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Coating and laminating

A bio-based alternative to the resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) adhesives typically used to ensure that a good bond is formed between mechanical rubber products and the yarns reinforcing them ha

A range of polyurethanes (PUs) that are produced using feedstocks derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from industrial processes has been developed by Stahl of Waalwijk, The Nether

Annabel of Ghent, Belgium, is now using a halogen-free coating to render its textiles for use in furniture flame-retardant.

A waterproof fabric for the production of awnings has been rendered flame-retardant through the application of a transparent, halogen-free polyurethane (PU) coating.

Flammability in Textiles and Polymers is the latest addition to in the Digital Labs series of educational online events being organised by the American Association of Textile Chemists and

A nanocoating that enables air filters to capture airborne or aerosolised droplets of liquid containing SARS-Cov-2, without inhibiting the flow of air through them, is now being used by su

A face mask coated with particles of silicon nitride that inactivate respiratory viruses could be launched later in 2021 following the signing of a licensing agreement between the producer of the p

Copper nanoparticles could be used to create coatings capable of inactivating the SARS-Cov-2 virus responsible for the human coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, according to a team of researc

A family of self-sterilising polymers that are effective at inactivating coronaviruses, including SARS-Cov-2 – the virus responsible for the human coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic – has bee

Re-usable, water-repellent coveralls designed to be worn in cleanrooms could serve as protective clothing for medical personnel, according to research undertaken by Krüss GmbH of Hamburg, Germany.

A device that enables the haptic properties of coated and uncoated textiles to be measured objectively is to be presented at the World Congress on Textile Coating (WCTC)

A line for the coating of bi-elastic knitted fabrics (which stretch in both warp and weft directions) has been developed by German textile machinery manufacturer Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH

A pair of durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings made from natural materials has been launched for application to textiles by the Rudolf Group of Geretsried, Germany. 

A polymer that could be used as a building block for polyurethane (PU) has been created from the second most abundant sugar in nature, xylose, by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK. 

Saving every last drop—dyers innovate to save precious resources

Spray application and other water-free technologies have the potential to save the textile industry from its most wasteful processes, according to Adrian Wilson.

A fibre that changes colour when exposed to elevated temperatures is being developed for the production of safety ropes by researchers in Switzerland.

An antimicrobial coating for textiles that can withstand a minimum of 30 laundry cycles has been launched by NordShield of Espoo, Finland. 

A water-based dispersion for use in the production of halogen-free, flame-retardant (FR) coatings for such as synthetic leathers for automotive interiors, home furnishings, and tents and tarpaulins

A partially bio-based reactive polyurethane (PU) hot-melt adhesive for textile laminating has been launched by Jowat of Detmold, Germany.

Manufacturer of graphene additives, Applied Graphene Materials (AGM), is to target the Turkish coatings and polymers sector following the signing of a distribution agreement with Gobarr Kimya Ticar

A nanocoating that enables air filters to capture airborne or aerosolised droplets of liquid containing SARS-Cov-2, without inhibiting the flow of air through them, has been developed by a

A range of bio-based reactive hot-melt adhesives for the laminating of textiles has been launched by Jowat of Detmold, Germany. 

A waterproof and breathable fabric that can be laminated directly to, for instance, the upper materials of shoes has been launched in North America by Altexa Srl and GHS Holdings.

One of the largest manufacturers of window blinds in the world, Eclipse, has invested in a back-coating line from Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co KG.

A hybrid binder for the formulation of waterborne inks that imparts durability, colour-intensity and opacity to screen-printed designs on fabrics made from synthetic and natural fibres has been lau

Manufacturers of technical textiles and nonwovens are increasingly adopting magnetic rollers for the finishing of wide-width materials, according to Monforts of Mönchengladbach, Germany.

A durable textile coating that can repel liquids such as blood and saliva, and can also prevent bacteria and viruses from adhering to its surface, is being developed by researchers in the USA.

An antiviral and antimicrobial treatment for textiles that is proven effective against the 229E strain of human coronavirus has been launched by HeiQ of Zurich, Switzerland.

Ways in which the performance of the cage nets employed in fish farming can be improved are being explored by Monforts at its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) in Mönchengladbach, Germany.

The Center for Environmental and Human Health Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) is to be established by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, USA.

Tex Tech Industries Inc has completed its acquisition of the coating and laminating operations of Highland Industries Inc, together with its defence-related business in the USA.

A range of perfluorochemical (PFC)-free durable water-repellent (DWR) treatments for textiles that are resistant to dry cleaning has been launched by HeiQ.

A pair of water-based polyurethane (PU) textile coatings has been launched by Archroma of Reinach, Switzerland.

Sustainable solutions for finishing, and coating and laminating

At ITMA (to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on 20–26 June 2019), suppliers of chemicals and builders of machinery for the finishing, coating and laminating of technical textiles will present technologies designed to minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. James Bakewell picks out some of the most important developments.

A patented coating technology (Textilise) that makes a permanently antimicrobial surface without affecting the properties of the textile is now available, according to the Irish company behind the

A water-based binder (Appretan NTR) for textile coatings that is made in part of raw materials from natural renewable resources has been developed by Archroma of Reinach, Switzerland.

A coating for polypropylene (PP) fibres that can capture toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents, even in highly humid environments, has been developed in the USA.

Arville’s exhibit will stress the Wetherby, UK-based company’s integrated manufacturing capabilities, which encompass design, weaving, coating and fabrication of bespoke textiles used in the defenc

A range of surface modifiers formulated specifically for manufacturers of technical textiles and prepregs is to be unveiled by Michelman of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

In a move that could be significant for the technical textiles industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan

A polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) coating that imparts flame retardancy (FR) to substrates, without the need for additives or halogenated materials, has been launched by Lubrizol Corp.

How to add functional particles to fabrics without binders

Two UK-based partners have developed a binder-free method for adding highly functional particles to nonwoven fabrics. During the Nonwovens for High-performance Applications symposium, held in Cannes, France, on 10–11 October 2018, Nick Butler learned how they do this.

Heimtexil to showcase textiles for a good night’s sleep

Already a significant market, the latest products for bedding will be this year’s focus at a major annual exhibition dedicated to textiles for the home. Adrian Wilson previews what exhibits visitors to Heimtextil (to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 8–11 January 2019) can find to enhance their sleep.

A perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free, water-repellent finish for leather has been launched by HeiQ of Bad Zurzach, Switzerland, and DuPont Consumer Solutions of Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

A US manufacturer of infusions based on silk protein (fibroin) that could be used to impart a range of functionalities to textiles has secured US$30 million in investments to scale-up its business.

Cutting-edge coating technologies to create new applications

Delegates at the International Conference on Textile Coating and Laminating (held in Berlin, Germany, on 8-9 November 2017) learned how: acoustic energy can be exploited to coat textiles; a technology for creating three-dimensional coatings can be used to exploit a consumer’s attraction to the touch and feel, in addition to any visual appeal, of a product; biotechnology is used to engineer polysaccharides as the basis of a range of high-performance biomaterials without the need for petrochemicals.

In Germany, Kroenert GmbH & Co KG owner ATH Altonaer-Technologie-Holding GmbH of Hamburg has agreed to purchase Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH of Dormagen.

Dry powder impregnation takes the heat out of processing

French company Fibroline has developed a process based on using electrical fields to drive dry powders into substrates. No heat is required and there is no rise in temperature during processing, which takes place at room temperature. Speaking at the International Conference on Textile Coating and Laminating, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jérôme Ville described the latest technology, its applications and the company’s vision for commercializing them.

How environmental and health issues are forcing change on coaters and laminators

Polyurethane, fluorocarbon and flame-retardant coatings have been integral parts of the textiles industry for many years, but all are based on the use of chemicals falling foul of modern legislation and standards with respect to human health and environmental impacts. Nick Butler reports how several speakers at the International Conference on Textile Coating and Laminating considered the viability of alternative technologies.

Nanobionic coating technology is being applied to the seats of the limited-edition McLaren Senna sportscar.

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