New specifications and standards needed for PPE
September 1st, 2020
by Seshadri Ramkumar Drexel University’s Center for Functional Fabrics is among the textile research centers helping to develop and produce new face masks in the fight against the coronavirus. Photo: Drexel University. On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California issued a statewide order that mandates face coverings in public places and areas where social […]
Sustainable infrastructure and construction textiles
June 1st, 2019
Infrastructure and construction textiles succeed with a focus on sustainable alternatives. By Seshadri Ramkumar and Marie O’Mahony The Shed in New York City is an arts center for performing arts, visual arts and popular culture. The building is designed to physically transform to support artists’ most ambitious ideas. Photo: Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Today’s advanced […]
The protective textiles market
May 1st, 2019
Advanced textiles sector participants can benefit from strong growth predictions. by Seshadri Ramkumar The Army’s new Soldier Protection System includes a new vest and an Army combat shirt with built-in protection pieces. Photo: Alan Lessig / Staff. The protective textiles sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4 percent, according to a […]
Revitalizing U.S. textiles
April 18th, 2019
In a recent article, Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology, explains the reasons why a revival in U.S. textile manufacturing is necessary. His discussion with professor Eric Hequet, a renowned cotton fiber quality expert at Texas Tech, details the steady growth of the advanced textile industry including nonwovens while […]
Providing comfortable high-tech clothing
April 1st, 2019
Comfort for the human body needs to be comprehensive. This complicates the technologies that are available to reach the ultimate goal of providing physiological, environmental and psychological comfort. A definition of technology that matches consumer expectations of clothing is a “feeling of relief.” In light of this definition, the fiber and textile industry will need […]
New technologies make textiles interactive and smarter
July 1st, 2018
Textiles are well established as passive materials offering comfort and protection, as well as design and fashion choices. With strong interest in promoting textile manufacturing and enhancing the utility and performance of textiles, academia and government researchers have initiated efforts to enable them to be active as well. Textiles that can provide functional performance properties, […]
Fabrics go multifunctional
October 31st, 2017
Textiles have evolved from being commodity materials to providing an array of benefits, including additional comfort and protection, improved hygiene and support for health care. The innate nature of fibers can provide certain special characteristics—cotton adds breathability and a smooth hand, and wool offers thermal comfort, for example. But due to the growing need for […]