Revised NIOSH guidelines for protective gear

June 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Industry News

When first responders suit up for a possible bioterrorism situation or unknown chemical release, a respirator may be a life-and-death decider. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revised its recommendations for responders, incorporating two advances made since the previ…
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Avian influenza increases need for protective fabrics

June 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles

Demand grows for anti-virus masks and protective clothing. By Kikuko Tagawa According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a worldwide avian influenza outbreak is not a matter of “if” but “when.” The recent outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) has renewed concerns about the the di…
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Meeting international textile standards

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles

Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certification gives manufacturers, retailers and consumers confidence that their textile products are safe for human use, ensuring that the products are tested for harmful levels of more than 100 potentially dangerous substances that could adversely affect human health. The c…
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Heavy nylon fabrics offer fire protection

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Products

Lucerne introduces the X-Tinguish line of heavier, fire-retardant nylon fabrics. Proprietary technology enables X-Tinguish to pass a vertical flame test without affecting appearance, hand or performance. For general use in automotive, military, safety and protective, upholstery and other application…
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Eco-friendly yoga mat offers antimicrobial protection

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Products

Problem: Even premium yoga mats can harbor germs that antibacterial sprays do not adequately control. Solution: The CleanMat from Sommers Plastics has built-in anti-microbial protection using patented silver technology by Agion® to keep it free of bacteria and fungus. The antimicrobial protection i…
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No sweat: Tactical response shirt takes the heat

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Products

The Vancouver Whitecaps move into a refurbished world-class soccer venue in 2010, and BC Pavilion Corp., Vancouver, B.C., hopes its retractable roof will give fans an intimate yet light-filled experience. The gathered synthetic roof fabric will effectively limit the capacity of the stadium to 22,000…
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The PIG® pool handles small leaks

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Industry News

Small tank or drum leaks happen every day and everywhere, creating slippery and flammable gasoline, diesel, oil or chemical hazards for employees and customers. The New Pig Corp., Tipton, Pa., developed a clever solution for low-volume leaks: the PIG® Sealable Portable Containment Pool. Its desi…
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Biodegradable PCMs stay cool in the heat

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Industry News

When phase-change materials (PCM) go from solid to liquid, or liquid to gas, they retain or release energy. When the heat is on, certain PCMs remain cool. And products made with PCMs formulated from animal and vegetable sources can be as varied, cool and “green” as a farmer’s marke…
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Fabric wound compress accurately applies medication

May 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Industry News

Skin is a complex and vulnerable organ, as millions who suffer from chronic wounds (such as pressure sores and infections) can attest. Health professionals treat chronic wounds with meticulous hygiene, medication and compresses for best results. New research from the Hohenstein Institute, Boennighei…
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Nonwovens markets expand to meet consumers’ demands

April 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Upholstery

Consumers are requesting long-lasting products that are high-performance, cost-conscious and environmentally sound. By Holly O’Dell Although the concept of a durable nonwoven is not new to the industry, many of the products’ traditional applications have focused on disposable items, such…
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