November 1, 2020
3D-printed flexible mesh Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed pliable 3D-printed mesh materials with the flexibility and toughness to be tuned to emulate and support softer tissues such as muscles and tendons. With the ability to tailor the intricate structures in each mesh, the researchers anticipate that the tough, yet stretchy fabric-like …
by Debra Cobb From community masks and health workers’ kits, to hospital gowns, drapes and wraps, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is playing a critical role in the battle against COVID-19 infections. But now there is a mountain of disposable PPE that’s creating a whole new set of problems. Used masks and gloves are littering …
National Industries for the Blind creates growth opportunities in the textiles industry for people who are blind or visually impaired. by Holly Eaman For many, 2020 has been a year of recognizing and working to overcome limitations—a technique that partners and employees of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) have mastered since 1938. Headquartered in …
October 1, 2020
Smart objects support the benefits of play London, U.K.-based smart textile designer Michelle Rinow has unveiled her Transforming Touch series, which was developed based on research about the benefits of sensory play for adults. Her design methodology places emphasis on human interaction, connection and engagement through color and materials. Using cotton, silk and nylon blend …
A new book examines sustainability in materials design. By Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: Marie O’Mahony will moderate a panel session led by author Ed van Hinte on Nov. 5 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. The session will provide an updated view on lightness in design and how the world might benefit from it. As the …
The Canopy, an inflatable installation that debuted in 2019 at the Light City festival in Baltimore, Md., is designed to bring people together for a greater good. At first glance, it is a forest of tree-like sculptures that are white in the daylight and aglow with neon colors at night. That’s where people come in. …
Expert advice for eliminating a deadly virus while keeping employees and end users safe. by Pamela Mills-Senn Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers of textile-based products like gym mats and pads, soft seating and bounce houses faced the usual questions from their customers about how to clean and disinfect these items. But there is nothing …
September 1, 2020
BMW unveils ByBorre-designed interactive textile interior Dutch custom textile manufacturer ByBorre developed the fabrics for BMW’s future interactive car interior presented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev. The concept car cabin module donned the BMW i Interaction EASE, the car company’s expression of the “mobility experience of the future” where …
by Seshadri Ramkumar On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California issued a statewide order that mandates face coverings in public places and areas where social distancing is not feasible. Although a brief description of face covers was provided in the mandate, performance specifics and standard requirements were not listed. In fact, no specifications or …
August 1, 2020
New bio yarn shows breakthrough possibilities Researchers working at the University of Bordeaux/INSERM have created yarns of human cells from sheets of cell-assembled extracellular matrix, or CAM. The findings, reported in www.materialstoday.com, are a significant achievement because the CAM can be mass-produced for clinical applications including tissue engineering. However, the process is complex and the …
