German advancements in textiles
December 1st, 2020
Multiaxial fabric composite with fibers are positioned to optimize strength in this rear floor vehicle shell. This approach provides strength and rigidity only where needed, reducing overall material use and weight. The technology is an initiative of the Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles (ARENA2036). Photo: Marie O’Mahony. Developments in technical textiles […]
Wearable technology helps stroke patients rehabilitate
December 1st, 2020
Dutch designer and researcher Jessica Smarsch has introduced Connextyle, a shirt designed for measuring muscle activity. Applicable for many kinds of rehabilitation, it was originally meant to help stroke patients who have lost full use of their upper body. Using a new textile technology called TexPCBs, the shirt collects data and provides feedback on the […]
Understanding intelligent textiles
November 4th, 2020
The Advanced Textiles Conference of IFAI’s Virtual Expo 2020 continued Nov. 4 with a detailed presentation by Justine Decaens on “Smart Textiles: From Lab Prototypes to Commercial Products.” Decaens is R&D director with CTT Group, a testing laboratory and R&D facility specialized in technical textiles, headquartered in Quebec, Canada. Decaens first offered to define “smart […]
Sports and fitness wear market growth
January 9th, 2019
The global sports and fitness wear market is expected to post a CAGR of over five percent during the period of 2019–2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. A key factor driving the growth of the market is the rising number of sports tournaments. The growing interest in sports activities globally has […]
Two in one: double-duty textile could warm or cool
March 1st, 2018
Imagine one jacket that could keep you warm or cool, no matter the weather. Scientists at Stanford University have developed a reversible fabric that does just that, depending on which side is facing out. The research team, led by Yi Cui, professor of materials science and engineering, was interested in developing ways to promote energy […]
Comfortable, versatile—and smart
December 1st, 2015
Interest, investment and applications in wearables show robust growth. With wearable technology continuing to thrive, IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in October offered attendees a variety of opportunities to learn about the current and projected market, new product offerings and breakthrough technologies. IFAI’s market research manager Jeff Rasmussen reports that the worldwide smart […]