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California bans PFAS
December 1st, 2022
So-called “forever chemicals” that may be harmful to humans and animals have been banned in textile production, cosmetics and personal care products in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, are commonly used in clothing and household items to make them resistant to water and stains. But […]
Biodegradable polyester thread
December 1st, 2022
Eco-B thread contains numerous biodegradable spots throughout the matrix of the plastic that aid in decomposition. Photo: Coats Group Industrial thread specialist, Coats Group, based in Kings Mountain, N.C., has launched a new recycled polyester thread featuring an additive that is designed to reduce microplastic pollution in landfills and oceans. The company has introduced Eco-B, […]
Thermal camouflage jacket
December 1st, 2022
British performance apparel brand Vollebak has released details of a new Thermal Camouflage Jacket, which incorporates 42 patches of graphene, individually controlled via microcomputer to emit different levels of thermal radiation without any change to their actual temperature. Programming the patches to have the same level of thermal radiation as their surroundings makes them appear […]
Conductive narrow fabric
December 1st, 2022
Burlan Manufacturing exhibited its conductive narrow fabric at IFAI Expo 2022 in Charlotte this fall. The narrow fabric is the newest in its line of conductive fabrics, which provide conductivity woven into the structure of the fabric, so it will not wear off or wash off over time. Because of its size and construction, the […]
Facing the Arctic
December 1st, 2022
A tactical air control party specialist assigned to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, descends while conducting training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Photo: U.S. Air Force / Alejandro Peña. Dr. Braden Li, a materials research engineer with the Air Force Research Lab, is working on developing clothing for the Air Force designed for protecting […]
Do-it-yourself microneedle
December 1st, 2022
Georgia Tech researchers have developed microneedle tattoos for use in human or animal health care. Photo: Song Li, Georgia Tech Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) have reported the development of a microneedle patch that can be self-administered and painlessly deposit a tattoo onto skin within minutes. The technology is initially proposed […]
Partnership creates more sustainable shoes
December 1st, 2022
The textile industry continues to look for ways to reduce its CO2 footprint, for example in the fabrication of sports shoes. HUAFENG, a textile technology company based in China, chose to apply INSQIN® PU by Covestro, a waterborne polyurethane technology, as a coating binder in its HAPTIC® printing technology. The sports footwear industry has traditionally […]
IFAI Expo highpoints and highlights
December 1st, 2022
In 2021, attendees to the IFAI Expo in Nashville, Tenn., were cautious. We were all still wearing masks and practicing social distancing, and for some, the future was a bit uncertain. In contrast, IFAI Expo 2022 in Charlotte, N.C., was definitely more upbeat. One could sense that attendees were far more energized this year. You […]
Pros and cons of mobile marine shops
December 1st, 2022
When you’re a marine fabricator with a mobile unit, you’re often at a competitive advantage. Not only can you offer customers fast, convenient repairs and service, but you’re often able to recruit business from other boat owners who notice you at their marinas. Vendors who are fully mobile can save money on brick-and-mortar mortgages or […]
Truly Circular
December 1st, 2022
If they aren’t recycled, discarded textiles are often incinerated or end up in a landfill like this one. Photo: Creative Commons You know the story. Textile waste is one of the largest causes of pollution on the planet. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans alone generate more than 15 million metric tons of […]