The history of clothing and textile dates back to 8000 B.C.E. when the cave dwellers used to weave vegetable fibres to make clothes. Since then textiles have not stopped evolving. Smart textiles have set a new dimension to them. Research has set the sky as the limit. In this article, Adita Banerjee has shared a list of a few latest research works that are currently sweeping the market with their innovations.
Examples:
About the Author:
1. Stimuli-responsive polymers – changes shape
In Germany, a novel method for creating movable, self-adjusting materials systems using ordinary 3D printers has been created. Because the systems are pre-programmed to contract and expand in response to moisture, they can undergo complicated form changes.Examples:
- Medical applications – forearm brace
- 3D printing – materials alter the shape in response to environmental stimuli such as light, temperature, and so on.
- 4D printing – preset form change as a result of stimuli, particularly chemicals
2. E-Thread technology – Stretchable Textile Yarn
The E-Thread® technology is a revolutionary assembling approach that allows the RFID tag to be embedded into a textile yarn and therefore into the product during the fabrication stage. The helical RFID tag was produced using E-Thread® technology, and experimental characterization revealed that the resulting structure performed well, with a limiting range of 10.6 metres in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID band with a 10% elongation tolerance.3. MERYL® Collection
Nylstar has been producing Meryl superior Nylon 6.6 branded yarns since 1950. Touch, Quality, and Sustainability are the three pillars of the Meryl brand. Their goal is to utilise less or no water, energy, or chemicals in downstream processes. Meryl is committed to lowering the negative environmental impact of the textile industry by sharing its expertise in developing sustainable yarns. Meryl EcoDye yarns are coloured via a dope-dyeing procedure, which involves adding colour to the polymer dope prior to extrusion. According to the business, this approach gives exceptional colour fastness and colour take-up while removing the need for water during the dyeing process. Other environmentally beneficial options include:- Meryl Eco Denim - saves up to 11,000 gallons of water every pair.
- Meryl Cotton 66 – it was created to help the environment.
- Meryl Skinlife – removes odours while maintaining skin health.
- Meryl Touch yarns – they are free of any topical chemical treatments.
4. Archroma – Aniline-free indigo for denim
Archroma's new aniline-free indigo dye, Denisol Pure Indigo 30 liq, eliminates the danger of obtaining the conventional, distinctive indigo blue that consumers identify with denim and jeans. Indigo-dyed denim with low levels of aniline impurities is popular in the denim market. Archroma offers a wide range of effects and colours, from the true roots of indigo to the most modern and eco-advanced solutions, from fibre to finish.5. ChromShield Technology – Fade-Resistant Yarn Dyeing and Functionality
CHROMUCH, a well-known manufacturer of 100% recycled, solution-dyed polyester fibre, has progressed to producing fade-resistant yarn dyeing. ChromShield provides enhanced colour vibrancy and durability, as well as a number of on-demand features like as fade resistance, UV protection, fire resistance, heat retention, quick drying, and antibacterial capabilities. CHROMUCH solution-dyed fibres are made from recycled PET bottles and are water-free, saving 3 gallons of water per yard of cloth, earning them Oeko certification.6. Evrnu NuCycl technology – First Garment
We've all worn old clothes to reuse them, but Evrnu has created the Infinite Hoodie, which is constructed from 60 percent NuCycl and 40 percent organic cotton diverted from landfills and can be regenerated into high-performance products again and again. NuCycl technology allows clothing to be dismantled at the molecular level and regenerated several times, allowing businesses to reduce the environmental effect of making and disposing of garments.7. Hyosung Regen Sustainability Program – Multi-Function Fiber
Their motto is to Reuse, Recycle, and Regenerate, and they are mostly focused on eco-friendly items. Regen Askin polyester cooling and UV protection fibre, Regen Cotna polyester natural touch fibre, and Regen Aerocool polyester sweat-absorbing and quick-drying fibre are among the fibres they produce. Creora regen regenerated spandex, created entirely of reclaimed waste, is one of the company's most recent innovations. To name a few, their domain caters to active clothing, work wear, backpack and bag businesses.8. Sanitary napkins – Jute
Jute cellulose-based disposable sanitary pads for global women's menstruation health are a significant improvement over traditional cotton pads. Farhana Sultana of Bangladesh manually developed and piloted the jute cellulose-based disposable sanitary napkin. Jute cellulose is a novel substance, and there is currently no machine in the country capable of producing such pads, posing a scaling challenge. It's a lignocellulosic fibre that's partly a textile fibre and partly a wood fibre. Jute is an inexpensive natural fibre. This will not only decrease the cost of buying expensive pads but also assist the woman in avoiding a variety of health issues.9. PrimaLoft P.U.R.E. – Reduces Carbon Emissions
P.U.R.E. stands for Produced Using Reduced Emissions. The manufacturing unit aims to minimise carbon emissions by up to 48 percent during production. The first product made with P.U.R.E. manufacturing process is made entirely of post-consumer recycled material and provides all of the insulating and performance benefits of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation. The fibres are thermally linked during traditional insulation manufacture by passing through a slow, high-heat oven indicating their advanced technology.10. Minardi Piume's FLOWER DOWN – Fiberfil Product
Minardi Piume creates a high-performance filling that is unique, natural, and long-lasting. They invented Flower Down by combining two natural components: kapok fibre, the most sustainable vegetable filling, and recycled down to generate remarkable fiberfil characteristics with a high technical performance that is both sustainable and recyclable. The result is a filling that is naturally thermally insulating, lightweight, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, sustainable, naturally water-repellent, soft, energy-saving, and thermo-regulating, with a high fill power of 550+ to 700+. Along with high technical and thermal performances, Flower Down is GRS approved as well.References:
- https://www.innovationintextiles.com/research-development-education/4d-printing-inspired-by-the-air-potato/
- https://www.indiantextilemagazine.in/latest-news/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/textiles_and_clothing/
- https://www.mdpi.com/journal/textiles/special_issues/trends_textiles
- https://www.innovationintextiles.com/research-development-education/
- https://www.textileworld.com/textile-world/features/2020/05/new-developments-in-fibers-yarns-fabrics/
- https://www.fabriclink.com/consumer/TopTen-2020.cfm
About the Author:
Adita Banerjee is pursuing her Graduation degree in Textile Technology from the Government College of Engineering and Textile Technology, Serampore. She loves writing content and reading books.