont has announced its latest
offering in advanced fibres with DuPont Nomex On Demand, a new patented smart
fibre technology that gives fire fighters up to 20 percent more thermal
performance when they encounter emergency conditions.
The term ‘smart-fibre technology’ refers to the ability of
the new material, initially for use in thermal liners in firefighter turnout
gear, to detect emergency conditions and automatically expand to trap more air
for
Vital Jacket HWM (Heart Wave
Monitor), the intelligent t-shirt that can continuously monitor ECG and heart
rate, is now exclusively available in the UK through Optima-life. The London
based health and sports performance company has linked with Portuguese owners
Biodevices3 and acquired the UK distribution rights.
The arrival of the Vital Jacket marks a major step forward
in vital signs monitoring, for the performance sport and health and fitness
arenas, Optima-life s
NanoHorizons
Inc., the developer and manufacturer of SmartSilver nanoscale antimicrobial
additives for textiles, health care, and industrial applications, has joined
with four other companies to create the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group
under the sponsorship of the Silver Institute and the Silver Research
Consortium. The group’s purpose is to collect and generate data that more completely
document the performance benefits of silver nanoparticles in c
Applicant: KONINKL PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV [NL]; ASVADI SIMA [NL]; VAN
PIETERSON LIESBETH [NL]
Inventor(s): ASVADI SIMA [NL]; VAN PIETERSON LIESBETH [NL]
Abstract of WO
2009037631 (A1) An electrically conductive yarn (2) having a multifilament core (5) comprising
a plurality of electrically conductive filaments (4), and a wrapping (6, 10)
arranged around the multifilament core. The wrapping is arranged to partly
expose the multifilament core, thereby reduci
Applicant: GORE W L & ASS GMBH [DE]
Inventor(s): STUEBIGER WERNER [DE]
Abstract of EP 2034088
(A1)
The present invention provides a fabric
and a fabric structure made of yarns with reduced water absorption. The fabric
comprises yarns and interstices between the yarns, the interstices between the
yarns having an average width of greater than 100[mu]m. At least one of the
yarns is comprised of multiple fibers. Said at least one yarn has voids between
th
Industrial
Nanotech, Inc. has announced that the one of the Company's exclusive
distributors signed a contract with Coats Plc, a textile manufacturer based in
England, to coat the machinery in their yarn dyehouse facility located in
Bursa, Turkey with the Company's award winning nanotechnology based thermal
insulation and corrosion resistant products, Nansulate® EPX and Nansulate® High
Heat industrial coating. The project will commence the week of March 16, 200
Search is on for new ideas, visions and concepts
Promoting the dialogue between research, manufacturers and
users
On the occasion of Techtextil
2009, Messe Frankfurt is organising the Techtextil Innovation Award for the tenth
time and the Avantex Innovation Award for the fifth time.
To be held as part of the International Trade Fair for
Technical Textiles and Nonwovens, the competitions are open to companies,
institutes, universities, polytechnics and indivi
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of
DNA-based security solutions completed the successful application of SigNature
DNA at every stage of the woolen textile manufacturing process in Yorkshire,
UK. This first phase of the "DNA in Textiles" project was fully
funded by Yorkshire Forward in collaboration with the Textile Centre of
Excellence, and its consortium of companies. Applied DNA is embarking on the
next phase of its wool protection program, a multimillion dollar
co
NanoHorizons Inc., a
leader in the creation of nanoscale performance additives for textile, health
care, and industrial applications, has appointed Toshinobu Hirohata as an
authorized sales and technical support agent for the company’s antimicrobial
nanosilver additives, marketed globally under the SmartSilver performance
brand. Mr. Hirohata is based in Japan. A graduate of Osaka University of
Foreign Studies (currently Osaka University), Mr. Hirohata
Wearing the HugShirt and
smiling broadly, the UK Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Mervyn Davies
received a tele-hug transmitted from across the pavilion. The latest prototype
of the HugShirt was unveiled last week at the Mobile World Congress in
Barcelona, the world’s largest trade fair for the mobile telecommunication
industry. The Minister was not the only one to try the HugShirt in Barcelona
where all of the 45,000 visitors were invited to the CuteC
The Institute of Environmental and Human
Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University has announced it will partner Enercon
Industries Corp. to combine each organization’s expertise to develop technology
to advance the functionality of nonwovens and technical textiles.
Seshadri
Ramkumar, an Associate Professor in the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials
Laboratory of TIEHH, said: “The partnership seeks to explore the opportunities
of commercializing atmospheric plasma
10-12 March 2009. Rome
UK - Smart Fabrics are big
business. The smart textiles market is expected to hit US$642.1 million globally
by the end of 2008, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28.3%. These
figures are set to increase yet further into 2009 to keep pace with new
applications emerging in the sector. Accordingly IntertechPira is to present
the 5th annual Smart Fabrics conference, a global forum for all the
developments you should know about.
Smar
Hospitals and other healthcare
facilities house Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that trigger MRSA
(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. The problem is that
not only is MRSA resistant to antibiotics, but it can also be fatal. A team of
European researchers is ready to tackle the problem by finding ways to reduce
MRSA infection rates in hospitals worldwide. The project is supported by the EU
under the Seventh Framework Research Programme with E
Vital eco-wear has developed a range
of innovative fabrics incorporating state-of-the-art, bio-functional fibres to
produce garments that introduce a new level of fit-for-purpose sportswear.
Employing techniques based on nano-technology, computerized body mapping, and
the industry's latest equipment for seamless manufacture, Vital eco-wear
sportswear is designed to meet the particular needs of the type of sport
engaged in, reflected in its four product lines.
In add
18th - 19th March, 2009 at the Royal College of Physicians,
London
The Institute of Nanotechnology has previously organised
three international conferences on textiles, providing an international
platform where a diverse community of professionals from industry, academia and
fashion can come together to share information, research findings and practical
experiences, ranging from nano to smart textiles.
Building on the success and popularity of previous textile
conferences, the IoN is organ
21 January 2009, One Great George Street, London
London, UK - The London Technology Network (LTN) is holding
a one day networking event on Advances in 'smart' materials. The event will
feature presentations from McLaren Racing, Airbus, Ilika Technologies Ltd,
University College London and National Physical Laboratories and offers a
unique opportunity to identify technology partners through one to one meetings
and evaluate the latest research on coatings, surfaces and nano-materials.
These,
Pegas Nonwovens s.r.o., a direct subsidiary
of Pegas Nonwovens SA has launched
testing equipment for the plasma treatment of nonwoven textiles in Dvůr Králové
nad Labem. The testing equipment is a part of the R&D project focused on
the new generation treatment of nonwoven textiles using atmospheric plasma,
which was announced by the Company in the Spring of this year. PEGAS is running
the project in cooperation with the Institute of the Physical Electr
Venture capitalist Physic Ventures has announced that Adidas International, Inc.
has acquired Textronics, Inc. (www.textronicsinc.com), a leader in the
development of wearable sensors for use in fitness monitoring.
Unilever Technology
Ventures (UTV), now managed by Physic Ventures, has been an investor in
Textronics since the first round of funding and has continued to be an active
investor and board member for 3 years, helping the company grow from
ear
Research and Markets has
announced the addition of an ‘E-Textiles DVD’ report to their offering. The technical
symposium addresses emerging opportunities and provides expert advice for working
with e-textiles.
What’s covered?
New classes of materials
and technologies impacting e-textiles in the future
Basic terminology and
developments that will broaden market awareness about e-textiles
Important features of
flexible devices
Expert advice on the
Research and Markets has
announced the addition of Woodhead Publishing Ltd's new report "Smart
Clothes and Wearable Technology" to their offering.
Smart clothing and wearable technology is a relatively novel
and emerging area of research within the fashion and textile industry. This
book provides a comprehensive review of the wearer's requirements, the
technologies and materials available for the design and production of smart
clothing.
Part one assesses the design
Solterra Renewable Technologies, Inc. names Dr. Ghassen E. Jabbour as Chief Science Officer
24th November 2008 0 commentHague Corp./Solterra Renewable Technologies, Inc., a solar technology and quantum dot
manufacturing company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ghassen E.
Jabbour to the position of Chief Science Officer. In this new role, he will
lead the development and characterization of Solterra's thin film Quantum Dot
solar cell products.
Dr. Jabbour is the Director of Flexible and Organic
Electronics Development at the Flexible Display Center (FDC) and a
NanoHorizons and G. J. Littlewood Introduce SmartSilver permanent antimicrobial protection
20th November 2008 0 commentNanoHorizons Inc., a
leader in the creation of nanoscale antimicrobial performance additives for the
textile, health care, and coatings and plastics industries, and G. J.
Littlewood & Son, Inc., a Philadelphia-based commission specialty dye
house, announced today a breakthrough application process to integrate
NanoHorizons’ SmartSilver certified
antimicrobial performance into technical fibres, including Nomex, Basofil,
Kevlar, and Twaron.
These f
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
house Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph) that trigger MRSA
(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. The problem is that
not only is MRSA resistant to antibiotics, but it can also be fatal. A team of
European researchers is ready to tackle the problem by finding ways to reduce
MRSA infection rates in hospitals worldwide. The project is supported by the EU
under the Seventh Framework Research Program
Smart fabrics and intelligent
textiles, materials that incorporate cunning molecules or clever electronics,
are thriving and European research efforts are tackling some of the sector's
toughest challenges. Clothes that monitor your heart, measure the chemical
composition of your body fluids or keep track of you and your local environment
promise to revolutionise healthcare and emergency response, but they present
tough research challenges, too.
Smart textiles must
Research & Markets has
announced the addition of its "New Uses for Wearable Textile-Based Health
Monitoring Technology" report to their offering.
Wearable health monitoring systems employ sensors to read
vital signs from the human body - such as the heart rate, body temperature and
blood pressure. Textile-based sensors can be woven or knitted into an item of
clothing and worn next to the skin. Information picked up can be sent to an
electronic device where it ca
AgResearch announces world-first technology to detect fake designer garments
15th September 2008 0 commentTake two
identical garments – both attributed to the same designer. It is impossible to
distinguish between the two articles. The same fabric was used, the same
colour, the same pattern. Even the label looks the same…
However one is real – the other one is a fake. Which one is
which?
AgResearch is today demonstrating for the first time how
this world-first technology can detect a fake designer garment. The textile
tracing system, called Verifi TT,
Sat 25th May 2013
