Xerium’s new technologies bring innovation in clothing sector

Xerium Technologies Inc, a leading global manufacturer of industrial textiles and roll covers used primarily in the paper production process, continues to advance its position as the leading innovator in paper machine clothing technology by announcing full commercial availability of two new press clothing applications designed to enhance sheet quality, improve machine efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

Impact press fabric technology combines innovative raw materials, highly compressible base structure elements, and exclusive needling technology to deliver ultra-high press performance; and Finetexx forming fabric technology represents the ultimate solution for sheet quality, machine efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

"After nearly two years of Xerium-funded research and development and many months of customer-funded testing, these break-through products demonstrate our ongoing commitment to partner with our customers to reduce their operating costs," said Stephen R. Light, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Xerium Technologies.

IMPACT: Impact offers a unique combination of innovative raw materials, highly compressible base structure elements, topped with exclusive premium needling technology to deliver unsurpassed press performance. Impact technology utilizes hydrophilic base yarns aligned perfectly parallel in order to provide an ideal combination of pressure uniformity, mark-free surface, exceptional dimensional stability and immediate nip saturation.

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Nanotech deal opens door to develop greener & wool textiles

Wool Partners International subsidiary company Wools of New Zealand is working with a team of New Zealand scientists on a development programme for nanotechnology that enhances the design potential – and the environmental and technical performance – of wool textiles.

Wools of New Zealand has been granted rights to invest in commercialising technology developed by Professor Jim Johnston, Dr Kerstin Burridge, Dr Fern Kelly and Dr Aaron Small, in return for practical support provided over the past three years and ongoing market support. The terms of investment would be set through a separate agreement at the time this takes place.

Professor Johnston, with his team of co-inventors, has developed and patented a process in which pure gold or silver in nanoform are embedded in New Zealand wool, imparting a range of colourfast colours, functional and aesthetic benefits. A nanoparticle is one billionth of a metre, or one millionth of a millimetre, in diameter.

WPI Chief Executive Officer, Iain Abercrombie, says the company is delighted to take its working relationship with Professor Johnston and his team to the next level, where the potential for commercialisation comes more clearly into view.

“Wools of New Zealand has been working with Jim and his team to understand the commercial opportunities for this technology in carpets, and has just extended this to include other interior textile products. In return, we have secured first option to be involved in any commercial interest in the technology for strong wool in the field of interior textiles.

“We have also worked closely with international trade partners to create prototypes of products containing both gold and silver,” Iain Abercrombie says. “We have identified companies active in the target markets that are ready to progress with production trials. Applications of this technology run from high-end carpets coloured with gold through to textiles for use in transportation, where the silver provides effective anti-microbial activity, and other specialised interior applications.

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Takata ‘Airbelt’ system to improve safety & save lives

Takata Corporation, a leading global supplier of automotive safety systems including seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety electronics has announced it has become the first in the world to commercialize a new seat belt system for passenger vehicles that inflates like an airbag at the time of impact. The Takata “Airbelt” will provide occupants added safety and protection.

The first commercially available vehicle to be fitted with the new safety technology will be the Lexus LFA, scheduled to be launched by Toyota Motor Corporation in December 2010. The Takata “Airbelt” system will be commercially known as the SRS Seat Belt Airbag.

The SRS Seat Belt Airbag being fitted to the Lexus LFA has an airbag built into the webbing of the seat belt, which inflates on impact to provide additional protection to the shoulder and critical head area. The system is the first of its kind in the world, and provides additional protection in both frontal and side impacts through a single safety product.

In the case of a frontal impact, the belt expands directly to spread the shock-load over a wider area of the occupant’s chest. In a side impact, the belt inflates between the shoulder and head to reduce lateral head movement and provide protection from impact with the side window or colliding object.

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Material researchers praise MaIsse Blended Sorona Bamboo Textile

Jonano announces the inclusion of their signature MaIsse, an organic bamboo corn based Sorona blended fabrication into the collections at Material ConneXion's four libraries in New York, Bangkok, Cologne and Milan. Material ConneXion is the world's leading knowledge base for information about new and innovative materials. MaIsse has now become part of the world's largest innovative materials library, accessed by Fortune 100 companies, architects, designers, and more.

After being assessed by a panel of creative professionals with materials experience and voted in by a majority, Jonano MaIsse will be added to the Natural Category in Material ConneXion's online databases and displayed to be touched and felt at their four locations. The focus when selecting new materials for inclusion in their libraries is placed on innovation, eco friendliness as well as a variety of application of new materials.

"Our company motto is From Seed To Sewn. Since 2005, the Jonano production and design team have traveled extensively throughout the USA and North America, Europe, Central and South America, Africa and Asia searching out the best organic farms, mills, cooperatives and factories to create our collections. Our textile labs are constantly developing and discovering new cutting edge eco fabric blends and dye techniques," said Bonnie Siefers, Jonano Founder and Designer about this new fabrication and its recognition.

MaIsse, the fabric being used in Jonano’s EcoLux Lace Lingerie Collection now available at better boutiques and resorts worldwide, is a blend of several eco fibers that offer unique sustainable benefits. DuPont Sorona fiber provides a carbon dioxide reduction of 30 percent, while the manufacturing process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent, compared to conventional nylon made from petroleum. Organic viscose of bamboo fiber offers a fast growing crop that does not require pesticides during cultivation. Viscose from bamboo fiber also offers superior breathability and softness that has been compared to cashmere or silk.

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