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Plasma coating process creates PFAS-free finish

November 1st, 2024

The plasma system atomizes siloxane compounds into a cloud that can coat textile fibers, even stretchy ones (red in the colorized scanning electron microscopy image). Images: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) are working with textile companies on a PFAS coating replacement. The eco-friendly […]

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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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How far textile finishes have come

August 1st, 2024

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics began as a Graniteville Mill division producing coated striped awning fabrics, as in this 1947 photo showing a festoon oven range. Image: Graniteville Specialty Fabrics Fabric coatings and finishes have played a role in iconic pieces of America’s past and, with new technology, are poised to play a role in a more […]

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