A fashion statement in 4-D

July 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets, Projects

Nothing to wear? What if you could digitally print a dress, put it on and go? That possibility is not so far-fetched with a process created by Nervous System, an innovative design studio that describes itself as working at the intersection of science, art and technology. The company’s Kinematics D…
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Healthy prospects

July 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Nonwoven PLA could thrive in the health care market. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a relatively recent innovation, but it is already the most commonly used bioplastic today. It’s a polyester, but with a key difference: instead of being made from petrochemicals, it’s plant-sourced. The process, dev…
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Narrow fabrics industrial evolution

July 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Markets

Narrow fabrics are matching the high-performance needs of safety, medical and military markets with their own technological advances. Say “narrow fabric” and the average consumer may think of ribbon and zippers. The markets for narrow fabric manufacturers go far beyond those products, and with o…
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Smaller, “smarter” and versatile

July 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Multidimensional narrow fabrics offer new ways to develop structures in medical and biomedical applications. A narrow fabric is loosely defined as being any non-elastic woven textile having a width of 12 inches or less and a woven selvage on each side. Narrow fabrics found use early on as hat bands,…
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Understanding the textile supply chain

June 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

AATCC conference focuses on sustainability and innovations. By Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D. The historic city of Savannah, Ga., hosted a gathering of more than 200 people who participated in deliberations on the latest developments in consumer trends, textile chemicals, fiber and material innovations. T…
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Wearables dispute

June 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

“Smart Shirt” patent infringement claim names well-known brands. In January 2015, Sarvint Technologies Inc., Atlanta, Ga., filed complaints for patent infringement in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against a number of leading brands, including Adidas North America, Ralp…
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Rethinking cotton in nonwovens

May 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Sustainability concerns and better processes are making the use of cotton in nonwovens more attractive. By Paul Sawhney, D.Sc. The words “cotton” and “advanced textiles” have not, typically, been used in the same breath. There are some good reasons for that, including the price tag. But new …
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Path to success

April 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles

FiberTect® illustrates a successful strategy for commercializing a new technology. “Applied research deserves Nobel prizes,” proclaimed the editorial of Nature Materials in January 2010...
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Expansion in layers

March 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Flexible composites are finding practical application in a growing number of industries. The world of composites covers a range of materials and applications. Flexible composites have long been manufactured to perform specific functions in generally demanding environments. Their tremendous strength-…
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Energy for the future

March 1, 2015  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Markets

Flexible and durable power-generating textiles are poised to make a difference in meeting tomorrow’s energy requirements. Looking forward, before imagination meets prototype, the next generation of energy-producing products seems unattainable. Looking backward, after such innovations are readily a…
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