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Process patented to adhere aerogel to nonwovens
June 1st, 2023
Made of up to 99.8 percent air, aerogel is the lightest solid in the world. Photo: Outlast Technologies GmbH Outlast Technologies GmbH in Munich, Germany, has patented the procedure to adhere aerogel to nonwovens, enabling materials as thin as 1–3 mm to be well insulated and still soft and flexible. The treated fabrics, sold under […]
Sock could evaluate fall risk
June 1st, 2023
Ph.D. candidate Zahra Rahemtulla with the over-sock that can predict near falls and potentially help health care providers assess a wearer’s fall risk. The motion sensor is encapsulated in resin and yarn so the sock can be washed like regular laundry. Photo: Nottingham School of Art and Design Researchers at the Nottingham School of Art […]
New spacesuit from Axiom is built for moonwalking
June 1st, 2023
NASA selected Axiom Space to deliver a moonwalking system for the Artemis III mission, currently planned for 2025, which will land Americans on the surface of the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Axiom participated in the reveal of the first prototype spacesuit March 15, 2023, during an event at Space […]
2023 Advanced Textiles State of the Industry Report
June 1st, 2023
At the start of each year, Specialty Fabrics Review surveys its readers to learn about current trends and business challenges and opportunities, to take a snapshot of our industry. As anticipated, inflation, the supply chain and hiring remain the top concerns, but revenues are up and growth plans are in the works for most respondents. […]
Smart fabric helps the body heal itself
June 1st, 2023
Socks developed by Supreme Corp. are worn by Indian Special Forces soldiers to alleviate pain in their feet and leg muscles. The soldiers at times carry a 65-pound backpack at an elevation of 19,000 feet. Photo: Supreme Corp. The health and wellness market has been among the first to embrace advances in smart yarns and […]
Jeff Butler named AT Expo keynote speaker
May 3rd, 2023
Workplace expert Jeff Butler has been named as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Advanced Textiles Expo. Butler will focus on managing and working with various generations in “Building an Effective Multigenerational Workforce.” The Advanced Textiles Expo, formerly known as IFAI Expo, will be Nov. 1-3 in Orlando, Fla. Butler will kick off the show […]
Custom-fit orthoses made quickly with the help of AI
May 1st, 2023
Handheld 3D scanners can be used to digitize patient body parts as the basis for flexible textile orthoses. Photos: DITF Resource efficiency, time and cost savings are essential topics in the textile industry. Conventional supply and production chains often reach their limits, as products need to be individually tailored and available in a short time. […]
Creating flexible underwater robots
May 1st, 2023
MIT researchers have devised an innovative approach to building deformable underwater robots using simple repeating substructures. Photo: The researchers via MIT Underwater structures that can change their shapes dynamically, similar to fish, can push through water much more efficiently than those with conventional rigid hulls. Constructing deformable devices that can change the curve of their […]
2023 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 2
May 1st, 2023
Awnings, tents, shade sails, marine upholstery, protective gear, furniture: Regardless of the end product, the fabric needs to perform in harsh conditions while looking good, keeping the planet green and fitting into a client’s budget. For our two-part annual showcase, we asked contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance textiles. We’ve organized the […]
Smart textiles for health care and reducing accidents
May 1st, 2023
Knitted textile designs by Cassie Henderson address the need for functionality, comfort and strong aesthetic qualities in wearables. Photo: Cassie Henderson Smart textiles for health and well-being are becoming both more diverse and interconnected. Three key market segments—home health care, health care facilities and work environments—are especially worth noting. Home health care has come to […]