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Growth projected in cellulose fiber market
March 6th, 2017
The cellulose fiber market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of nine per cent over the period 2016-24. An abundance of raw materials, environmental benefits of cellulose fibers and cost effectiveness will boost global cellulose fiber market demand in clothing and apparel over other alternatives, such as polyester and nylon. A shift in fashion […]
High tech fabrics grow with sports market demands
March 3rd, 2017
When you think about high-tech sports and recreation products designed to help athletes hone the competitive edge, equipment rather than fabric likely springs to mind first, but this reaction is behind the times—fabrics have evolved to become essential performance enhancers. And as technology continues to progress, manufacturers of sports and recreation fabrics and fabric-based products […]
Nanofiber strengthening improves composites
March 2nd, 2017
Nanofiber applications engineer Dr. Gareth Beckermann at Revolution Fibres, New Zealand, says significant advancements have been made by using nanofiber interleaving veils to increase the impact strength, delamination resistance and fatigue life of composites. Dr. Beckermann notes findings reveal that nanofiber veils may outperform thermoplastic toughening particles and microfiber veils. Nanofiber veils may also improve the […]
Innovations in nonwovens to be featured at NET Inc.
March 1st, 2017
New developments in nonwovens technology will be featured at an international event this spring in Minneapolis, Minn. The Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) is organizing the Innovative Nonwovens Conference (NET Inc.), held April 23-26, 2017. The conference provides a mix of market information and technology. Two keynote addresses feature Andrew Willis, technology […]
Companies push for more sustainable finishing technologies
February 24th, 2017
HeiQ and Patagonia have formed an exclusive research partnership to explore sustainable textile finishing technologies to achieve breathable and durable water repellence (DWR). HeiQ reports that recent studies quantify the hazardous effects of perfluorinated chemistries (PFCs) on human health and the environment. Alternatives to PFCs exist, including first-generation nonfluorinated DWRs. The companies’ teamwork may help […]
Energy harvesting steps up
February 24th, 2017
Recent university and scientific lab research from around the world has focused on the potential of kinetic energy harvesting methods, but it may be too soon to see wide-spread commercially viable production. “We set out to answer the question of whether you can get useful amounts of electrical power out of something that looks like […]
Thermal conductivity + elasticity = “thubber”
February 24th, 2017
Carmel Majidi and Jonathan Malen of Carnegie Mellon University have developed a thermally conductive rubber material that they’ve nicknamed “thubber.” According to information provided by the Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, the new material is an electrically insulating composite that exhibits a combination of metal-like thermal conductivity and elasticity similar to soft, biological tissue. And it can stretch over six times […]
Smart bandages can help identify infection
February 24th, 2017
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has announced the development of a smart bandage that improves wound management by indicating healing problems. Many of the signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and increased temperature and discharge can be subtle and difficult to interpret. The CSIRO bandages respond to the need for early […]
Outdoor Retailer nixes future shows in Utah
February 24th, 2017
Officials from Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Industry Association, Patagonia, The North Face and REI recently met via teleconference with Utah’s governor, Gary Herbert. As a result of the call, Outdoor Retailer will not include the state of Utah in the RFP process for future show locations. “We are doing the work necessary to procure an alternative […]
Dealing with dust mite allergy—without permethrin
February 23rd, 2017
The William Küster Institute for Hygiene, Environment and Medicine at the Hohenstein Institute has tested a new product made by Proneem France that contains active ingredients effective against mites in textiles. The Institute reports that the Proneem product could act as an alternative to permethrin, a neurotoxin that may cause side effects in humans, including […]