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Jewelry functions as little robots
August 21st, 2017
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab are investigating how accessories can be made into mobile, adaptable “assistants.” According to the Media Lab, “Kino” is a collection of jewelry engineered with the functionality of miniature robots that can wander across clothing, change location and reconfigure the garment’s appearance. “This work explores a dynamic […]
Fabrics go multifunctional
August 21st, 2017
The development of sophisticated functional fabrics has been a phased process. Textiles have evolved from being just commodity materials to providing an array of benefits, including additional comfort and protection, improved hygiene, and supporting healthcare. The innate nature of fibers can provide certain special characteristics—cotton adds breathability and a smooth hand, and wool offers thermal […]
MIT hosts smart fabric “hackathon”
August 21st, 2017
MIT was the site of a three-day hackathon recently, which brought together students and researchers from MIT and around Boston who developed functional fabric concepts to solve major issues, including those facing soldiers in combat or training, first responders, victims and workers in refugee camps. The event was hosted by the MIT Innovation Initiative, the […]
Solar jacket charges itself to glow in the dark
August 21st, 2017
Twin brothers and adventure athletes Nick and Steve Tidball have created a jacket made from material that can be charged to glow in the dark by exposing it to almost any light source. The company’s Solar Charged Jacket stores light to glow in the dark, and it protects from driving rain and winds, too. Their […]
Fiber Industries to open new plant
August 18th, 2017
Fiber Industries LLC is preparing to open a new textile production plant in Darlington County, S.C., to be operational in early 2018. According to the South Carolina Dept. of Commerce, the development is projected to bring more than $30 million in capital investment and lead to the creation of at least 135 new jobs. Fiber […]
Patagonia offers Iron Forge Hemp™ canvas workwear
August 17th, 2017
Patagonia is launching a line of workwear made with Iron Forge Hemp™ canvas, a new blend of industrial hemp, recycled polyester and organic cotton that is more durable, abrasion resistant and comfortable off the rack than conventional cotton duck canvas. With farmers, builders, ranchers, foresters and environmental activists in mind, Patagonia set out to build […]
Taiwanese innovation showcases performance fabrics
August 16th, 2017
Taiwanese textile manufacturers recently presented products at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market at a launch hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. New-product categories included fabric printing technology; smart textiles measuring heart rate and motion data; textile innovations utilizing fewer chemicals, water and raw materials while preserving function and complex colors; a PFC-free durable […]
Denim North America introduces new product line
August 15th, 2017
Denim North America, a division of DNA Textile Group, recently introduced a new product line called FYnesse® Denim. According to the company, the product offers performance stretch with reduced shrinkage for better fabric utilization and increased garment-to-garment sizing consistency. FYnesse Denim incorporates FYnesse yarn, developed and produced by Fiber & Yarn Products, a division of Poole Co. The […]
DuPont launches Intexar smart clothing technology
August 10th, 2017
DuPont Advanced Materials recently announced the availability of its newest stretchable electronic inks and films for smart clothing. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new brand identity, DuPont Intexar smart clothing technology. The company says Intexar creates intelligent garments by connecting fabrics to biometric data including heart rate, breathing rate, form awareness and […]
Ahlstrom-Munksjö to increase capacity for filtration media
August 9th, 2017
Ahlstrom-Munksjö has announced that it will release additional capacity at its Turin, Italy, plant to meet growing demand for engine and industrial filtration media. According to Fulvio Capussotti, executive vice president of Business Area Filtration and Performance, “the plan will include investments on selected assets, reorganization of planning practices and additional staffing.” The Turin plant employs […]