HeiQ’s GLIDER reduces textile friction

June 23, 2014  |  What's New?

Swiss specialty chemicals producer HeiQ’s new GLIDER is a textile surface treatment that reduces friction against the skin in underwear, workwear and athletics apparel. There are two available products: HeiQ Glider FREE, suitable for synthetics and blends with cellulosic; and HeiQ Glider CEL, whic…
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Desso unveil new lines

June 23, 2014  |  What's New?

Dutch carpet manufacturer Desso, which recently partnered with The Dixie Group’s Masland Contract to serve U.S. hospitality markets, unveiled a trio of new products at Neocon international trade fair in Chicago, including AirMaster carpet tiles, Light Transmissive and Visions of. Desso AirMaster c…
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Mitchell releases new ReCast line

June 9, 2014  |  What's New?

The Mitchell Group of Niles, Ill., has introduced a new ReCast polyurethane collection, formulated with polycarbonate polymers that contain the strongest resins available for coated fabrics. ReCast, a recycled leather product, is designed for contract, hospitality and residential furniture applicati…
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Style meets engineering in smart fabric belly band

June 9, 2014  |  What's New?

Researchers at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., are combining fashion design with wireless technology to produce a belly band that will be able to monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate in real time. The band, which is in prototype production in the Shima Seiki Haute Technology Lab i…
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IBM Research discovers a new class of polymers

June 9, 2014  |  What's New?

According to information released by IBM Research, scientists there have successfully discovered a new class of polymer materials that they say could potentially transform manufacturing and fabrication in the fields of transportation, aerospace and microelectronics. Through the unique approach of co…
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Super-thin material shows “exotic” properties

May 23, 2014  |  What's New?

According to press information released by Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., researchers there and from the Brookhaven National Laboratory have shown how to switch a particular transition metal oxide, a lanthanum nickelate (LaNiO3), from a metal to an insulator by making the material less than a nan…
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Small-area, portable lighting

May 23, 2014  |  What's New?

Design collective Studio Banana Things introduces its Kangaroo Light, described as a “playful, portable, interactive light,” so flexible that it can be folded and stuffed in the bottom of a bag or backpack and pulled out to provide instant light anywhere. With 24 built-in LEDs, a lithium-ion bat…
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Stem cell property surprises researchers

May 23, 2014  |  What's New?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom have discovered a property in human stem cells that could be used to produce materials strong enough for soundproofing and even bulletproof vests. They are urging scientists to explore potential technology applications for the property…
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“Smart” bandages in development

May 16, 2014  |  What's New?

New Zealand smart fabrics developer Footfalls & Heartbeats has embarked on the development of a bandage that could potentially measure its own tightness and convey information to medical staff via color changes, noise or another kind of alert. Possible applications are in the care of the elderly…
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Safer on the ice

May 9, 2014  |  What's New?

Hunter Sportswear has launched a new safety glove for ice-skaters. The glove represents a breakthrough in hand safety, as it offers users the highest level (class 5) of cut resistance, as well as lightweight comfort, similar to a standard sports glove. The enabling technology behind the new glove is…
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