Specialty Fabrics Review August 2020 - 50

FOCUS

ADVANCED TEXTILES

Until now, measurements have relied on
the use of rigid electrodes attached to the skin
using gel and adhesive tape or straps that are
not well suited to daily use. The new device
can be more discreetly attached to the face
or jaw, and uses advances in soft, flexible
electronics with a sterile wound dressing
sandwiched between the face and patch,
providing protection and adhesion.
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CURED

SILICONE

TREMOR CONTROL
Researchers in Switzerland led by Empa,
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials
Science and Technology, are developing an
adjustable, inflatable textile orthotic for wrist
tremor suppression in patients. Essential
tremor (ET) affects an estimated 2.2 percent
of the U.S. population over the age of 65, with
Parkinson's disease patients being the second
highest group suffering from movement

COATED

FIBERGLASS

FIBERGLASS FABRIC WITH A SATIN WEAVE
This silicone rubber coating is flame resistant, water and
oil resistant, light weight, easily sewn, and has a durable
surface with good abrasion resistance.
We also produce many flame retardant neoprene, acrylic, vinyl and
urethane coated fabrics
* Flame proof "FIRE CLOTH" vinyl and silicone coated glass fabrics for
air cargo, warehouse chemical storage and industrial flame barrier
applications
* Various extruded film fabric laminates include TPR-EPDM and
urethanes for industrial applications

By Worthen Performance Coated Fabrics
For more information: bwilliams@worthenind.com

disorders. Neither are curable, but tremor
suppression orthoses are an option.
The researchers used a textile "glove"
designed to be easy to put on and take off,
lightweight, flexible and not irritating to the
skin. Air inflating the membrane structure
allows for variable stiffness that can be
regulated by the user. This can be adjusted
for specific tasks either with a hand pump
or a small switch-activated electrical pump.
An innovative new laser-welding
technique uses an infrared laser to create
a mechanically strong but flexible seam.
The flexibility it allows for-in a range of
3D shape designs-is greater than what is
possible with more conventional methods,
such as hot press. The resulting orthosis
offers a lightweight design weighing only a
little more than an ounce, helping to prevent
muscle fatigue.
This is particularly important when used
over long periods of time or for elderly patients
where there is a high risk of reduced skeletal
muscle mass. Tests that have been undertaken
with three of six key tasks (drinking from a
cup, pouring water and drawing a spiral) are
showing positive results.
While it may be simplistic to say that in
looking at the potential for advanced and
smart textiles in health and safety we should
just look at replacing heavier or less flexible
materials with textiles, there is still much to
be gained by looking afresh within the textile
sector itself or, for that matter, beyond our
usual understanding of textiles at all.
HOME-GROWN CELLULOSE MASK
A pair of bio-designers, Elizabeth Bridges and
Garrett Benisch of Sum Studio in New York
City, have created an antimicrobial cellulose
face mask. The bio-designers suggest this
material could offer a credible longer-term
supply solution for personal protective
equipment (PPE).
During the current COVID-19 pandemic,
the race has been on to provide adequate PPE.
Designers, manufacturers and individuals at
home are offering creative solutions ranging
from 3D printed shields to DIY face masks.
N95 masks are made from meltblown
nonwoven material designed to filter particles
containing pathogens. These materials are
paramount in the fight to stop the spread of

50 REVIEW AUGUST 2020

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7/21/20 4:49 PM
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Specialty Fabrics Review August 2020

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