TTNet World News 16 March 2021
The race to develop methods for recycling wind-turbine blades
Thousands of ageing composite wind-turbine blades are being removed from steel towers around the world and many have nowhere to go but landfill. Composites Editor James Bakewell reports on efforts to develop methods for recycling these colossal structures that capture the most value from the glass-fibre textiles used to reinforce them.
Enzyme-coated yarns for novel filters
A method for coating cotton yarns with enzymes that could enable the production of novel filter media has been demonstrated by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, USA.
James Heal unveils water-repellency testing system
An efficient system for testing the water-repellency of textiles has been launched by James Heal of Halifax, UK.
FREE CONTENT: JEC Group launches online composites event
An online event featuring conferences, competitions, awards ceremonies and opportunities for networking is to be hosted by JEC Group of Paris, France, on 1–2 June 2021.
Allergen-controlling finish protects from pollen
A textile finish that reduces the presence of the allergens found in cat hairs and dog hairs has also been proven effective against pollen in testing undertaken by independent laboratory BMA-Labor of Bochum, Germany.
FREE CONTENT: Silicon nitride-treated fabrics proven effective against SARS-Cov-2
Fabrics made from fibres coated with particles of silicon nitride inactivate SARS-Cov-2, the virus responsible for the human coronavirus pandemic, shortly after contact, according to the manufacturer of the particles, Sintx Technologies.
Spinnova and Suzano to open commercial-scale factory in 2022
Developer of a process that enables fibres to be produced from cellulosic biomass, Spinnova, and wood-pulp producer Suzano are to invest approximately €22 million to build a commercial-scale fibre-production facility in Finland.
Design of armband that can track heart rate is refined
An armband that could be used to monitor the electrical activity of its wearer's heart – eliminating the need for conventional wired electrodes – is being developed by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, USA.
Imaging enables surface-roughness of fabrics to be measured
Researchers in the USA are using X-ray microcomputed tomography to capture three-dimensional (3D) images of the surface of fabrics in order to determine how they will interact with human skin.
Antimicrobial additive for laundering
An antimicrobial additive that can be used with detergent in washing machines to inactivate bacteria, viruses and fungi on textile surfaces during laundering has been launched by Smart Inovation of Barcelos, Portugal.
FREE CONTENT: Aramid separator makes better batteries for electric vehicles
A para-aramid nanofibre has been developed as a separator for lithium-ion batteries.
Huntsman Textile Effects and Sciessent form partnership
Huntsman Textile Effects is to become the exclusive distributor of Sciessent's antimicrobial and odour-controlling additive and finishes following the signing of an agreement by the two companies.
Rudolf Group updates range of durable water-repellent finishes
An extended family of non-halogenated, durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes that are free from alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and fluorine has been unveiled by Rudolf Group of Geretsried, Germany.
First line for the production of meltblowns in Spain
Nonwovens Ibérica has installed the first line for the production of meltblown nonwovens in Spain at its facility in Muro de Alcoy, where it also has its headquarters.
JEC World postponed until 2022
After consulting with its customers and partners, JEC Group of Paris, France, has decided to postpone the 2021 edition of JEC World.
Xenia Materials secures distributer in China
Italian Manufacturer of reinforced thermoplastics, Xenia Materials, has signed a partnership agreement with Jiejiayou (Shenzhen) Material Technology Co Ltd.
FREE CONTENT: Coating wool fabrics with nanodiamond–polyaniline nanocomposites
Wool fabric-based sensors that can be used to monitor such as human motion while remaining breathable, flexible and comfortable to wear are been developed by researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.