New weft insertion machine for wind turbine market by Karl Mayer

Karl Mayer Malimo, the leading textile machinery manufacturer that specialises in technical textiles, has combined the key components of its RS MSUS-V machine with biaxial technology and developed a biaxial machine featuring weft insertion in line with the knitted courses to suit the market.

This new innovation is known as the Biaxtronic CO and compared to the conventional version, this new composite machine is said to offer an improved cost:benefit ratio and advantages in terms of its operation and maintenance.

The products made on this machine are also said to provide a different type of quality, making them suitable for the Chinese wind turbine market – Chinese manufacturers of multiaxial structures for the blades of wind turbines require a construction containing weft yarns that are not pierced during the knitting process.

As with all stitch-bonded biaxial textiles, the fabrics produced on the Biaxtronic CO are made up of zero inlays and weft yarns and, if required, an additional base web, such as a chopped glass strand mat or a nonwoven.

The two reinforcing yarn systems are inserted absolutely straight and parallel at angles of 0 and 90º and fixed in place by stitches. This is said to avoid variations caused by the construction, which lead to loss of strength and undesirable stretching with woven fabrics.

The weft yarns are not pierced or damaged. This enables higher strength levels to be achieved when using conventional materials. As well as that, new yarn combinations can be used for the same strength values, the company reports.

The Biaxtronic CO is available in working widths of 100", 101" and 102". The gauges available as standard are E 5, E 6, E 7 and E 10. The standard features also include the KAMCOS system, an N-drive with a maximum of three pattern discs, an operating interface with 12.1" touchscreen monitor, and a warp beam frame with one or two warp beam positions.

An electronically controlled yarn let-off drive is available for each mounted warp beam. The maximum flange diameter of the sectional warp beams is 32". The zero inlays are delivered via electrically driven delivery rollers from creels. The tried-and-tested MSUS system is responsible for weft insertion.

The knitting elements are also similar to those of a weft-insertion warp knitting machine, and include a compound needle and closing wire bar, knock-over sinker bar, zero inlay bar, counter retaining bar with support rail, and one or two ground guide bars for stitch formation. Every yarn is tied-in in a stitch at the knitting point to bond the structure of the textile.

The Biaxtronic CO combines the latest materials with complex design solutions, especially in terms of the drive technology and the weft insertion system. These optimised features enable this high-performance machine to reach speeds of up to 1,400 min-1 and to achieve maximum production rates of 6.5 m/min, the manufacturer reports.

The weft laying frequencies are also extremely high. The Biaxtronic CO produces top-quality products. In particular, the continuous transport belt for feeding the chopped glass strands under the yarn layers produces textiles with no faults. This system guarantees that the chopped glass strand mat and the weft layer are kept separate at all times.

Bangladesh’s DBL Group chooses Santex to accelerate growth

DBL Group, one of the largest and 100% export oriented vertical knit garments and textiles manufacturers in Bangladesh, is to continue its cooperation with Swiss knit fabric finishing machinery manufacturer Santex of Switzerland, in order to achieve its goal of becoming the country’s largest vertically integrated producer by 2016. With dyeing and finishing capacity of more than 50 tones per day, the company aims to rise to 100 tonnes per day by 2016.

Some of the fabrics produced by the company include single jersey, pique, fleece, terry, rib and interlock, made from fibres like cotton, viscose, polyester, rayon and elastane. DBL Group has strong business relations with the world famous clothing brands like H&M, Walmart, George, Esprit, Puma and others.

The cooperation between DBL Group and Santex goes back to 2001 when Santex delivered the first Santashrink and Santastretch Compactor for tubular form finishing.

Since then Santex has become a strategic partner for the finishing of knitted fabrics. In 2013 Santex also delivered two Santashrink Progress, six chambers, with Double Pad and Pin Frame for knitted fabrics in open width form.

The project was guided via Santex agent in Bangladesh – Aamra resources. This is the first phase of an extended expansion of DBL Group as part of the modern investment plan in the Color City project.

“The decision to buy again Santex was due to the excellent performance of Santashrink, especially lower energy consumption compared with the competition. Furthermore steaming and vibration chamber give a better relax and shrink results, quality is a major issue for DBL,” said Anwarul Azim, Technical Director of DBL Group.

During a recent ceremony in the head office of DBL Group in Dhaka, the whole management team under the leadership of Managing Director M. A. Jabbar, received an original Swiss bell from the president of Santex AG as a memento for the excellent relationship between the two companies.

Source: Knitting Industry

Latest Developments in Cold Pad Batch Dyeing

Benninger, the Swiss textile finishing and cord production machine ranges manufacturer, is offering its Küsters S-roller technology as a safe, reproducible dyeing method – the CPB (Cold Pad Batch) process. According to the company, the CPB process is becoming increasingly important, as it can be used to dye both short and long yardages of knitted and woven fabrics very economically.

The new Küsters S-roller technology with the very latest technical features combined with modern control equipment and electronics supplied by the Benninger mechanical engineering division is said to provide the technical process conditions that are expected of such a process today.

Complex dyeing process

Dyeing is a very complex process and influenced by a number of parameters, the company reports and dyeing results are now not only gauged by visual assessment, but also by technical measuring instruments that can determine these results accurately and precisely.

According to the manufacturer, correction of dyeing faults is time-consuming and expensive and furthermore, ecological sustainability demands are constantly rising, especially with regards to the consumption of natural resources, and are increasingly becoming a cost factor that affects decisions. CPB dyeing with reactive dyes is a cost-effective process with a very high level of reproducibility, the company reports.

Application system

Impregnation in the padder is the most important part of CPB dyeing, Benninger reports. There are also other factors affecting the process that also require consideration but cannot be directly influenced by a plant engineer.

On the surface, the demand for an application system for forced application is relatively simple, Benninger observes and it must be ensured that the dye can be equally and constantly applied across the entire width of the fabric after a short period of contact with the dye liquor. This is only possible if the squeezing pressure and the squeezing nip can be kept constant, the company adds.

This task becomes complicated when the properties of the material to be dyed have to be included in calculations. From a purely technical viewpoint, conditions are affected by different fibre and yarn thicknesses, absorbency, fabric tension, weft distortion, admission moisture content and liquor temperature, dye properties and errors such as dye migration at the selvedges during drying. For this reason the requirements to be met by an application system are complicated and can only be satisfied by the use of state-of-the-art control and instrumentation equipment.

Maximised reproducibility

The new Küsters / Benninger S-roller technology is said to ensure even liquor application over the entire fabric width, as well as deliberately different liquor application in the edge-centre-edge areas. The reproducibility is maximised by an electronic pressure system (patented) that ensures controllable line forces over the entire roller width. In addition, dyers have a higher level of flexibility that is said to offer decisive advantages, especially when dyeing knitted fabrics and stretch woven fabrics.

Higher-level technologies that ensure additional process safety from a technical viewpoint, such as tailing correction and the cleverly designed dosing system with the track-proven Contidos, as well as the new four-circuit cooling and temperature management, enhance the ease of handling of the dyeing padder and its reproducibility, according to the company.

With computer aided simulation, the flow conditions at various speeds and with various fabric qualities were tested to prevent so-called dead zones in the dyeing trough, and resulted in the development of the mini U-Flow. It was therefore possible to improve additional influencing factors to achieve optimum dyeing results, which also has positive effects on the dye consumption.

Fabric Heat Shrinkage Test

Determine the dimensional stability and colour change when subjected to hot pressing. Test to be done for fabrics with more than 50% synthetics.

Apparatus required:

Heating device, e.g. iron press, providing even heat transfer to the specimen from the top by close contact at a controlled temperature and a given pressure of 2 bars.

Test specimen:

• Cut one pieces at least 40 x 40 cm out of the fabric. Lay the fabric plain on a table and mark with three 35 cm pairs of bench marks parallel to the width as well as to the length to the fabric.
• Cut another white piece in size 40 x 40 cm out of the same fabric. Instead of the same fabric also white cotton fabric can be used.

Procedure:

1. Lay the fabric flat on the bottom plate of the press. Place one dry, white cotton fabric or the same fabric as specimen but undyed, on top of the specimen, lower the top plate of the heating device and leave the specimen for 15 seconds at a temperature of 170 °C. Polyamide fabrics must be tested at 160°C.
2. Let the test fabric cool down on the bottom plate of the press.
3. Remove the specimen and let the fabric relax under 20°C ± 2°C and 65 % ± 2% RH For 4 hours.

Evaluation:

• Lay the specimen on a flat surface without stretching. Measure and record the distance between each pair of benchmarks to the nearest millimeter and calculate the dimensional change.
• Colour change of the specimen must be assessed with the grey scale accord. ISO 105 -A02
• Pressure mark must also be assessed.

Nano coatings for textiles and nonwovens

Scientific and commercial research into nanopolymer technology, polymers or copolymers with nanoparticles or nanofillers dispersed in the polymer matrix, has exploded since its discovery less than a decade ago and today there are many applications for nanopolymers both in industry and in consumer markets. From medical devices to cars and now textiles and clothing, the technology, which is invisible to the human eye, is now all around us.

One avenue of research, development and commercialization of nanopolymers is in the nano coatings industry where nanopolymer coatings can impart amazing new properties to materials, increasing their effectiveness whilst decreasing their maintenance time and cost.

When nanopolymer coatings are sprayed onto a surface, extraordinary things can happen. The most common use is rendering a material superhydrophobic, or completely water and oil repellent. This also offers a secondary benefit preventing the accumulation of water, which is a food source for bacteria and fungi, prohibiting growth in the protected area. Nano coatings also form a protective barrier for delicate surfaces preventing scratching and other environmental hazards.

So, whether you are looking to protect your favourite outfit from coffee stains, your shiny shoes from mud or salt damage, or to keep your car looking like it has just been washed, nanopolymer coatings could offer the perfect solution.

Feedback on nano coatings for textiles and nonwovens

As a superhydrophobic and nano coating manufacturer, Nanex is keen to share some of the insights it has recently received in the way of feedback from the textiles industry as well as some developments it has carried out to date to meet the requirements of protecting textiles at the highest level.

Nano coatings for textiles that create superhydrophobic surfaces or extreme water repellent surfaces are very visual, but people are often stuck at that point and it is important to fully understand the technology in this particular use.

The coatings are known for a high repellent angle of 150 degrees and above and that is how the water beads off faster and easier than the more traditional waterproofing products. Of course these products also have limitations and that is the case if we are working with breathable, non-closing protective layers although it still provides the highest protection.

The main factors highlighted in textiles industry feedback for Nanex products are water repellence, easy cleaning, invisibility and the fact that they can be universally applied to all kinds of fibres. Nanex explains:

• Water & Oil repellence: The extra oil repellence offered by Nanex’ technology creates wider potential use and a better protective layer then standard water repellent products. Here, Nanex is thinking about workwear, gloves and other items that are exposed to oil which damage the fabrics.
• Easy cleaning: Because the coating is on a nanometric scale it is wrapped around each individual fibre and stains and liquids cannot damage the fibres and are more easily removed.
• Invisibility: Because the coating thickness is below the micro range, they are invisible and keep the flexibility of the textiles and feel or handle intact.
• Universal: Nanex coatings are universal and can be applied to all natural fibre based fabrics as well as man-made fibre based fabrics, making them useful for al kinds of technical textiles and nonwovens.

Application for producers

“For example, for fabric or apparel manufacturers, this can be done at the rinsing phase. The product is diluted with the rinsing water before drying.”

Nanex finishes can also be applied in a bath or dip coating process and other tested methods used for example by shoe manufacturers include spraying.

But curtains, carpets, and furniture producers all have the opportunity to implement this coating in their production process. Nanex is also currently doing tests during the weaving of textiles where it can install a bath with product, which fabric goes through and is heated and directly activated after the weaving process.

New Method for Production of Stable Antibacterial Fabrics without Color Change

Iranian researchers presented a new method for the production of highly stable antibacterial fabrics without any change in their color.

Antibacterial fabrics are usually produced by using silver nanoparticles. This method changes the color of the fabrics by creating brownish yellow shade in their structure. The aim of the research was to produce fabrics with high and stable antibacterial properties without changing the color. Zinc oxide/silicon dioxide nanocomposite was used in the structure of the fabric coating to obtain the goal.

In this research, cotton fabrics were produced with antibacterial properties by synthesizing and loading of zinc oxide/silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanocomposite on it. In this research, nanoparticles were synthesized through in-situ process by using two different methods on the structure of cotton fabrics. In one of the methods, zinc oxide nanoparticles were firstly synthesized in silicon dioxide solution, and the solution was next coated on the cotton fabrics. In the second method, the cotton fabrics were firstly coated with silicon dioxide and then zinc oxide nanoparticles were coated on its structure.

Results obtained from investigating cotton fabrics coated through the both methods confirmed that no bacteria have grown on the fabrics. However, the fabrics produced through the first method (synthesis of nanoparticles and coating of the fabric) showed larger diameter of the bacteria-free area due to the spherical shape and stability of the nanoparticles. Thermal tests also showed that the samples produced through the first method contain the maximum amount of zinc oxide while they have the lowest primary degradation temperature.

Source: Nano-Tech

INVISTA and Lenzing announce latest collaboration: COOLMAX® fabric with TENCEL® fibre

INVISTA, owner of the COOLMAX® brand, and LENZING, owner of the TENCEL® brand, announced a second innovative collaboration in denim – COOLMAX® fabric blended with TENCEL® fibre. The two companies gave a joint presentation on this new development on November 20th at the Denim by Première Vision show in Barcelona.

In recognition of the growing trend toward athleisure wear, INVISTA and Lenzing AG have been working on the development and promotion of this innovative new denim concept that will provide wearers with cool dry comfort, softness, and sustainability – all in one fabric.

The two fibre companies began working together in 2013 when they announced the results of a study on the benefits of combining Lenzing’s TENCEL® fibre with INVISTA’s dualFX® technology by LYCRA® brand. Now, by extending that collaboration to new fibre blends, the companies are aiming to leverage their strengths in performance, fashion, and sustainability to bring a unique offering to the women’s denim market.

According to Jean Hegedus, INVISTA’s Marketing Director for Denim, today’s consumers expect more from their denim, and these fabrics can deliver on the benefits female consumers are seeking. “Recent studies* by INVISTA confirm that women are looking for more performance attributes in their clothing as well as aesthetic features such as soft hand. COOLMAX® fabrics blended with TENCEL® meet both of these needs as well as providing consumers with a sustainable option.”

One of INVISTA’s offerings that can be used is COOLMAX® ECOMADE fibre that is made from 97% recycled polyester. Lenzing’s TENCEL® is made from wood pulp, a renewable raw material, which is then processed through a closed loop system to create an ecologically responsible fibre. Michael Kininmonth, Lenzing’s denim developer, said “TENCEL® is recognised throughout the industry for its sustainable qualities as well as its softness and strength. By combining TENCEL® fibre with COOLMAX® fabric we can provide added performance benefits that appeal to the contemporary consumer.”

Source: Invista

Archroma launches nature inspired dyes with full traceability

A dyestuffs company with a new name but a long history wants to help clothing companies on their way to eco-conscious fashion, with a range of products created from agricultural waste. And it is embracing the latest in communications technology to enable transparency of the supply chain to consumers.

Archroma, a global leader in color and speciality chemicals, is combining the old and the new in a range of “biosynthetic” dyes for cotton and cellulose-based fabrics – EARTHCOLORS – which are derived from almond shells, saw palmetto, rosemary leaves, and other natural products.

EARTHCOLORS make use of agriculture waste products that would otherwise be sent to landfill. They can be used to provide rich red, brown and green colors to denim and casualwear.

Wearing its heart on its sleeve, so to speak, Archroma is providing brand owners with the possibility of transparency along the complete supply chain for EARTHCOLORS. And it is also offering to make that transparency available to clothes shoppers – just as long as they have a smartphone with them.

Archroma will put all the information about individual batches of color on hang tags to be attached to each item of clothing. Each hang tag incorporates a chip with all the information on it, and that information can be accessed by the prospective buyer in the shop using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology incorporated into their phone. Archroma believes that this is the first time that NFC is being used in this way.

NFC is a relative of RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, which many retailers already use for tracking products. But NFC is more sophisticated and more consumer friendly. Archroma is hoping that it will provide shoppers with a more “involved” buying experience.

“Our aim is to give consumers a choice,” says Alan Cunningham, Head of Textiles Dyes Marketing at Archroma. “We all should have the possibility to choose the fashion option with the least environmental impact and to be safe in the knowledge that there is substance behind what is claimed on the label. With EARTHCOLORS, we allow just that.”

The new dyes, which Archroma describes as biosynthetic sulfur dyes, have been four years in the making. They have the overall performance of the company’s existing range of sulfur dyes made from conventional raw materials. Archroma describes this new development as a step-change in dyes manufacturing and coloration technology.

The chip can contain information such as the mill which dyed the fabric and where the garment was laundered, as well as the source of bio-based raw material.

To make EARTHCOLORS, Archroma transforms biomass from waste products of the agriculture and herbal sectors in a patent-pending process. “Not one square meter of land is set aside to grow the raw material for these dyes, so there is no competition for arable land,” says Cunningham.

The new range is produced near Barcelona, Spain, with all raw materials sourced from within a radius of 500 km.

“At Archroma we are dedicated to developing the latest technologies to deliver fashion trends in the most sustainable ways possible,” says Cunningham. “We aim at helping brand owners and textile mills by letting them know how our colors are made, and how and where our raw materials are made. We are more than happy to share that information, not only with our customers, but also the final consumer.”

Seam Slippage Test | Slippage Resistance of Yarns at a Seam in Woven Fabrics

Determine the resistance offered by thread systems of woven fabrics to slippage at a sewn seam by Fixed load method (ISO 13936-2).

Apparatus and material specification:

• Tensile testing machine with a constant rate of extension of 50 mm/min, with an accuracy of +/- 10%.
• The machine shall be capable of setting the gauge length to 100 mm
• Clamps must have an smooth, flat surface: 1 clamp: 25x25 mm / 2.clamp: 50x25 mm
• Sewing machine: electrically operated, single needle, lock stitch
• Sewing thread: white 100% polyester core spun / yarn count: 45 tex (+/- 5)
• Needle size 90
• Stitch rating: 5 stitches per centimetre

Procedure:

1. Size of the rectangular specimens must be in length 200 mm and in width 100 mm.
2. Cut 5 specimens in warp direction which will be used to determine weft slippage and cut 5 specimens in weft direction which will be used to determine warp slippage
3. Fold the specimen with the face inwards in half by putting the two shorter edges together
4. Stitch a seam with 5 stitches per cm parallel to and at a distance of 20 mm from the fold.
5. Cut each specimen 12 mm from the sewn seam line, cutting through both layers of the fabric. The seam allowance shall be the same on each side of the cut.
6. Condition the specimen in a standard temperature atmosphere: relative humidity of 65% ± 2%RH at a temperature of 20°C ± 2°C.

7. Set the clamps of the tensile testing machine a distance of 100 mm (+/- 1 mm) apart, taking care that the clamps are properly aligned and parallel to each other.
8. Secure the specimen symmetrically in the clamps with the seam midway between, and parallel to, the edges of the two clamps.
9. Set the moving clamp in motion and when the maximum force is achieved, immediately reduce the load on the test specimen to 5 N at a constant rate of extension of (50 ± 5) mm/min.
10. Immediately measure the width of the seam opening at the widest place to the nearest mm.
11. Repeat this procedure with the remaining test specimens.

Evaluation:

Calculate to the nearest mm the mean warp slippage and weft slippage values of the measured seam.

Colour Bleeding Test

Determine the risk of colour staining during home laundering for all garments in combination dark and light coloured fabrics. Test to be done for dark fabrics combined in contrast with light fabrics in the same garments.

Apparatus and reagents required:

• Solution of 0.05% of nonionic interfacial active agent
• Beaker
• Supporting frame of horizontal bar

Specimen preparation:

• For testing print or stripe patterned fabrics, cut a test specimen in 2, 5 cm width and in length more than 20 cm (stripes should be horizontal).
• For testing solid colour fabrics, cut a test specimen in width 2, 5 cm and 3 cm in length out of the fabric. Use an undyed cotton cloth (JIS cloth) in width 2, 5 cm and in length more than 20 cm and sew it together with the test specimen at the short side.

Procedure:

1. Test conducted under standard condition (20 ± 2°C, 65 ± 2 % RH). Air flow must be avoided.
2. Pour 50 ml or 100 ml of the 0, 05% non-ionic surface active agent into a beaker.
3. Immerse one end of the test specimen into the beaker so that approx. 2 cm is dipped into the solution.
4. The same test as above must be done with a blank specimen by using a separated bath.
5. Remove the specimen after 2 hours.
6. Dry it by hanging at room temperature.
7. Tested specimen and blank test specimen shall be returned to the applicant.

Evaluation:

Assess first the tested sample if positive or negative and compared it with blank test. Any stain, caused by colour wicking observed shall be positive. Make an assessment at the most stained part by using the grey scale ISO 105-A03 or JIS L 0805 and give grading.

Note: In case the staining is caused by finishing agents and not by dyestuffs, the test results should not be considered as bleeding.

New viscose fiber with infrared heat reflection

The viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Kelheim/Germany, extended its range of speciality products by a newly developed viscose fiber with incorporated infrared-(IR)-reflecting particles.

The human body, like any other matter with comparable temperature, releases a large part of its energy via thermal radiation. This radiation is mainly composed of infrared light. It leads to a loss of energy and therefore to a cooling of the human body.

The newly developed viscose fibre with incorporated IR-reflecting particles can significantly reduce this process, according to the company. Thermal radiation emanating from a body is reflected by the particles incorporated in the viscose fibre and sent back to the body, so reducing the cooling of the person.

In addition, the wearer benefits from the typical properties of a viscose fiber such as comfort, softness and skin friendliness.

This is achieved by the intrinsic quality of the treatment: in contrast to a subsequent finish with additives based on titanium oxide, the mineral IR-reflecting particles are incorporated into the fibre’s core, preserving the typical fibre properties. The effect is permanent as the additive cannot be washed out, the company reports.

First test results of the new fibres that have already been successfully manufactured on a pilot scale, show significant temperature effects in comparison to a standard viscose fibre.

This is said to open up a multitude of possible fields of applications – used in functional underwear, for example, the thermal effect can increase the well-being of the wearer even at low temperatures.

In functional sportswear, the new fibre can lead to improved performance and a faster regeneration of the athlete, thanks to improved blood circulation. Along with textiles, different nonwoven applications could benefit from the IR-reflecting fibre, as for example warming shoe inserts.

Color Fastness to Rubbing (dry and wet) Test

Determine the resistance of the colour of textiles of all kinds, including textile floor coverings and other pile fabrics, to rubbing off and staining other materials.

Apparatus required:

• Crockmeter, which has the following standard features: The rubbing finger must comprise of a cylinder with a diameter of 16 mm. The finger must move to and fro in a straight line along a 100 mm track on the tested sample and exert a downward force of 9N (920 g).
• Cotton rubbing fabric, complying with ISO 105-F, Section F09, desized, bleached, without finish, cut into squares measuring 50 mm x 50 mm.
• Distilled water
• Grey scale ISO 105 - A03 to determine staining to the cotton rubbing fabric.
• Standard illuminant D65

Procedure:

1. Take one piece of the standard cotton rubbing fabric and mount it over the rubbing finger by using the provided clamp. (For each test a new standard rubbing fabric must be used.)
2. Fasten the test specimen with the clamps at the bottom plate of the Crockmeter.
3. Before carrying out the wet rub test, ensure that the standard cotton fabric has absorbed 100% of its own mass with distilled water.
4. Lower the rubbing finger with the standard cotton fabric on to the fabric to be tested (which is now attached at the bottom plate of the Crockmeter). Turn the Crockmeter 10 complete turns, at a rate of one turn per second. A stopwatch is recommended for accuracy.
5. After the test, the wet cotton rubbing fabric should be dried at room temperature, or in the drying cabinet at temperature not exceeding 60 °C.
6. The test should be carried out both in the length and width direction of the test.

Evaluation:

Staining of the cotton rubbing fabric must be evaluated under the standard illuminant D65 by using the grey scale ISO 105-A03 for staining.

Color Fastness to Saliva Test

Determine the resistance of the colour of textiles regarding influence of saliva. This test must be done for fabrics used for baby / infant garments only.

Apparatus required:

• Filter paper
• Stick tape
• Distilled water
• Desiccator with water
• Drying cabinet with a constant temperature of 40°C +/- 2°C.
• Solution 1 and 2

Solution 1:

• 4.2 g/l Sodium hydrogen carbonate
• 0.5 g/l Sodium chloride
• 0.2 g/l Potassium carbonate

Solution 2:

• 4.5 g/l Sodium chloride
• 0.3 g/l Potassium chloride
• 0.3 g/l Sodium sulphate
• 0.4 g/l Ammonium chloride
• 3.0 g/l DL-Lactic acid (~90%)
• 0.2 g/l Urea

Procedure:

1. Desiccator filled with water (app. 5cm) preheated at 40 degree
2. Cut one sample of 90 x 120 mm out of the testing fabric
3. Cut two stripes 15 x 80 mm of filter paper
4. Dip one of the filter paper in solution 1 and the other in solution 2
5. Put the soaked stripes of filter paper on the tested fabric with a distance of 10 mm between both filter papers
6. Put the stick tape over the testing sample with filter paper
7. Put the prepared sample for 2 hours at 40 degree into the desiccator

Evaluation:

After carry out the time, take off the filter paper from test fabric and evaluate the colour staining.

Fast to saliva = No colour staining

Non fast to saliva = colour staining

Color Fastness to Wash Test

Determine the resistance of the colors of fabrics to domestic or commercial laundering procedures using a non-phosphate reference detergent incorporating a low temperature bleach activator. Test to be done for all fabrics indicates as “washable” following ISO 105-C08.

• Washing temperature for all fabrics is 40 °C.
• Motorsport fabrics used for team wear pants and shirts have to be tested at 60 °C.

Apparatus and materials required:

• Suitable mechanical laundering device with thermostatically controlled water bath
• Stainless steel containers (75 mm diameter x 125 mm high) and capacity of 550 ml
• 25 stainless steel balls with 6 mm diameter
• Multifibre adjacent fabrics (DW) (AC - CO - PA 6.6 - PES - PAN - WO)
• Grey scale ISO 105-A02 for assessing change in colour
• Grey scale ISO 105-A03 for assessing color staining
• Standard illuminant D65

Reagents (wash solution):

1 litre solution using distilled water at 25°C

• 4 g/l Standard wash detergent ECE 98 (non phosphate detergent)
• 1 g/l sodium perborate tetrahydrate
• 0.16 g/l TAED (tetra-acetylethylene diamine) 92% active or 0.15 g/l (TAED), 100% active>

Standard washing detergent has to be mixed together with TAED and perborate into distilled water at 25 °C ± 5 °C. The solution must be mixed constant with high speed. During preparation, the temperature of the wash liquor may not be heated up more than 25 °C.

Procedure:

1. Cut a specimen in size 100 mm x 40 mm out of the test fabric and attach a piece of multi-fibre in the same size by sewing along one of the shorter edges.
2. Add to each container the volume of wash liquor required to give liquor: fabric composite volume of 20:1 ratio. (approx. 40 ml washing solution)
3. Place in the container the composite specimen together with 25 steel balls.
4. Note the initial temperature (25 ± 5 °C), close the container and place in the laundering device and commence rotation.
5. Raise the temperature at the rate of (1, 5 ± 0, 5) °C per min. to the requested temperature and continue to run the test for a further (30 ± 1) min. at temperature.
6. Remove the composite specimen at the end of the wash and place them into a 1 l beaker half filled with grade 3 water at ambient temperature. Rinse for 1 minute and place the beaker under a cold running tap for 10 min.
7. Dry the specimen in air at a temperature not exceeding 60 °C, with the parts in contact only at the line of stitching.

Evaluation:

Assess the colour change of the specimen and staining to the multifibre fabric with reference to the original specimen under illuminant D65, by using the grey scales. In case a multifibre fabric is used, the fibre part which is most stained must be evaluated and the fibre symbol shall be reported.

PrimaLoft launches technical knits for high output activities

Mitsui Bussan Techno Products, a specialist in the research and development of innovative textile technology, has collaborated with PrimaLoft, leader in comfort solutions and high-performance insulations, to introduce PrimaLoft Performance Fabric Dry – a collection of technical knits for high-output activities.

The PrimaLoft Performance Fabric Dry collection, available in a broad range of visually tactile textures and colours suited for active apparel and base layer applications, was introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade fair that took place in Salt Lake City, UT, last month.

PrimaLoft Performance Fabric Dry features a blend of technical, trilobal polyester fibres and innovative moisture-management technologies to deliver outstanding softness and comfort.

A low-absorption technology embedded into the construction of the yarn is said to effectively pick up moisture off the skin, and create an air barrier that prevents perspiration from re-penetrating the fabric. This technology works together with a water-repellent finish to provide a fabric that dries exceptionally fast, the manufacturers report.

“Active apparel made with PrimaLoft Performance Fabric Dry will not cling to the body or leave you feeling cold and clammy that’s caused by re-penetration of perspiration,” said Joy Gruver, Business Development, Mitsui Bussan Techno Products. “It delivers performance you can truly feel.”

PrimaLoft insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down.

Today, PrimaLoft, is the research and development leader in high performance insulations and performance fabrics. Its family of products is manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia.

The PrimaLoft brand is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, hunting, work wear and military applications.

Source: Innovation in Textiles

Introducing FreshPer4mance | Seat fabric coating technology

Customizable protection against stains, liquids, static and microbes that works with virtually any seating fabric

Johnson Controls introduces an innovative, highly effective, one-stop solution for not only keeping automotive seat fabrics clean, but preventing them from getting dirty in the first place.

It’s called "FreshPer4mance".

FreshPer4mance is an advanced coating technology that makes any fabric liquid repellent, anti-stain, anti-static and anti-microbial – or any combination thereof. Fabrics coated with FreshPer4mance are easier to keep clean, hygienic and odor free -- even in heavily used commercial vehicles.

Because FreshPer4mance works so well with all our materials, automakers and designers can let their imaginations run free and utilize any fabric color – especially lighter colors -- to bring to market more distinctive vehicles with greater consumer appeal.

Whatever the fabric construction – flat, 3D, woven – we can apply FreshPer4mance equally effectively. And, we coat the entire fabric -- not just one side -- for greater protection and better long-term performance.

Depending on your target market, you may want your automotive seats to be only stain resistant, or only liquid repellent. Or you may want the full range of protection against liquid, stains, static and microbes. Whatever your needs, we can customize our FreshPer4mance formulation for each product and application to deliver the exact performance you need.

FreshPer4mance from Johnson Controls has been thoroughly tested and validated and it’s available right now. Plus, each of our plants in North America, Europe and around the world has made the FreshPer4mance coating capability a standard practice. As a result, we can deliver FreshPer4mance coated fabrics quickly and more affordably to your plant anywhere around the globe. You don’t have to go to one vendor for the chemical, another for the fabric and yet another to do the coating. Johnson Controls is your one-stop source for superior automotive seat fabric coating.

Automotive seat fabrics can easily become stained, unpleasant to look at and unhygienic. Fabrics treated with FreshPer4mance coating from Johnson Controls, are protected from even the toughest stains such as coffee, cola and ketchup. FreshPer4mance works with virtually every fabric, including the lightest colors, thereby expanding your design possibilities.

Lenzing introduces flushable TENCEL® fiber

Lenzing, the leading producer of the manmade cellulose fibres, believes it is satisfying the trend of the times in the nonwovens industry with its short-cut type cellulose fibre Tencel that is said to be ideal for high quality wipes and care wipes, due to its flushability properties.

Convenience and sustainability are not a contradiction with TENCEL®

The market for wipes will grow by 6.5% per year.1 In an increasing number of households one can find practical wipes for hygiene and care applications and the trend is on the rise. Many wipes are disposed of in the toilet whether they are “flushable” or not which leads to problems with blockages in public sewage systems. This is the very reason why industry is looking into this problem and demanding new production technologies. With TENCEL®, Lenzing supplies a raw material which is of botanic origin, contains no additives, and is biodegradable. When processed in the right way, practical wipes can be produced which comply with the convenience mindset of consumers and are, at the same time, biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

More quality with TENCEL® for a wipe with a “flushable” function

“Flushable” wipes from TENCEL® stand out due to their high quality. Due to the enormous fiber strength, the TENCEL® wipe is particularly tear-resistant in contrast to the materials conventionally used such as pulp and short-cut viscose. The high strength of the TENCEL® fiber also reduces the use of binding agents which are mostly made of acrylic, latex or bi-component fibers. Another advantage of TENCEL® compared to short-cut viscose is that due to the higher strength profile, fewer fibers are required for a comparable quality than in a wipe of short-cut viscose.

“Quality does not, however, only mean enhanced service properties but also refers to the skin-friendly attributes of TENCEL®. The fiber has already demonstrated in tests that it is particularly well suited to sensitive skin,” Dr. Dieter Eichinger, head of the Hytec market segment (hygiene, home and technical textiles) at Lenzing explains.

“The exceptionally smooth surface of TENCEL® makes the fiber ideal for the skin and prevents skin irritations. For this reason, wipes of TENCEL® are particularly smooth and gentle on the skin,” Eichinger argues.

TENCEL® perfect for new technology

The merging of paper and spun-laced technology will revolutionize the market for wipes. Short-cut TENCEL® is ideally suited to this application and due to its properties, it will play a key role in the development of “flushable” wipes particularly with this technology. “Here the fiber strength of TENCEL® also plays a vital role,” Eichinger is positive.

Certificates confirm the sustainability of TENCEL®

Environmental certificates such as the EU-Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, OK biodegradable from Viocotte or Ecocert demonstrate the environmentally responsible production of TENCEL®.

”In particular the botanic origin of TENCEL® and the sustainable production of the fiber fit perfectly with the current consumer demands and are vital for the production of disposable wipes,” Elisabeth Stanger, Head of Hygiene at Lenzing, is convinced.

Source: Lenzing.com

Nylstar selected to develop new cosmeto-textile brand

Meryl Hyaluronan, the anti-ageing fibre produced by Nylstar, has been selected as the fibre to develop GT Calze’s new and exclusive Yaluronica cosmetotextile product line.

The new product line was showcased during Cosmoprof Bologna 2014, which took place at the weekend. The launch is expected to mark a new direction for the cosmetotextile segment.

GT Calze Srl, a market leader in medical stockings and shaping and slimming underwear, has teamed with Nylstar to develop the innovative anti-ageing brand Yaluronica that is said to guarantee instant slimming results due to compression and cosmetic effects provided by the Meryl Hyaluronan fibre.

Meryl Hyaluronan uses cutting edge nanotechnology and contains molecules of wrinkle reducing hyaluronic acid. Nanoparticles of hyaluronic acid are inserted into the yarn during the spinning process, making the cosmetic effects of Meryl Hyaluronan permanent in the fabrics.

The new Yaluronica product line will be launching eight references, all of which contain Meryl Hyaluronan and according to the company, as soon as these garments contact the wearer’s skin they begin the cosmetic action.

Within a few days improvements in terms of moisturising, firming and antioxidant are impressive, Nylstar reports.

Cut resistant glove offers dexterity and cool feel

Ejendals, a leading Swedish specialist in the development, manufacture and marketing of quality products that protect hands and feet, will be introducing its latest protective knitted glove, model 909, which incorporates Dyneema Diamond Technology, at SAWO 2014 that is taking place from 9-15 April in Poznań, Poland.

The new fine gauge glove was developed specifically for applications requiring very good dexterity with cool feel and is ideal for high precision handling of small components, the company reports.

The 909 glove is made with DSM’s innovation platform Dyneema® Diamond Technology. The key feature of this technology is that it is twice as thin as the regular yarn normally used in cut Level 3 gloves. This enables the finest knitting structure possible for seamless knitted cut resistant gloves with a level 3, resulting in exceptional dexterity and tactility combined with light weight, making the glove easy to wear with less fatigue. The glove combines Dyneema® Diamond Technology yarn with Nylon and Spandex and coated in the palm with Polyurethane. The glove can be washed yet keep the same performance.

With the new glove, Ejendals sets out to meet the need for a high level of cut resistance, combined with maximum wearer comfort. Niclas Wiklund, Product Manager of Ejendals, explained: “We previously produced three Ejendals Tegera gloves using Dyneema® Diamond Technology. After the success of these gloves, we are proud to introduce a glove that is cut resistant and offers dexterity as a second skin. This is made possible with the newly introduced super fine grade of Dyneema® Diamond Technology that became available in August 2013.”

“The basic idea for these new gloves came from our close cooperation with many end-users. We started the process several years ago with one clear objective: to make best cut-resistant level 3 glove on the market. Not an easy task, as we needed to deliver maximum strength with the best tactile performance. Because we were not prepared to jeopardize the protection level, we chose to work only with the best materials. For cut-resistance, there is only one option: Dyneema® Diamond Technology.” Mr. Wiklund added: “I also want to mention the support from and the team feeling created by the skilled and service minded people at DSM Dyneema. In fact, we share the same vision: we do not only sell gloves - we protect hands.”

According to Olivier Boubeaud, global segment director, High Protective Textiles, DSM Dyneema, the new breakthrough technology is meeting a global market need: “Dyneema® Diamond Technology is rapidly becoming the new standard in cut resistant gloves as wearers are looking for the ideal combination of high protection and high comfort.”

About Dyneema® Diamond Technology

Dyneema® Diamond Technology offers the most comfortable and lightest solution for extreme cut resistance. This state-of-the-art technology is pushing forward the properties of cut resistance in a lightweight and ‘natural feeling’ fiber. Applying Dyneema® Diamond Technology in a lightweight elasticised glove can boost cut performance levels up to EN388 Level 5, without the use of glass fiber or steel wire.

It requires no compromise on comfort, tactility and weight of the glove, while providing significantly higher cut resistant performance, and better durability - especially compared to aramid based gloves. By fulfilling end user demand for more dexterous and comfortable hand protection Dyneema® Diamond Technology has the potential to become the new standard in cut protection.

Eco finishing solutions for knits on show in Shanghai

Benninger, a leading company in the development of technologically advanced textile finishing and tire cord solutions, will exhibit its Trikoflex drum washer and a Benninger-Küsters DyePad Basic at ITMA Asia + CITME trade fair that is due to be held in Shanghai, China, from 16-20 June.

According to the manufacturer, despite the tremendous efforts of machine designers to reduce the liquor ratio, finishing of knitted goods in jet dyeing machines still requires large amounts of water and therefore also a great deal of energy.

Benninger has developed and implemented a continuous open width finishing process that is said to offer water and energy savings. This process makes it possible to lower CO2 emissions by nearly two thirds in comparison to the exhaust dyeing processes, the company reports. Benninger’s Trikoflex bleaching and washing plants and the Benninger Küsters DyePad are said to perfectly suit this type of application.

Trikoflex

Washing on Benninger’s high efficiency Trikoflex drum washer with mechanically-assisted front and back washing is said to reduce the water consumption by more than 40% in comparison to conventional washers.

At the same time the energy required to heat up the washing water is reduced. Additionally Benninger’s Trikoflex has been specifically developed for tension sensitive textiles.

Benninger-Küsters DyePad Basic

The DyePad Basic has been especially designed to suit the needs of Asian markets. It focuses on easy handling. Two swimming rollers ensure a maximum deflection potential and allow dyeing of knit and woven fabrics without any restrictions.

With the CPB dyeing process the reactive dye is fixed at room temperature. With controlled dyeing conditions plus the latest developments in the dye itself, this modern CPB dyeing system can be used on cellulose fibers for woven fabrics as well as knits, the company reports.

Source: Knitting Industry

New 3D wovens plant for aero engine composites

Senior staff from both Albany International and Safran have inaugurated a new plant in Rochester, New Hampshire that will produce composite parts for aircraft engines.

The Rochester operations of Safran and Albany International are located at a new complex, about 300,000 sq. ft. large, located in the Granite State Business Park. The plant, which opened in 2013, was built to produce 3D woven composite parts using RTM technology for aircraft engine parts. The first application will be fan cases and fan blades for CFM International’s LEAP engine. A total of 130 people currently are employed at the joint operation, with a total of 400-500 envisioned when full-rate production is attained.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is deeply rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental and materials technologies. Particularly strong and lightweight, the 3D woven RTM composite parts produced by Safran and Albany will contribute strongly to provide 15 percent better fuel efficiency compared to today’s best CFM engine. Selected to power new and improved narrow-body commercial aircraft including the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo, the LEAP engine has achieved broad-based market acceptance with more than 6,000 engines ordered to date.

Joseph Morone, President and CEO of Albany International Corp., said "Today’s event is an important milestone in a collaboration between Safran and Albany that began in 2000 as joint research and development and that has blossomed into the unique partnership epitomised by this plant. The strong relationships our two companies have formed with the State of New Hampshire and City of Rochester and their support of our joint effort have contributed immeasurably to the success we celebrate today."

Both companies have made significant investments in the Rochester plant, which features a state-of-the-art industrial design, and the two companies are also building a similar plant in France that will produce the same advanced composites parts for the LEAP engine.

Innovations of Trützschler at ITMA ASIA 2014

On the 600 m² Trützschler stand in hall W2, the four business areas SPINNING, NONWOVENS, MAN-MADE FIBER and CARD CLOTHING, as well as the Chinese TRUETSCHLER TEXTILE MACHINERY SHANGHAI (TTMS), are represented.

TTMS exhibits the Truetzschler Card TC 8, the currently leading card in China in regards to technology. This card has the longest carding section for optimal fiber protection and high performance. Developments such as Setting Optimiser T-Con and the flats system MAGNOTOP are some typical features that make Trützschler cards, like the exhibited TC 8, unique.

The autoleveller Draw Frame TD 8 shown at the stand is equipped with the separately driven SERVO CREEL. The highlights of this machine are the new input sensor DISC LEVELLER and the quality monitoring system with sensor DISC MONITOR.

Spinning

Truetzschler Spinning places emphasis on two machines that have not yet been introduced at a trade fair. The first one is Toyota SUPERLAP TSL 12. This machine for combing preparation is said to deliver laps of the highest quality. Due to the multi-drive system, the speeds of the individual elements can be optimised with utmost sensitivity and precision, the company reports.

The second introduction is the new Integrated Draw Frame IDF 2. Direct spinning of slivers from the machine combination Card TC11 and IDF 2 saves considerable costs and provides a higher yarn quality, according to Truetzschler.

Nonwovens

Truetzschler Nonwovens puts emphasis on the variety of products for nonwovens production. The company offers complete systems ranging from fibre opening to winding of the web for the four web bonding processes (hydroentangling, needling, thermobonding and chemical bonding).

A wet-in-wet process represents a brand new development for such end products as flushable wipes. The technology and design of the production plant was developed with the German company Voith Paper.

Furthermore, information on various tailor-made components will be presented: The new Streamliner dryer realises maximum evaporation rates for hydroentangled webs at minimum energy consumption. Concerning winders, the focus is also on the variety of available inline and offline solutions. An example is the new, energy-efficient automatic surface winder for spunlace materials.

Man-Made Fibres

Truetzschler Man-Made Fibres will exhibit its system competence in the field of staple fibres and filament. This ranges from texturing units for BCF yarns, compact systems, to highly productive two-stage staple fibre lines.

Card Clothing

Truetzschler Card Clothing provides all products and services regarding clothing for cards and roller cards. This also includes special clothing for openers or for opening rollers of rotor spinning machines. This year, TTMS has taken over the marketing and service for opening roller clothing in China. These wires can be used on all types of opening rollers and for a broad variety of applications, the company reports. They are available as Standard and Chemically polished versions.

The Novotop 58 flat top is an invention within the flats product range. It is used in the area of fine combed yarns. The product has been specifically designed for coloured fibres and regenerated fibres for rotor spinning.

Source: Trützschler

New yarn storage feeding technology by BTSR

BTSR will be heavily promoting innovative and potentially game changing yarn storage and feeding solution at leading trade fairs this year. The Italian company’s recently introduced disruptive Unifeeder technology aims to displace current state-of-art of yarn storage feeding technology and is said to be destined to dramatically impact on the socks, hosiery and knitted textiles manufacturing sectors.

Unifeeder is a new multi-patented concept featuring a brand new Yarn Antitwist System which is said to guarantee total combined yarn feeding and storage control. BTSR says this represents the first ‘positive storage’ feeder concept which has been introduced to the market.

Top Features and Benefits:

• Real-time Total Yarn Control - from input yarns (knots, breaks, tears), through yarn storage (constant storage), to output yarns (LFA and yarn constant tension feeding)
• High Precision Real-time Yarn Consumption Measurement (LFA) - granted by BTSR proprietary optical ring
• Prevent Yarn Twisting - thanks to new-concept revolving drum and optical ring technology closed-loop integrated system (yarn storage feed equal to yarn feeding speed)
• Real-time Constant Tension Self-adaptive Technology -bringing TOP Production Repeatability, based on the high-frequency magnetically controlled floating ring and output tension sensor closed-loop control system
• Yarns knots, breaks, tears detection - granting real-time machine stop signaling, thanks to input knot catcher and additional built-in sensors
• Yarn Graduation Compression Capability (0,1 gr. resolution) - for technical textile applications (i.e. sock leg, seamless..)
• Yarn and Needles Breakage Prevention - avoiding second-rate products and useless machine stops
• AUTO-LFA Function - Auto-compensate Yarn LFA variation (i.e. due to fluff accumulation in the yarn finger,..), granting constant quality and preventing yarn misplating & breakage, (optional, with MATRIX FEEDER terminal)

Cost-Saving, Universally Retrofit-table

• Minimized size and weight - incredibly minimized size and weight, thus allowing the simplest and cost-saving installation configurations (i.e. single ring, ..)
• No additional input yarn motion sensor required
• Reduced electrical consumption
• Plug & play - for easy and quick installation
• User-friendly - easy yarn thread-up and easy yarn tension set-up
• Universal Retrofitting - on all machine typologies available on the market
• Styles Programming & Unlimited Graduation Compression for standardized production - coming with PC-LINK NEMO PROFILER software (optional)

Specifications:

• Programmable tension: 0,2 gr. ÷ 50 gr.
• Yarn Feeding speed: up to 1000 mt/min. (@ 24 V /36 V)
• Yarn Storage Coils programming: up to n. 30
• Weight: 780 gr.
• Size: Height 210 mm (265 mm), Width 77 mm, Depth 125 mm

Source: BTSR

Loop transfer in weft knitting (V-bed)

The transfer of a full or part of a needle loop or sinker loop on to an adjacent needle, either in the same bed or in an opposing bed is called stitch or loop transfer. The stitch formed by this loop transfer is called loop transfer stitches.

Objects of loop transfer:

1. To achieve shaping, produce a design or change the loop structure.
2. To generate holes in the fabric to form lace-like effects.
3. To produce structural effects by inclining wales of both plain and rib fabrics.
4. To produce cables by exchanging two or more group of wales with one another.

Shape formation (fashioning):

Shaping by fully fashioning involves the movement of a small number of loops at the selvedge of the fabric. Such movement reduces or increases the total number of loops being knitted. The term used in the industry for such movements are narrowing and widening, and collectively fashioning.

The Widening:

Widening is the process of increasing the width of the knitted fabric produced, by increasing the numbers of working needles.

The Narrowing:

This is reverse of what takes place in widening i.e. Narrowing is the process of lessening the width of knitted fabric produced, by decreasing the number of working knitting needles.

China round table discusses future of textiles

The 9th Annual Conference of China Textile Round-Table Forum, co-sponsored by Oerlikon Manmade Fibers, was held on 23 February 2014 at the Beijing Kunlun Hotel.

The annual event was attended by over 320 members, including personnel of related government departments, CNTAC and related industry associations, as well as well known domestic and foreign entrepreneurs.

The annual conference of this year, with the main topic Comprehensively deepening Reforms and Developing the Textile Industry, provided a platform for participants for in-depth discussion about hot issues and corresponding countermeasures.

These included, the influence of comprehensively deepening economic system reform of the third plenary session of CPC on the textile industry; 2014 macroeconomic situation and policies; prospects for the textile industry in the period of the 12th Five-year Plan and 13th Five-year Plan (2015-2020); major reform of the textile industry, as well as the issue of excess capacity.

Jia Kang, member of the national committee of CPPCC and director of financial science institute of Ministry of Finance, Yao Jingyuan, special researcher of Counsellor Office of State Council, and Zhang Yansheng, researcher and Secretary General of academic committee of National Development and Reform Commission, were invited to make speeches respectively on Interpretation on new policies of comprehensive deepening reform of economic system of third plenary session of CPC, Macroeconomic situation and policies in 2014 and Build new advantages of textile industry on international competitiveness & cooperation.

Gao Yong, Vice President and Secretary-General of CNTAC, and Sun Ruizhe, Vice President of CNTAC, later made speeches on the topics of Economic situation analysis and prospective on textile industry in 2013-2014 and Prospective on textile industry in the period of 12th Five-year Plan and 13th Five-year Plan(2015-2020).

Stefan Kross, CEO of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers also lead a discussion on a Comprehensive process know-how as the decisive lead for eco-friendly innovations for the manmade fibres industry.

Source: Innovation in Textiles

Washing Recipe for Sweater

Recipe for 100% Cotton yarn:

Detergent: 0.46 g/l

Softener: 0.76 g/l

M:L : 1:32

M/C Rotation: 40-45 min.

Hydro extraction: 5 min.

Drying temperature: 90 degree

Cooling time: 5 min.

Recipe for Cotton-Acrylic yarn:

Silicon: 1 g/l

Softener: 5 g/l

M:L : 1:10

Temperature: 100-130 degree

Time: 20 min.

Recipe for White color:

Detergent: 1 g/l

M:L : 1:10

Temperature: 100-130 degree

Time: 30 min.

Recipe for 50% Cotton and 50% Acrylic:

Detergent: 0.67 g/l

Softener: 0.44 g/l

M:L : 1:15

M/C Rotation: 20 min.

Hydro extraction: 5 min.

Dry temperature: 50 degree (10min.)

Cooling time: 5 min.

Recipe for 95% Cotton and 5% Cashmere:

Detergent: 0.92 g/l

Softener: 0.3 g/l

M:L : 1:26

M/C rotation: 45 min.

Hydro extraction: 5 min.

Dry temperature: 90 degree

Cooling time: 5 min.

Recipe for 70% Cotton and 30% Silk:

Detergent: 0.3 g/l

Softener: 1.23 g/l

M:L : 3:65

M/C rotation: 38-42 min.

Hydro extraction: 5 min.

Dry temperature: 70 degree

Cooling time: 5 min.

Eurocel™ – new fiber combination with a European foot print

Lenzing, a leading producer of man-made cellulose fibres, is presenting a new fibre concept Eurocel for the nonwovens industry at the Index trade fair that will be taking place from 8-11 April 2014 in Geneva.

According to the manufacturer, Eurocel is a European product through and through. The cellulose fibres used are made in Austria in an environmentally responsible process.

Eurocel is based on the idea of offering a high quality European product to consumers. Sandler, a German nonwovens manufacturer partner, adopted the idea of Eurocel and developed a new product for their customers.

“We are well-known for quickly putting our ideas into practice and we immediately recognised the potential of Eurocel for the European market,” Dr Ulrich Hornfeck, member of the Sandler management board, explained.

Due to the sustainable and high quality production of fibre material at Lenzing and Sandler’s innovative strength, a skin-friendly wipe has now been created, Lenzing reports.

“Production in Europe translates into shorter delivery distances, which means fewer carbon dioxide emissions during transportation and thus a lower carbon footprint,” Hornfeck commented.

Apart from the logistical advantages, Hornfeck also names the improved product properties, such as the improved volume, the higher tear resistance and reduced elongation.

“The goal is to persuade other nonwoven manufacturers of this European idea and offer a convenience care product which complies with today’s consumer demands: sustainable, natural, and high quality,” said Elisabeth Stanger, Head of the Hygiene Business Segment.

According to the company, Eurocel can be awarded with the raw material certification label PEFC, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, European Ecolabel, Compostable (DIN CERTCO), Vinçotte OK compost HOME, Vinçotte OK compost, Vinçotte OK bio-degradable SOIL, Medically tested / ITV Denkendorf, US BPI compostable certificate and Food contact compliance Certification.

Sandler AG is a family-run company with 135 years of experience. It has sales of € 274 million. The company has an output of 99,800 tons of nonwovens for applications in hygiene, wipes, the automobile sector, filtration, engineering and home textiles.

Source: Lenzing

Market Opportunities for Smart Textiles 2014

The fashion industry knows what consumers want to wear, often before they do. Recently, fashion houses have been predicting that we will soon be using our clothing not only to look good, but to communicate, and learn from our behaviours. Integrating wearable technology into a wave of new designs offers everyday consumers the opportunity to interact with fashion.

New trends are the result of cultural shifts, cyclical attitudes and lifestyle changes. The industry continues to innovate and influence consumer desires and buying habits, and now the worlds of technology and fashion design have begun to merge. Smart textiles and wearable technology are becoming widely used and recognized by the fashion industry. A number of clothing companies have been established exclusively to exploit these developments and create increasingly innovative designs. As a result, there is growing consumer interest in using smart textiles in fashion, giving designers new methods with which to grab attention and stand out from competitors.

Will this new wearable technology market be led by tech giants or by fashion houses? Will we soon be wearing gadgets instead of carrying them around with us?

Following the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy smart watch and a host of other similar wearable gadgets last year, technology has increasingly become a part of the very fabric we wear. The lines between fashion and technology have been blurring for some time and examples have leaked into popular culture: from Fergie's LED dress on the Black Eyed Peas tour, to Nicole Scherzinger's Twitter dress which received and showed tweets in real time. Scherzinger's dress was created by wearable technology pioneers CuteCircuit and commissioned by mobile service provider EE, demonstrating the potential of a successful fusion of fashion, technology and celebrity.

However, there are issues regarding the full integration of wearable technology into sartorial designs. Fundamentally, both fashion and technology need to avoid sacrificing the very thing they promise; fashion shouldn't forgo aesthetics for the sake of being cutting-edge, and technology shouldn't get away with poor functionality just to be wearable.

Wearable technology is still overcoming some major challenges. Take, for example, fashion designer Fyodor Golan's and creative house Kin's mobile phone skirt, debuted at this year's London Fashion Week. Created using Nokia Lumia 1520 and 1020 handsets, the phones each display different parts of an image to give the illusion of a larger image. However, combining the heavy technology with fragile fabric proved problematic, and the designers experienced difficulties with battery life of the phones. Could this be form over function? The key to success in this area is creating something because it is needed, or desirable, not simply because it is possible.

Wearable technology has seen more commercial success in consumer adoption in the sports and fitness industry. Technology has been used to track biometrics like heart rate, speed and oxygen levels. This data gathering is designed to provide consumers with the information they need on their health and fitness. Another major application and development area for wearables is in the medical sector; garments which can track vital signs and produce alarms in emergencies are just the beginning of the potential present in this market.

In these sectors, the look of the technology is arguably less important. In the fashion industry, a product has to look impressive before many consumers will even consider wearing it.