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EU expands its NPE ban
July 24th, 2015
Members of the European Union have unanimously voted to expand the ban on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) to include clothing that’s imported into member nations. While NPE use in production is already banned in the EU, NPE use in Asian manufacturing locations has continued to be a concern. It prohibits placing on the market textile articles […]
Cellulose fibers take flight
July 24th, 2015
A resurgent interest in more sustainable and environmentally friendly carbon fibers has led researchers in the U.K. to convert cellulose fibers into high-strength carbon fibers, according to a report at MaterialsToday.com. Steve Eichhorn and his colleagues at the Universities of Exeter and Manchester are developing strong, lightweight carbon fibers made from recycled plant matter that could […]
What to wear to Mars
July 24th, 2015
For human space missions beyond low-Earth orbit the logistical burden is at least twice as great compared to missions in low-Earth orbit. Take, for instance, a trip to Mars, which is being planned by NASA to occur sometime in the 2030s. For this type of long duration mission there will be limited or no resupply […]
Smaller, “smarter” and versatile
July 24th, 2015
Multidimensional narrow fabrics offer new ways to develop structures in medical and biomedical applications. A narrow fabric is loosely defined as being any non-elastic woven textile having a width of 12 inches or less and a woven selvage on each side. Narrow fabrics found use early on as hatbands, in corsets and lingerie, and have […]
Product, then procurement: MUST
July 24th, 2015
Mary Hennessy, president of Industrial Fabrics Association International, has provided this guest editorial. Something very exciting and potentially game-changing is occurring in the military market: IFAI members will soon have the opportunity to get into the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) supply pipeline before contracts and specifications are issued. It’s called MUST—Military Uniform System Technology. The […]
U.K. team replicates natural camouflage
July 24th, 2015
Researchers at the University of Bristol in the U.K. have developed smart materials that behave like an artificial skin and can mimic the camouflage of cephalopods, such as squid. The development has potential applications for military and rescue work. As explained in Interface, the Royal Society’s journal, the team detailed the design, mathematical modeling, simulation […]
Lisa Airplanes shows off its AKOYA Seaplane
July 23rd, 2015
French aviation company Lisa Airplanes features its latest innovations at the EAA AirVenture airshow July 20-26, 1915, in Oshkosh, Wis. LISA representatives will display the technology and multiple other assets that led to the development of the AKOYA seaplane. The two-seat AKOYA is the only aircraft to take off from water, thanks to the company’s […]
Concept III, Coolcore® form partnership
July 22nd, 2015
Concept III Textiles International of Red Bank, N.J., developers of finished fabrics for the outdoor and activewear markets, has added Coolcore® to its network of brands offering chemical-free wicking, cooling and drying performance. Coolcore’s fabrics will be presented by Concept III at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in August. Coolcore’s fabric technology combines fibers and […]
Adoption of VESTEX protective attire spreads
July 21st, 2015
Orlando, Fla.-based Vestagen Technical Textiles reports that a variety of healthcare facilities have recently converted to its VESTEX® protective uniforms, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Emergency Departments, Flagler Hospital and the University of North Florida (UNF) School of Nursing. VESTEX is the first in a new class of active barrier technology that combines fluid repellent, […]
Akcros Chemicals doubles PVC powder stabilizer capacity
July 20th, 2015
PVC mixed-metal-stabilizer technology developer Akcros Chemicals Inc. has completed a powder stabilizer manufacturing expansion at its New Brunswick, N.J., manufacturing site, effectively doubling the existing capacity. Powder stabilizers and boosters are used to prevent PVC degradation during the manufacturing process of such flexible vinyl products as flooring, roofing, tenting and wall coverings. They also aid […]