Switzerland-based knitwear manufacturer Christian Eschler AG and Austria-based textile finisher Grabher Group have partnered to develop new functional sports and workwear fabrics featuring environmentally friendly Plasma Technology by Eschler.

Plasma is produced by the application of electrical fields to pure gas or gas mixtures in a vacuum chamber. The gas becomes ionized and causes a chemical reaction to occur on the material's surface. Depending on the combination of gas mixture composition, frequencies and gas flow, the fabric surface is modified to offer durable hydrophilic, hydrophobic, soil-repellent and/or other properties.

According to Eschler, the technology offers advantages over traditional wet-processing technologies in which additives often are coated onto the fabric and may compromise its flexibility, strength, touch and other properties, as well as its resistance to abrasion or washing. Wet processing also may limit the combination of properties in a fabric.

Eschler's plasma technology uses minimal water and chemicals, is energy-efficient and is free of fluorocarbon compounds. "The new technology allows a great eco balance that no other treatment gets even close to," said Markus Lutz, product manager, Eschler.

Sports apparel applications include cross-country and alpine skiing, cycling, functional underwear, mountaineering, running, trekking and others. Eschler expects to offer the first apparel products at retail in summer 2012.

July 13, 2010