3D construction in textiles

August 22, 2025  |  Features

Editor’s note: Early in my career writing about functional textiles, the board chair of what was then the Industrial Fabrics Association International walked me through the JEC show, running concurrent with our Expo. He gestured around the displays, most of them featuring rigid composites, and sai…
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The sustainability equation

August 11, 2025  |  Features

The textile sector in general is dependent on petroleum-based products—including fibers, synthetic chemicals and many accessories—and, importantly, the advanced textiles sector is heavily dependent on synthetic materials. Physical and functionality requirements, such as high strength, and chemic…
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Materials science takes textiles to new heights

July 28, 2025  |  Features

Editor’s note: North Carolina State University (NC State) colleagues, Dr. Kavita Mathur and Dr. Amanda Mills have both contributed to the following responses to my questions about current research in materials science.  – Janet Preus, senior editor, Textile Technology Source
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Polymer science and textile problem solving

July 14, 2025  |  Features

In the rapidly evolving world of functional and industrial textiles, polymer science continues to transform what’s possible. From aerospace to personal protection, from climate-adaptive clothing to smart fabrics, advances in polymer chemistry are reshaping the materials we depend on.
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The complexities of antimicrobial textiles

June 23, 2025  |  Features

“Antimicrobials in textiles” is a topic that doesn’t come up for frequent discussion. One reason is that traditional treatments have not changed dramatically in many years. That’s due in part to the demanding regulations for these treatments, and the difficulties in developing effective alte…
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Increased expectations for antimicrobial textiles

June 4, 2025  |  Features

Antimicrobial fabrics and commodities continue to expand their applications in various sectors, driven by the increasing awareness of hygiene and infection control. The importance of antimicrobial materials has grown in parallel with media reports on global infectious diseases, including emerging vi…
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Trade and Textiles in the New Global Era

May 22, 2025  |  Features

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), tariffs and uncertainty surrounding trade policy due to recent U.S. policy shifts will lead to the decline in global trade volume by 0.2 percent in 2025, contrary to growth predictions in January 2025. Global trade is heavily influenced by two major e…
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Making the best use of AI

May 8, 2025  |  Features

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the textile industry—not with flashy headlines, but with practical improvements in planning, sourcing and execution. Manufacturers are using AI to improve operations, avoid common pitfalls, and align teams for long-term success, with insights on re…
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Hidden and essential

April 24, 2025  |  Features

Is there a role for textiles in today's composites industry? The answer is not just yes, it is a resounding affirmative. In March, the composite industry’s JEC show in Paris confirmed this with a strong showing of textiles ranging from super high-strength fibers to large scale textile structures. …
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Chemicals and functionality in textiles

April 14, 2025  |  Features

The ongoing tariff uncertainty will certainly impact the global textiles and apparel market. Although a needed commodity, textiles are dependent on discretionary spending, which depends on the economy. GDP growth plays a critical role in the consumption of textiles and apparels and therefore the gr…
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