Support for innovation

An independent nonprofit founded by MIT will run the new $317 million public-private partnership designed to accelerate innovation in high-tech U.S.-based manufacturing of fibers and textiles. The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) Institute may offer new opportunities for color-changing fabric technologies. According to MIT Professor Yoel Fink, “Innovators across the country will be invited to execute advanced fabric products on prototyping and pilot scales.”

For more information on the AFFOA, read “Smart fabrics, smart move” in the July issue.

Innovators find a variety of markets for color-changing materials

September 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

New research and applications are proving that color-changing smart textiles continue to offer viable technology and products in the smart fabrics marketplace. Most recently, researchers from the School of Information, University of California, Berkeley, have developed a new color-changing “smart …
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Market realities

June 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Smart fabrics technologies present unique opportunities—and challenges—to commercial product development. The growth of smart fabrics technologies and applications is no longer a curiosity; it’s the new reality of high-tech fabrics, and it’s gaining ground at an impressive pace. The size of …
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Let there be (flexible) light

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

As efficiencies continue to improve, more applications are found for flexible photovoltaics. For a long time, it was common knowledge that thin film and flexible photovoltaics (PV) were not practical because of their lower efficiencies compared with more traditional glass-encased PV. That is no long…
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Futuristic fabrics

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Markets

Today’s smart fabric products, with embedded or woven technological components, are resonating with consumers, and the market is responding. Woven, nonwoven and knitted textiles are the foundation of the fabrics that make up our daily existence, from the clothes we wear to the upholstered chai…
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Getting physical: The other smart textiles

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Nonelectronic fabrics can cool, warm and clean themselves—and enhance the health and performance of the wearer. Much attention has been given to textiles that are integrated with electronic sensors and circuitry (e-textiles). But some smart textiles do not rely on electronics. According to Rebecca…
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Smart Fabrics Summit draws key industry participants

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Government and industry players gathered in Washington, D.C., April 11 to discuss the “nascent smart fabrics market,” as described by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, who moderated the final session at the one-day event. “This room is buzzing with energy,” said David Lauren, executive v…
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The testing issue

April 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Markets

As the textile industry continues to wrestle with questions that impact testing, certification and standardization of the processes, the testing market grows. The market for textile testing, inspection and certification is expected to reach more than $7 billion by 2020, according to a report publish…
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Smarter every day

April 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The wearables market builds customer relationships with new products and high-tech expertise. The speedy acceptance of wearable technology by health and fitness enthusiasts has supported impressive growth in this market. This growth reflects today’s larger culture, in which people expect ready acc…
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Clothing makes the competitor

March 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets, Projects

Athletes are always looking for new ways to push the limits of endurance and test their physical and psychological mettle. It’s no secret that the right clothing can affect performance, protect against the elements and help prevent injury. But what if athletic wear could go a step further and enha…
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Safety first

March 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

A closer look at environmentally preferred DWR finishes. With the growing emphasis on multiple functionality and comfort in safety apparel, breathable and durable water repellency (DWR) has become an important attribute of most safety clothing and workwear. Uniforms and workwear coated with PVC (pol…
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