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Microwaves speed up chemical recycling
November 1st, 2024
A team at the University of Delaware investigated microwave-assisted glycolysis of postconsumer mixed textile waste, pictured before (left) and after treatment. Not having to separate textiles by fiber type would enable mass recycling. Image: University of Delaware What microwaves do to speed up cooking can also be applied to chemical recycling of mixed fibers. University […]
Silk fabric walls suppress sound
November 1st, 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s suppression fabric quiets a space by generating sound waves that interfere with an unwanted noise to cancel it out (figure c) or by being held still to suppress vibrations that are key to the transmission of sound (figure d). Image: Massachusetts Institute of Technology/courtesy of the researchers Step 1: Take inspiration […]
Plasma coating process creates PFAS-free finish
November 1st, 2024
The plasma system atomizes siloxane compounds into a cloud that can coat textile fibers, even stretchy ones (red in the colorized scanning electron microscopy image). Images: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) are working with textile companies on a PFAS coating replacement. The eco-friendly […]
Pineapple leaf fiber facility opens
November 1st, 2024
NEXTEVO™’s new pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) production facility in Dong Nai, Vietnam. The company’s PALF was awarded an OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate in August, certifying that the fiber is free from harmful substances. Image: NEXTEVO NEXTEVO™, a material science startup based in Singapore, opened a pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) production facility in Dong Nai, Vietnam, […]
Canada’s Rolltec: From an importer to a leading manufacturer
November 1st, 2024
The Rolltec ® Rolling Systems Ltd. leadership team of Roman Atsik, Helen Golubev and Isaac Yoffe have worked together more than 20 years. Photos by Justine Apple Photography. When thinking of places known for fun in the sun or cafe culture, Canada may not immediately come to mind. Yet that is where awning manufacturer Rolltec® […]
Textiles combat noise pollution
November 1st, 2024
Environmental Noise Control was asked to provide noise mitigation for a press junket and movie premiere held on a loading dock. The company deployed its proprietary STC-25 acoustical barrier blankets, fabricating six 20-foot-wide, 30-foot-long and 20-foot-high suites where media could privately interview and record cast members. Image: Behrens and Associates Environmental Noise Control In August, […]
Inventors share challenges of launching new products
November 1st, 2024
B&R Innovations’ Nick Deninno saw a safety need in how temporary structures are ballasted. Block and Roll® Tent Ballast Solutions® was his answer. Image: B&R Innovations LLC Inventing a new product can change an industry—but it isn’t easy. To go from the eureka moment to a finished product available for customers takes longer and costs […]
Smart garments for elderly health care
November 1st, 2024
Researchers from the Technical University of Dresden, WarmX and Dresden Elektronik are developing smart gloves that offer functionalities such as the tracking of finger movement and pressure. Image: Marie O’Mahony, Ph.D. Americans over the age of 75 are expected to account for more than 50% of an anticipated population increase of 19 million during the […]
Turkish textile innovations
November 1st, 2024
Murat Agagündüz demonstrates the internal construction of a new Pluvia washer, designed to revolutionize the washing process in both pre- and post-dyeing operations. The washers are suitable for all fabrics and yarns, conserving water and energy while increasing production. Image: Ross Horton Turkey, which changed its name to the Republic of Türkiye in 2022, has […]
PFAS’ complicated removal from firefighter turnout gear
November 1st, 2024
R. Bryan Ormond, at left, and his team have conducted tests for oil repellency and flammability by exposing both PFAS-treated and PFAS-free turnout gear to a variety of substances. Image: R. Bryan Ormond As textiles move away from per- and polyfluoroalkylsubstances (PFAS), the firefighter turnout-gear market, for one, faces specific concerns. In the past, the […]