University claims development of strongest polyester fibers

March 1, 2009  |  Graphics

North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Textiles claims to have developed a new fiber-making process that produces the strongest polyester fibers ever made. The process combines two different polymers using two established processes, but achieves better control of thread line variables, mo…
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MarChem changes name to indicate fabric development

March 1, 2009  |  Industry News

“The coated fabric industry, especially for marine and tent/awning, is trending toward more custom fabrics,” says Alan Prelutsky, vice president of sales and marketing for DASH Multi-Corp., parent company of MarChem Coated Fabrics Inc., New Haven, Mo. MarChem now has a new name, MarChem …
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CPSC accredits Hohenstein Institute

March 1, 2009  |  Industry News

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has accredited the Hohenstein Institute as an independent testing laboratory, which entitles the institute to test toys and textiles destined for U.S. markets for compliance with legally set lead limits. The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act …
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Milliken moves beyond carbon neutral

March 1, 2009  |  Industry News

The Leonardo Academy, a nonprofit organization promoting sustainability among competitive businesses, has certified the global operations of Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, S.C., as carbon negative. Reducing its contribution to global climate change has been one of Milliken’s goals, and the L…
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Shade structures help restore city park

March 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Projects

Hurricane Katrina’s destructive path along the Gulf Coast took a toll on the City of Lake Charles, La., but a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency helped restore city parks. Shade Systems Inc., Ocala, Fla., a manufacturer of outdoor shade structures, put wind in the sails of the …
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New waterproofing technique uses nanofibers on fabrics

March 1, 2009  |  Industry News

Swiss researchers coated polyester fabric with tiny silicone nanofilaments and the result is a whole new level of waterproofing. “The water comes to rest on the top of the nanofilaments like a fakir sitting on a bed of nails,” says Professor Stefan Seeger, University of Zurich, who is le…
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Robots to test hazmat gear

March 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles

Public safety and military personnel don hazmat suits to prevent exposure to deadly chemicals, and can’t afford to think twice about whether those garments provide sufficient protection. The Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, Mo., recently received a $26.3 contract from the U.S. Army to …
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Commuter train’s 10th anniversary features vinyl wrap

March 1, 2009  |  Graphics, Markets, Projects

The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE®) dressed up in party gear for its 10th year of passenger rail service between Stockton and San Jose, Calif. Wrapped Graphics of Stockton wrapped the entire train in printed vinyl, showing off ACE’s commemorative logo and inviting slogan in bright blues, …
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Self-cleaning membrane covers cricket stadium

March 1, 2009  |  News

Dubai Sports City, the world’s first purpose-built sports city, now contains a 25,000-seat cricket stadium constructed of steel frames and a fiberglass-woven PTFE membrane with a self-cleaning topcoat of titanium dioxide (TiO2). Birdair Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., installed the 600-ton steel truss sy…
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Composite armor stands up to roadside bombs

March 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The Pentagon estimates that more than 25,000 injuries and casualties in Iraq have been caused by roadside bombs, so more effective armoring is a high priority for manufacturers of protective gear. At the November Netherlands Defense Industry Symposium, TenCate Advanced Armor, Vissenbjerg, Denmark, a…
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