Flammability codes: the basics

May 8, 2015  |  Features

Knowing what to ask and why can help fabricators sort out the complexities of FR codes and standards. Complying with flammability and fire resistance codes can be challenging for fabricators in meeting with the applicable codes to properly advise their clients. An FR rating measures the flammability…
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Essentials from CAL FIRE

May 8, 2015  |  Features

James Parsegian, supervising deputy state fire marshal at CAL FIRE, the Office of the California State Fire Marshal, offers details on California’s codes and regulations. How does the OSFM define FR? Flame retardant, as it relates to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), refers to the statu…
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AATCC conference focuses on sustainability and innovations

April 27, 2015  |  Features

The historic city of Savannah, Ga., hosted a gathering of more than 200 people, who participated in deliberations on the latest developments in consumer trends, textile chemicals, fiber and material innovations. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Conference had three …
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Wearables infringement claim names well-known brands

April 24, 2015  |  Features

In January this year, Sarvint Technologies Inc. filed complaints for patent infringement in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against a number of leading brands including Adidas North America, Ralph Lauren Corp., Textronics Inc. and Victoria’s Secret Stores. Sarvint is not a…
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Rethinking cotton in nonwovens

April 10, 2015  |  Features

Sustainability concerns and better processes are making the use of cotton in nonwovens more attractive. The words “cotton” and “advanced textiles” have not, typically, been used in the same breath. There are some good reasons for that, including the price tag. But new processes for integrati…
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Advances in low-pressure plasma coatings offer environmental benefits

April 10, 2015  |  Features

Plasma is considered to be the fourth state of matter; by adding energy, matter can be transformed from solid into liquid into gas into plasma. In low-pressure plasma technology, a stable and effective plasma is created by an electromagnetic discharge of a gas at low pressure and at low temperature.…
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Stimulating the “creating industries”

March 20, 2015  |  Features

Dutch program seeks to support creative ventures and notes the service factor in bringing smart materials and applications to market. The exhibition “Smart Textiles – Wearable Services” at the TextielMuseum, Tilburg, The Netherlands, highlighted the importance of including the provisio…
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Energy for the future

March 20, 2015  |  Features

Flexible and durable power-generating textiles are poised to make a difference in meeting tomorrow’s energy requirements. Looking forward, before imagination meets prototype, the next generation of energy-producing products seems unattainable. Looking backward, after such innovations are readily a…
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Personal power source

March 6, 2015  |  Features

Technology currently under research pursues low-power energy harvesting from the human body—and textiles will have an important role to play. Digital/electronic advancement has changed our culture into one that requires more information with less hassle and more privacy. Wearable electronics are p…
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The State of the Industry, Part II

February 20, 2015  |  Features

IFAI’s 2015 State of the Industry report discusses key markets, issues and trends in the U.S. and global specialty fabrics marketplace. Part II focuses on six markets, primarily in the U.S.: advanced technical products, military markets, narrow fabrics, geosynthetics, truck covers and tarpaulins, …
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