Features

Ian Holme visited Ghent, Belgium, listened to the debates at the 8^th European Coating Congress (3–4 September 2015) and learned what its delegates see as the opportunities for and threats to the coating and laminating industry.

Suppliers of key technologies for nonwovens – including Dilo, Andritz and Oerlikon Neumag – will stress the opportunities for high-performance applications during ITMA 2015 (to be held in Milan, Italy, 12–19 November), reports Adrian Wilson.

A breakthrough spinning system patented by Lorica International offers the prospect of step changes in the performance of inherently flame-resistant fibres and fabrics, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zwerenz. 

A German company has developed an improved  method of coating the guiding parts and surfaces of filament processing machinery in order to decrease the damage and breakage to high-performance fibres, reports Nick Butler. 

New scientific developments continue to suggest that the established end-uses for nanotechnology to date are only the tip of an iceberg.

A group of Dutch investors is poised to make a bid for Royal Ten Cate.

Coated fabrics, ropes, sails, performance fibres, oil booms, safety wear and photovoltaic materials all feature in Niki Tait’s review of the manufacturers, products and applications that exploit technical textiles in the marine environment. 

Wearable devices for monitoring or improving health or that strive to improve the performance of athletes continue to proliferate, but have still to capture the imagination of the mass market, argues Adrian Wilson, who presents examples of the kinds of developments he thinks the smart textiles industry needs to focus on if this barrier to acceptance is to be surmounted.

Nick Butler accepted Technical Absorbents Ltd’s invitation to visit its production facilities for superabsorbent fibre, and learn more about the company’s ambitions, in particular its plans for the recently installed needlepunch nonwoven line.

On 18–22 May 2015, Cologne, Germany, hosted the largest FESPA Global Expo to date with exhibitors displaying the latest printers and technologies in order to attract a record-breaking number of visitors from around the world. Niki Tait reviews highlights from among the exhibits relevant to technical textiles.