Innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery, 4th quarter 2007

26 pages, published in Issue 71, 4th quarter 2007   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

In fibres and yarns, Teijin has developed a false-twist yarn with longlasting antistatic properties. Fiber Innovation Technology (FIT) is producing a new flame retardant fibre based on GE Plastic?s polyetherimide resin which meets strict regulations on flame retardance, smoke and toxicity and has good dyeability. Kufner has invented a novel stretchable yarn with electrical conductivity for heated car seats, and Nicca has come up with a technique for removing oligomers from polyester fibres. TrapTek has developed a new encapsulation technique which protects against the deactivation of performance enhancing particles during melt spinning.

In fabrics, developments include a method for improving cleaning cloths and protective clothing used in industrial clean rooms, and a new material from Malden Mills (Polartec) which employs plaited polyester for moisture transport and a refractory carbide for insulation.

In the field of technical apparel, Kimberly-Clark has invented an incontinence garment which resembles conventional boxer shorts. Phild is incorporating titanium powder in clothing to enhance the health of the wearer. Cedric Brochier has an improved method of weaving optical fibres into fabrics in order to produce luminous clothing. Improvements in protective clothing include: a siloxane rubber coating from Konversipol which gives dramatic improvements in flame resistance; new, lighter weight garments for the US Army which give protection against armour-piercing bullets; and new military suitings for chemical warfare from Blücher which offer improved flexibility and hence mobility. Greater flexibility has also been achieved in the case of a glass fibre yarn for industrial gloves while a UK company has developed clothing which protects against attack by stun guns.

In the case of other textile products, an Italian firm has developed a chemical-free glove for household dusting while Albarrie has come up with a novel textile barrier for containing oil and petroleum spills. BMW, meanwhile, has patented a fabric which offers an alternative to metal vehicle body panels and which has wide-ranging possibilities.

In the coloration and finishing field, Padaluma has overcome the difficulty of dyeing glass fibres for nonwovens while Polymer Group Inc (PGI) has developed a nonwoven fabric with improved softness for use in diapers and feminine hygiene products, and Hills has a method of spinning polymer fibre mixtures for use in the manufacture of nonwoven filters.

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• Innovations in fibres, textiles, apparel and machinery, November-December 2007, (November-December 2007)
• Performance apparel markets: product developments and innovations, 3rd quarter 2007, (3rd Quarter 2007)

Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
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