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March/April 2012

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Outlast® Polyester Fiber Wins Innovation Prize At 2011 Techtextil

BOULDER, Colo. — June 7, 2011 — Outlast Technologies, leader in heat management and moisture reduction technology, announces it has impressed the international jury of Techtextil (International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens) and won the 2011 Techtextil Innovation Prize in the category "New Materials" for the development of the world's first heat managing polyester fiber.    

The Innovation Prize brings the latest developments into view, encourages unconventional thinking and intensifies the dialogue between research, manufacturers and users, according to Messe Frankfurt. Awards went to outstanding achievements in research, materials and product development and new technology. This year, seven innovation prizes were granted, among 84 entries.     

"We are proud that our newly developed polyester fiber was chosen by the international jury," says Mark Hartmann, technical director of Outlast Technologies North America. "It was challenging to incorporate the climate controlled Outlast® technology into a polyester fiber and required years of development work, but we are very satisfied with the end result," says Volker Schuster, technical director of Outlast Europe GmbH, Heidenheim, Germany.    

The newest member of the Outlast fiber family is a bi-component fiber for which already various patents are issued. Staple fibers are launched in market first, followed by filament fibers. The new fiber, with temperature management, aligns particularly well with underwear and other products worn next to skin such as socks, t-shirts, shirts and trousers.     

The new Outlast® polyester fiber offers the added value of balancing temperature with the characteristics of a conventional polyester fiber (e.g., low moisture absorption; ability to transport moisture; improved wrinkle resistance; superior light, water and wind resistance and an above average durability). The result is increased comfort; chilling and sweating are reduced due to optimum climate regulation.   

Outlast® Technology 
Outlast® technology was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from temperature fluctuations in space. Outlast® phase-change materials (PCMs) absorb, store and release excess body heat. The benefits of Outlast® products include: 

  • Absorbs excess body heat
  • Manages moisture
  • Reduces overheating
  • Reduces chilling
  • Reduces perspiration
  • Continuously adapts to thermal changes              

Everybody's sensitivity to temperature changes is different, which means everyone sweats or becomes chilled at different rates-quickly or slowly. The temperature corridor in which we feel comfortable is relatively narrow: when the body core temperature of 37°C fluctuates only 2°C upwards or downwards we are subject to fever or hypothermia. Here is where Outlast® products help. They reduce temperature swings and influence the comfort zone efficiently. The microclimate is well balanced, reducing sweating and chilling. You feel not too hot, not too cold, but just right®.  

Posted on June 10, 2011

Source: Outlast Technologies Inc.

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