Archives

DITF investigates biopolymer finishes

October 1st, 2024

A bacteria-generated polymer was applied to cotton yarns by extrusion through a coating nozzle and showed smooth, good adhesion. Image: German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf Researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are investigating bacteria-generated polymers that have potential to make textile coatings. The polymers created from […]

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Recyclable carpet with lower amounts of flame retardants

August 1st, 2024

Pictured is a reactor in the polymer pilot plant of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) in Denkendorf, Germany. Image: DITF The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) and the Institut für Bodensysteme (Institute for Soil Systems, or TFI) have developed a concept that reduces the number of flame retardants […]

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Cellulose textile innovation award nominees

April 1st, 2024

Berndt Köll, LENZING™ business development manager, emerging business, conducted a field test on the Stubai Glacier, which is protected with a nonwoven made from LENZING fibers. They are derived from responsibly managed wood sources and do not release microplastics into the environment. Image: Lenzing Organizations working in cellulose-based textiles have sustainability in their sights, and […]

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ATA’s Emerging Technologies Conference focuses on the future

January 1st, 2024

Representatives from the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) showed a newly developed material for smart products in its booth on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo in Orlando. AFFOA describes the material as a “flexible, roll-to-roll, inkjet manufacturable, RF metamaterial for wearables.” Image: Janet Preus The Emerging Technologies Conference, part of Advanced Textiles […]

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E-fibers and yarns have haptics and security applications

May 1st, 2022

Vibrating hand tools like jackhammers can cause vibration syndrome, which has adverse circulatory and neural effects in the fingers. Photo: iStock Electronic or e-yarns are a natural development within e-textiles as the sector strives toward greater miniaturization, flexibility and a more seamless integration of electronics and textiles. What has started to emerge in a relatively […]

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Providing your own power

January 1st, 2022

Biofuel cells harvesting energy from sweat, part of a wearable microgrid developed at the Center for Wearable Sensors, UC San Diego. Photo: Lu Yin. Power and efficiency are important drivers in energy harvesting technology for e-textiles, but there is much more to consider. Bulk, weight, flexibility, sustainability, ease of integration and scalability are also among […]

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DITF celebrates 100 years of textile innovation

June 1st, 2021

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) is the largest textile research center in Europe, with roots that go back 100 years to the first German Research Institute for the Textile Industry, established in Reutlingen in 1921. As the institute expanded to additional locations in Stuttgart and Denkendorf, it merged in 1979 to […]

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Breakthroughs in advanced textiles: Smart objects that benefit play, on-skin smart interface, and more

October 1st, 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 […]

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Sustainability in textiles

May 1st, 2020

As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, suppliers and manufacturers are pressed to verify product claims and become more eco-friendly. by Pamela Mills-Senn There are plenty of fashion trends hitting the runways this season, such as this year’s hottest color (orange is very in), patterns (think floral) and capes—lots of capes. But sustainable fashions are […]

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