Editorial: innovations in composites for technical textiles

A highlight of the JEC Europe composites show held in Paris, France, during March 11-13, 2014, was the 2014 JEC Innovation Awards ceremony. A total of 15 awards were presented at the ceremony in recognition of innovations in the field of composites. Many of the awards were given to companies which had developed products or processes involving carbon fibres or technical fabrics. The winners were chosen by a jury of experts on composites. Each entry was judged on its technical interest, market potential, financial and environmental impact, and originality. Among the innovations featured in this report are: a lightweight aircraft seat, called Titanium Seat, by Expliseat; an innovative material and manufacturing method from Porsche for a multipart aerodynamic underbody for its 918 Spyder vehicle; thermoplastic composite smartphone back covers from Motorola Mobility; unidirectional prepreg and associated handling and design tools from North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT); a new combination of glass reinforcement and resin from DSM Composite Resins for use in making composites for wind turbine blades; and a new process for producing rotor blades using the Mapretec technique from Saertex.

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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.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
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Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.