Features

Changes in the automotive industry and the increasing adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles could create significant opportunities for producers of composites reinforced with, and nonwovens made from, carbon fibres. Two companies in Germany are positioning themselves to capitalise, reports Nonwovens Editor Adrian Wilson.

A US start-up company has ambitious plans for its durable zinc nanoparticle-based treatments that can be used to make antimicrobial, odour-resistant or ultraviolet radiation-shielding textiles. US Correspondent John McCurry reports. 

A number of distinctive displays of contract fabrics at the recent Heimtexil in Frankfurt, Germany, served to illustrate the home and contract-textiles exhibition’s dominant themes; the importance of functionality and sustainability. Nonwovens Editor Adrian Wilson reports.

While the nanomaterial graphene has attracted significant attention over the last fifteen years, its use in the manufacture of textiles has been limited. Versarien is looking to change this with a range of graphene-based inks for the production of sportswear. James Bakewell spoke to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Neill Ricketts, to find-out more. 

Cotton fabrics can often provide the perfect conditions for the growth of bacteria that cause them to smell and, ultimately, degrade. Senior Technical Manager, Textiles, at Microban International, Yihong Li, describes a potential solution to this problem.

Companies operating in every sector of the fibres, nonwovens and technical textiles industries must continue to innovate in order to make their products more environmentally sustainable. Adrian Wilson reports on the latest developments from the annual Global Fiber Congress (GFC), held most recently on 13–15 September 2022 in Dornbirn, Austria.

The recent staging of Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil was perfectly timed, as the technical textiles industry wrestles with a long list of challenges. As Editor James Bakewell reports, the shows illustrated that strong partnerships will be vital if these problems are to be solved. 

Freudenberg Performance Materials used Techtextil, which was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 21–24 June 2022, to showcase its ever-expanding portfolio of nonwovens and technical textiles. During the show, Nonwovens Editor Adrian Wilson spoke to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Weinheim, Germany-based company, Dr Frank Heislitz, about progress since the last edition of Techtextil.

Established in 1883, Aurora Specialty Textiles specialises in applying coatings and finishes to textiles. In an interview with John McCurry, Aurora’s President, Marcia Ayala, describes the company’s business philosophy, the challenges posed by the human coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic and her plans for the future. 

Examples of innovation from manufacturers of knitted, woven and laminated fabrics will be plentiful at Techtextil. James Bakewell provides a guide to companies to look for on the show floor.