Tiny solar cells turn power generation sideways
August 31st, 2016
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The miniature solar panels could power a myriad of personal devices, such as wearable medical sensors, smart watches and even auto-focusing contact lenses, according to information provided by the university. Large, rooftop photovoltaic arrays generate electricity from […]
CoolVisions® dyeable filament fabrics feature creora® eco-soft
August 30th, 2016
Functional fabrics featuring CoolVisions® dyeable polypropylene filament have now been developed with additional benefits provided by creora® eco-soft, a low-heat settable spandex from global synthetic fiber manufacturer, Hyosung. While the cool, silky hand, ease of dyeing, and inherent lightness of polypropylene filament brings a new look and feel to performance fabrics, the addition of creora […]
Bugatti Chiron shows off its carbon-fiber skin
August 29th, 2016
Bugatti’s Chiron, introduced last winter at the Geneva Motor Show and boasts a classy, blue-tinted carbon-fiber paneling. Now available, about 200 of the limited production of 500 cars already have been ordered—at an entry-level price of $2.6 million. Though the carbon-fiber body makes the car “lighter,” it still weighs in at 4,400 pounds, but will […]
New Birdair roofing ready for U.S. Open tennis tournament
August 26th, 2016
With the U.S. Open Championships beginning Aug. 29, Birdair Inc. announces the completion of a series of renovations to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park in Queens, N.Y. The enhancements include Arthur Ashe Stadium’s new retractable roofing system with 210,000 square feet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, as well as the […]
Hexcel’s multiaxial fabrics reinforce Dasyc’s hangar
August 25th, 2016
Hexcel’s HiMax™ glass fiber fabrics were selected by Greek company Dasyc SA for the manufacture of its Composite Modular Transportable Hangar. Constructed from prefabricated composite sandwich panels, the structure can be employed in a variety of civil or military applications. The use of the quadaxial reinforcements, made by Hexcel Reinforcements UK Ltd. (formerly Formax), enabled […]
Alexium announces Asian orders for Alexicool™
August 24th, 2016
Australian specialty chemicals developer Alexium International Group Ltd. has announced new business developments with the sales of Alexicool™ for international markets and entry into the global adhesives sector with the sales of multiple containers of Alexium’s environmentally friendly fire retardant to iTextiles, Alexium’s distribution partner for Asia, the Middle East and Europe. New customers referred […]
Step up your game with e-sneakers
August 22nd, 2016
In case you’ve been wondering how you might enhance your Pokémon Go experience, there is a startup company ready to offer you a solution this fall. Vixole is combining footwear and technology to help people step up their Pokémon Go game, with what the shoe company describes as “e-sneakers.” Furthermore, the company says these are the first customizable e-sneakers with […]
IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Conference registration opens
August 19th, 2016
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) presents its Advanced Textiles Conference Oct. 18-19 in Charlotte, N.C. The special two-day event is in conjunction with IFAI Expo running through Oct. 21. Programming is divided into three tracks: Textile Testing, which includes the opportunity to earn certification from North Carolina State University (NCSU); Automotive; and Materials and […]
Textiles could repair themselves and neutralize chemicals
August 19th, 2016
Someday, chemically protective suits made of fabric coated in self-healing, thin films may prevent farmers from exposure to organophosphate pesticides, soldiers from chemical or biological attacks in the field and factory workers from accidental releases of toxic materials, according to a team of researchers at Pennsylvania’s Penn State University. "Fashion designers use natural fibers made […]
Down to earth, up in the air, Part II
August 19th, 2016
The balancing act with new materials for portables. For Harry Osborne, creative lead at SET-Live, the graphic applications and collection of temporary structures throughout the “Google on the Beach 2015” (GoB) event was an exercise in balance. “A balance between getting the most from Anthony Burril’s incredible artwork,” * says Osborne, “but also satisfying the […]