Stein Mart Selects James B. Brown As Chief Financial Officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — December 17, 2018 — Stein Mart Inc. today announced the appointment of James B. Brown as executive vice president and CFO effective December 17.

Brown joins Stein Mart from Adrianna Papell Group, where he was CFO. He previously held CFO positions at Gordmans Stores and Hancock Fabrics and was senior vice president, Finance with Fred’s Inc. Brown will have responsibility for Stein Mart’s finance, internal audit, investor relations and asset protection areas.

“James’ strong financial and retail industry background, including off-price experience, makes him a great addition to our team,” said D. Hunt Hawkins, CEO. “His leadership and strategic insight will complement our efforts and build on the progress we have already made to strengthen our financial position.”

Brown succeeds Gregory W. Kleffner, whose pending retirement was announced in October. To ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities, Kleffner will remain with the company through the end of the fiscal year and then serve in an advisory capacity.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Stein Mart, Inc.

Siren Announces Publication Of Foundational Data For Novel Approach To Skin Temperature Monitoring In Journal Of Medical Internet Research (JMIR)

SAN FRANCISCO — December 17, 2018 — Siren — the health technology company that developed Neurofabric™, a machine-washable, machine and dryable smart textile with built-in sensors — today announced publication of a foundational paper supporting its approach in Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), the leading peer-reviewed journal for digital medicine, and health & healthcare in the Internet age. In the paper, a team of international researchers led by Ran Ma, co-founder and CEO, and Alexander M Reyzelman, DPM; Samuel Merritt University, detail the role of Siren’s Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System in maintaining continuous, wireless skin temperature monitoring for users at-home, demonstrating the potential for the reduction of foot ulceration for diabetic patients.

“Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) result in considerable cost to the healthcare system when immediate ulcers, social services, home care, and subsequent ulcers are taken into consideration,” said Alexander M Reyzelman, DPM; Samuel Merritt University and lead author on the paper. “The cost per ulcer is over $33,000 per year and the cost per leg amputation is more than $100,000 per year. Over 100,000 legs are lost to diabetes each year. In diabetic foot complications such as foot ulcers, elevated temperatures in regions of the foot have been shown to be a precursor for ulceration.”

The JMIR publication details Siren’s pilot study of its Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System to assess how comfortable their sensor-embedded socks were for daily use, and whether observed temperatures correlated with clinical observations.

In the study, patients wore the socks at home for a median of 7 hours, reporting that they felt just like their normal, everyday socks. Their stated willingness to wear the socks every day underscores the socks’ suitability for home use, suggesting that Neurofabric can seamlessly integrate into the life of the wearer.

“Several tools have been developed to measure plantar temperatures and the progression of foot ulcers, but they only measure temperature once a day which can lead to false-positives, or are only available for in-clinic use and not at home,” said Ran Ma, co-founder and CEO of Siren. “Now, for the first time, we highlight the striking connection between our Neurofabric’s powerful ability to capture data at home, every single second. The data is incredibly meaningful — it’s the largest amount of patient data that physicians have had wireless access to in real-time. This solidifies the potential for Neurofabric to change the trajectory of diabetic foot ulcerations and the many complications that can occur from it — including sepsis, and lower limb amputations.”

Patients also reported that Siren’s mobile app was easy to use and navigate. Through the mobile app, wearers can view the current temperature as measured at six points on the user’s foot. While the app was not set up to generate alerts in this study, users can receive a notification on their phone when a temperature increase is detected between contralateral positions.

“Digital health is a vast and burgeoning field and spans several aspects of health management — Neurofabric can facilitate the management of chronic conditions at home, including the effective and timely management of DFUs,” said Henk Jan Scholten, co-founder and COO of Siren. “The JMIR publication sheds light on both the ability of these Neurofabrics to improve quality of life for diabetes patients, and Siren’s first use-case to empowering people to take their health into their own hands.”

Siren is initiating a large-scale patient study in 2019.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Siren

FleishmanHillard Launches Tech Trends 2019 Report — Smart Fabrics And E-textiles Mention

ST. LOUIS — December 18, 2018 — FleishmanHillard today released “Tech Trends 2019: The Fads. The Fears. The Future.” a new report offering insights and predictions for the technology industry. The report features an analysis of 1 billion tech-focused consumer conversations on Twitter between 2017 and 2018, along with insights from more than 25 technology thought leaders from around the world.

“Technology changes at a rapid pace and what once consumers barely even imagined, today they barely even notice,” said Sophie Scott, global managing director of FleishmanHillard’s Technology practice. “By examining the conversations that have taken place and the technology on the horizon, we’ve been able to make predictions about tech in 2019 to help brands understand consumer expectations and plan for the future.”

The report includes the following 2019 predictions:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) will get detailed. Brands that use AI to engage in detailed and explanatory conversations — seeking to place AI in real-life contexts — will be next year’s big winners. Discussions on conversational AI increased 54 percent in Twitter topic volume from 2017 to 2018.
  • Tech for good. FleishmanHillard’s Authentic Insights report conducted by TRUE Global Intelligence revealed that more than 80 percent of consumers rate data security and protection as very important — ahead of only healthcare and education in the UK and healthcare and freedom of speech in the U.S. Against all this, responsible data protection measures will continue to be a major trend.
  • Augmented analytics will go mainstream. AI’s potential to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it is central — consumers will want to understand both what augmented analytics means by itself, and what it means against technology’s other big trends.
  • Blockchain will find new opportunities. Moving beyond cryptocurrencies, Blockchain could expand, supporting developments like smart cities and digital transformation. Discussion volume share increased 52 percent between 2017 and 2018 — and the opportunity for deeper, more forward-looking conversation is growing.
  • Edge computing will come to the fore. Edge computing streamlines the flow of traffic from IoT devices and provides real-time local data analysis. Look for 5G to spur on the continued hype and interest in edge computing in 2019.
  • Immersive reality will transform new sectors. Virtual, augmented and mixed realities will join to create new experiences for consumers and will creep even further into areas like retail, manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Smart fabrics and e-textiles will rise in popularity. Expect smart fabrics and exoskeletons to hit runways and warehouse aisles alike, challenging what the term ‘wearable’ really means.

The data for FleishmanHillard’s “Tech Trends 2019: The Fads. The Fears. The Future.” report includes qualitative and quantitative data. A social conversation analysis was conducted around Gartner’s 2018 and 2019 trends to test true traction of emerging technology. These findings were then augmented by market-leading brand executives to forecast the direction of 2019. The report reflects global, English-language conversations. All data falls within the public domain and was aggregated to ensure that personally identifiable elements were removed from the analysis and methodology.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: FleishmanHillard

Computer Aided Technology Partners With MADE St. Louis

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — December 18, 2018 — Computer Aided Technology (CATI) has partnered with MADE, a new community workspace based in St. Louis, Mo. MADE launched its new maker space on November 15, 2018, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 700 makers, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs of the greater St. Louis area were present to see the new technology available to them. The MADE mission is to cultivate local creativity, foster curiosity, and support diversity in creative practice. The MADE community, with all levels of experience ranging from experts to novice users, believes that creation is a way of life and we are each driven by a basic need to shape the world around us.

Computer Aided Technology is MADE’s exclusive provider of Stratasys FDM 3D Printers and Roland Benchtop CNC Milling machines, placing a Stratasys F Series 3D Printer and a Roland Benchtop CNC Machine onsite. In addition to the rapid prototyping equipment provided by CATI, MADE houses a plethora of capabilities and tools including (but not limited to):

  • Woodworking – Saws, lathes, routers, etc.;
  • Metals and Machining – CNC mills, lathes, sheet metal bending break, TIG and MIG welding;
  • Finishing – Sand blasting, powder coating, and paint spraying;
  • Plastics Manufacturing – Vacuum forming, injection molding; and
  • Textile Production – Silk screening, sewing, quilting.

Director of Operations Vince Schell said: “The staff and members at MADE are buzzing with excitement for the new equipment offered by CATI. The Roland MDX-50 and Stratasys F170 are essential prototyping tools to get a project going fast. We are thrilled to offer high end technologies to our members. As our new partnership between MADE and CATI grows we plan to continue to offer the best technologies to our growing community.”

CATI personnel will be engaged in teaching classes for MADE on 3D printing and other manufacturing processes as well as helping entrepreneurs with the creation and development of their projects.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Computer Aided Technology (CATI)

Stäubli To Present At Dhaka Int’l Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — December 18, 2018 — Stäubli invites textile industrials to visit the booth of its agent, Spintex Technology Ltd., and discover machinery and system solutions for optimizing workflows in weaving mills that seek to capture benefits like time savings and increased overall efficiency.

A range of Stäubli products is displayed, offering weavers and knitters solutions that are perfectly adapted to their specific needs and requirements: from automation of weaving preparation to ultra-reliable shedding solutions for frame and Jacquard weaving to a revolutionary device that drastically shortens the sock-knitting process.

Stäubli solutions for automated weaving preparation boost weavers’ flexibility and productivity

With its renowned SAFIR automatic drawing-in machines — especially the SAFIR S40 and SAFIR S60 — Stäubli offers unique solutions for weavers seeking to improve their weaving preparation process and their production of denim, linen, and shirting fabrics. These machines support just-in-time processing and boost the production of premium-quality fabrics. They are highly flexible in use and can be easily adapted to future applications. All SAFIR models feature AWC technology, including optical double-end detection as standard. Among the many advantageous features to be discovered are optional colour or S/Z-repeat sorting and management for perfectly prepared warps.

Visitors will also see the TOPMATIC 201 PC automatic warp tying machine. This is Stäubli’s tying solution for fine-to-standard yarns in the yarn range from 0.8 to 500 tex. The machine features double-end detection and works reliably even with flat warps without a lease. In addition to flexibility, weavers profit from the long service life.

Mills processing sectional warps will be excited to learn about the recently launched BEAMPRO warp reading-in machine for an improved sizing process. It makes manual reading in a thing of the past. Stäubli’s know-how in yarn handling promises decisive benefits to textile mills, from significant time savings to increased quality.

SX and LX Jacquard machines for ultra-reliability and top-quality fabrics

With an optimized housing and high-performance lifting mechanism, these machines operate reliably even under the most demanding conditions in the mill. The maximum number of hooks for Jacquard designs is 25,600 – or 51,200 hooks by combining two machines. Adaptable to all types of machines, whether air jet, rapier, or water jet, the SX Jacquard machine produces excellent results in the form of terry cloth, decorative materials, or silk fabrics as well as textiles for tapestries, apparel, or seat covers.

The Stäubli range of shedding systems for frame weaving answers every need

Stäubli’s broad product portfolio includes solutions for frame weaving with air-jet, water-jet, rapier, and projectile weaving machines. A recent addition is the new, highly robust 1692 cam motion, available with up to 8 lifting units, operating at a pitch of 12mm. With it, weavers can easily produce high-quality fabrics as the machine assures gentle warp treatment. Its automatic and fully integrated levelling device prevents overstretching of the warp and eliminates start-up marks. The interchangeable cams give mills maximum flexibility as the same cams can be used for creating both a warp and a weft effect.

Stäubli has the ideal solution for water-jet weaving: the S3061 model of the S3000/S3200 electronic rotary dobby series. It features the famous Stäubli concept of selection of heald frames by locking for secure frame selection and continuous weaving. The dobby is compatible with all the major brands of weaving machines, and customers can choose the machine that best matches their requirements. The dobbies feature the new maintenance-free de82 harness motion and quick-link systems for heald frames. The shedding system adapts to the weaving parameters of the weaving machine and is highly economical to operate.

Automation solutions for knitting – drastically shortening the production process

The recently launched D4S toe-linking device is becoming indispensable in more and more knitting mills. This ingenious device sews the toe closed while the sock-knitting machine simultaneously produces the next sock. The precise operation of the device ensures perfect linking quality. Thus, the D4S answers several key challenges in knitting: minimizing idle time, delivering higher-quality and higher-volume output, and reducing waste material, the increasing price of which eats into profit margins. Installing the D4S device on a sock-knitting machine promises a quick return on investment for the mill. In addition to more efficient production, the mill will also benefit from enhanced operator convenience and expanded functionality, especially thanks to the independent 2900SL electronic controller.

Stäubli supports its customers even years after purchase

Stäubli is committed to helping customers realise the maximum benefits from their machinery for the long term. Stäubli offers training, technical support, and spare parts even many years after the sale.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Stäubli

Braiding Machines — A New Line Of Business For Mayer & Cie.

ALBSTADT, Germany — December 18, 2018 — Mayer & Cie. (MCT) has since December had a new line of business. From January 2019, the company is manufacturing braiding machines in addition to circular knitting machines at its Albstadt works. Mayer Braidtech, a wholly owned Mayer & Cie. subsidiary, is responsible for sales and service of the new machines, manufactured for the past 40 years by US-based affiliate Mayer Industries. With Mayer Industries due to cease operations in the medium term, Mayer & Cie. has decided to integrate and take forward this successful line of business at its Albstadt location.

Good reasons for braiding machines

“We see this step as an opportunity to come much closer to our target of sensible diversification,” says Marcus Mayer, managing director at Mayer & Cie. and in charge of technical development. “As a manufacturer of circular knitting machines we are subject to the vagaries of the textile machinery market, which experience has shown to be liable to strong fluctuations. A sector-unrelated product such as braiding machines will make us a good deal more — and healthily — independent.”

It was apparent right now, how important diversification is, Benjamin Mayer, Mayer & Cie.’s co-managing director, noted. He is responsible for sales. After a fast and furious start to 2018 demand for circular knitting machines had tailed off in the second half. That was mainly due to turbulence in international trade policy, he said, in the wake of which uncertainty had spread widely in many important circular knitting markets. Order books for braiding machines, in contrast, are full for months ahead because other laws apply to the hydraulic hoses used in, for example, automobile manufacturing and aviation. That is also true of tubes that drive pumps on the seabed in offshore operations. Braiding machine manufacturing capacities are currently fully booked until the beginning of 2020.

Although circular knitting and braiding machines are only distant relations, there are many synergy effects between the two lines of business. “That was a powerful argument for integration,” says Benjamin Mayer. “Our new investment stays within limits because we can make many braiding machine parts with our existing machine tools and production machinery. Assembly employees can not only assemble circular knitting machines, shipping employees can not only ship circular knitting machines.” Mayer & Cie. also anticipates a positive effect in the key sector of research and development, but with the stated aim of establishing a separate research department as soon as possible.

Series manufactured in Albstadt from January

In January 2019, Braidtech is embarking on series production in Albstadt-Tailfingen. Preparations for this milestone took nearly 12 months. Premises needed to be provided, the production line prepared, procurement organized and, not least, the team lined up. At the moment, it consists of 12 employees who do production-related work in, say, assembly, quality assurance and logistics. They are currently working flat out on the prototype of their first braiding machine, an MR 15 24 Carrier. Patrick Moser, head of the new Mayer Braidtech business unit, explains that “the model as such is tried and established, but for us here, in new conditions, it is an ‘original’.”

The plan for the first half of 2019 provides for the shipment of two double deck systems, each consisting of two MR15 24 Carriers, per month. Preparations are also be made for series production of the second model in a range consisting of six products.

Distribution structures are well established. Mayer Braidtech has handled world sales of braiding machines for years. “Our business,” Moser says, “is project business, so the largest sales markets can vary from year to year, but for some time we have had many orders from Italy and China.”

Interim production support from the United States

As overall demand still exceeds production capacity in Albstadt-Tailfingen, Mayer & Cie. affiliate Mayer Industries will continue to manufacture braiding machines in the year ahead. Mayer Industries, based in Orangeburg, S.C., has made a name for itself in this field over the past 40 years and its systems are considered to be premium products. Founded in 1970, Mayer Industries originally manufactured circular knitting machines, but when orders stopped coming in during the 1970s crisis the owners, the Mayer family, acquired patents for braiding machines, thereby laying the foundations for a new, distinct line of business. When Mayer Industries ceases business operations, probably at the end of 2019, this line of business will continue to provide its services, but at a different location.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Mayer & Cie. (MCT)

The Shade Store Launches Exclusive Collection With AERIN

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — December 17, 2018 — The Shade Store, a resource for custom window treatments, announces the launch of AERIN for The Shade Store, a collection of materials for drapery, Roman shades and roller shades. The collection, which reflects the lifestyle of AERIN founder Aerin Lauder and her family home in the Hamptons, includes both light filtering roller shade designs and soft cotton fabrics in traditional prints and florals for Roman shades and drapery.

“With each designer collaboration we look to bring a fresh design perspective to our collection,” said Ian Gibbs, co-founder and creative director of The Shade Store. “This new collaboration with AERIN brings a modern, feminine style to our collection and, with both light filtering styles and fabrics, it allows for a unique layering of patterns that our customers will love.”

The collection will feature a soft and painterly color palette including neutrals in warm and cool tones as well as chocolate brown, pink and blue. With small-scale patterns for light filtering shades that add texture and visual interest, and drapery that features a luxurious and artisanal look and feel, the AERIN collection is designed to have a modern aesthetic that feels timeless. AERIN for The Shade Store features nine unique and exclusive patterns in a range of versatile colors that will mix beautifully in any room.

“The collection was inspired by my home in the Hamptons, which previously belonged to my grandmother,” said Aerin Lauder. “Several rooms in the house have richly patterned wallpaper and drapery, and through the years I’ve made changes while honoring her existing vision for the space. This collection is inspired by that mix, which makes a room feel more personal and curated to your individual style.”

AERIN for The Shade Store will be offered at all 65+ of The Shade Store showrooms nationwide and online where consumers and designers can choose free swatches to plan for their custom window treatments, with rendering services and design experts available to help. Every order from The Shade Store is handcrafted in the USA and ships free in 10 days or less. The Shade Store also offers professional measurement and installation around the country to help make the custom window treatment process truly simple.

ROLLER SHADES

Woodblock Floral features a small-scale floral motif, rendered in an irregular, block-printed style that creates movement for the eye and lends a visual softness to the design. Available in four versatile colors, this pattern works beautifully with a range of decorating styles.

Vintage Paisley Block Print features a small-scale repeating paisley design, offered in three versatile colors. Rendered in an irregular, block-printed style, this pattern is striking in its simplicity and softness.

Woodblock Geo is a hybrid of floral and geometric shapes with a handmade feel and a tonaluse of color. The look, offered in three hues, creates movement and visual interest to any window treatment.

DRAPERY & ROMAN SHADES

Wainscott Paisley is a delicate, small-scale repeating paisley print featuring elements of vines and flowers. Inspired by the charming Hamptons town, this design is a simplified rendering of a classic motif, offered in five colors.

Palm Leaf Diamond is a non-traditional lattice design incorporating elements of nature in a stylized geometric pattern. Five available colors range from warm to cool, ideal for any design scheme.

Exotic Floral features elements of abstract florals and vines, printed in tonal colors which softens the design and creates a handmade feel. Rendered in five monocromatic hues, this traditional print appears modern and fresh.

Hampton Floral uses layered tones of color in a painterly manner to create depth. The floral design, inspired by the lush flora and fauna of the Hamptons, has a bold scale and dense layout. Five muted hues offer an option for every color scheme.

Arbor Leaves features dense, sweeping branches highlighted by a shadow effect to create movement and visual interest. Five colors inspired by nature provide a range of options for this classic design.

Posted December 17, 2018

Source: The Shade Store

TRSA’s 7th Annual Healthcare Conference: Highlights Include Market Trends Update, Alsco Plant Tour

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — December 17, 2018 — Nearly 200 linen, uniform and facility services executives recently gathered outside Charlotte, N.C., for TRSA’s 7th Annual Healthcare Conference. The two-day event featured a wealth of education, networking and plant tours specifically designed for healthcare operators and associates.

The November 28 opening keynote address titled “The Future of Healthcare is Now” was presented by Ceci Connolly, president and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, an advocacy group based in Washington. Connolly discussed trends driving the healthcare marketplace, such as total cost of care, affordability and quality. Connolly also detailed trends shifting healthcare from hospitals to home and looked at how gridlock in Washington affects the U.S. healthcare industry.

These presentations followed the keynote:

  • Expansion into the Long-Term Care Market with Mike Lang, process analyst, Unitex; and Liz Remillong, vice president, strategic alliances, Crothall Healthcare;
  • Creative Staffing Strategies that Work, presented by Nancy Roberts, a hiring and staff-development consultant; and
  • Recruiting Military Veterans with Lisa Rosser, the owner/founder of The Value of a Veteran.

The lunch break included an update on TRSA’s government relations and certification programs by the association’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb.

The afternoon featured a look at smart textile innovations for use by hospitals and other healthcare providers, before the group split up for several breakout sessions, including:

  • Preparing for a Tour with Hospital Infection Staff;
  • Securing Capital to Grow and Innovate;
  • Ambulatory Services/Retail Medical; and
  • Managing Changing Customer Relationships and Expectations.

Randy Bartsch, CEO, Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service was the moderator for “Reusables vs. Disposables: A Healthy Debate” featuring Melanie Miller, Healthcare Value Analysis Management Experts Inc.; and Mary Potter, independent value analysis consultant.

On November 29, TRSA CEO & President Joseph Ricci moderated the panel: “Disaster Preparedness – Lessons Learned” with Mark Carter, president, Up To Date Laundry Inc.; Mike Lang, process analyst, Unitex; Michael Shulevitz, president, Cadillac Uniform and Linen Supply; and Tim Topornicki, Topper Linen Supply. Each panelist discussed the challenges and successes of keeping plants operational/customers serviced after experiencing disasters such as a crippling blizzard, hurricanes and a devastating fire.

The conference closed with a tour and debrief of Alsco Inc.’s Hygienically Clean certified Charlotte location.

The day before the conference kickoff, a group of nearly 30 CEOs and senior executives from TRSA member companies serving the healthcare sector gathered for roundtable discussion. They included:

  • American Textile Maintenance;
  • Florida Linen Services LLC;
  • Bates Troy Healthcare Linen;
  • HandCraft Services Inc.;
  • Cadillac Uniform & Linen Supply Inc.;
  • ImageFirst;
  • Century Linen & Uniform;
  • K-Bro Linen Systems Inc.;
  • CleanCare;
  • Linen King;
  • Crothall Healthcare;
  • MediCleanse Linen Service;
  • EcoBrite Linen;
  • Novo Health Services LLC;
  • Economy Linen & Towel Services Inc.; and
  • Paris Cos.

Key issues, trends and opportunities discussed included:

  • Increased scrutiny of the cleanliness of healthcare linens and uniforms that may result in further regulation;
  • Labor shortages, rising wages and an aging population will create opportunities to expand the market including long-term care (LTC) and cubicle curtains;
  • Disconnect of customers from purchasing resulting in varying expectations and objectives, as well as targeted messaging and multiple customer contacts;
  • Influx of new products and processes to improve linen infection control and minimize the risk of hospital-based infections (HAIs) through the use of silver and cooper, chemicals, ozone injection and other initiatives; and
  • Appropriate applications and value of reusable vs. single-use products, especially with healthcare community focus on reducing costs and waste.

TRSA president and CEO Joseph Ricci noted that TRSA and its members have been helping educate healthcare officials through research and white papers, as well as creating training materials, such as the Six C’s for Handling Soiled Linen in a Healthcare Environment that the association has distributed to thousands of healthcare providers. Visit www.trsa.org/soiledlinendrive to download.

For more information on the roundtable and the November 28-29 7th Annual Healthcare Conference, contact Joseph Ricci, jricci@trsa.org. TRSA’s events calendar is available at www.trsa.org/events

Posted December 17, 2018

Source: TRSA

Triad Polymers Releases Triuvant® UV Stabilizers

GREENSBORO, N.C. — December 12, 2018 — Triad Polymers is pleased to announce the release of Triuvant®, its proprietary ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer masterbatch for polymer applications.

Triuvant is suitable for use in a variety of consumer applications including outdoor furniture, beach accessories, cladding and decking, industrial fabrics, marine equipment, sporting goods, apparel, car interiors and much more. Triuvant is easily compounded into masterbatch for filament fibers, including PET and nylon, offering a superb alternative to acrylic-based outdoor furniture upholstery.

Triuvant UV stabilizers are available in custom blends to fit your application. Additionally, the company provides the below products geared towards specific uses:

  • Triuvant Ultra — best for injection molded or extruded film applications. Intended to increase longevity and prevent brittleness and cracking.
  • Triuvant Sustain — designed for use in recycled plastic applications. Formulated to work best with reclaimed polyester either from post-consumer or post-industrial waste-streams.
  • Triuvant Brilliance — intended for use in a variety of textile applications where it is important that colors stay vibrant and do not fade over time.

Posted December 17, 2018

Source: Triad Polymers

Keeping Safe From Flames: It’s All About The Chemistry

LYON, France — December 17, 2018 — Never so safe as with Solvay at your side. Workers need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be protected from common workplace risks like flash fire, molten metal or electric arcs. With its trademark flame retardant PROBAN®, Solvay offers an affordable and highly effective solution to that end.

Proban is a molecularly designed composite material consisting of a natural fiber — cotton — which is integrated with a manufactured polymer. When exposed to flame, Proban fabrics form an insulating char that helps protect the wearer. They do not smoulder or melt, and the flame doesn’t spread outside the charred area.

“Phosphorus-containing polymers, which are created in-situ, are what give the fabrics their flame resistance”, explains Susan MacDonald, Proban Global Market Director at Solvay Technology Solutions. ”Our polymer is made within the cotton fabric directly at our licensees’ mills, as opposed to in a chemical plant.”

A textile-chemistry collaboration

And here is how it’s done: “Solvay sells a monomer to its licensed textile mills across the world, which perform an in-situ polymerization where they convert a monomer into a polymer using ammonia as a curing agent. The monomer gets trapped at the core of the cotton fiber, and the resulting polymer is locked in.”

According to MacDonald, Solvay is “the only chemical supplier who then receives fabric samples from every production batch made by its licensees and checks these against international flame spread standards in our independently accredited lab in Oldbury, UK.”

“Only fabrics that pass our tests can be called Proban.The Proban polymer is permanently bound to the core of the cotton and delivers flame retardant (FR) protection for the lifetime of the garment, provided the item is clean and properly maintained following garment care instructions.”

Workwear you actually want to wear

Proban fabrics have other advantages too. Sharan Monga, Proban Research and Intelligence Analyst at Solvay Technology Solutions explains: “Natural fibers are more comfortable and protect you very well when compared to synthetic fibers. In some applications like steel production, they’re the only option available for protection.

“Cotton is more affordable, but that doesn’t mean that its performance is not better. Moreover, with our latest developments providing lightweight and comfortable workwear that people are happier to wear, better protection is more likely as people are more inclined to wear their PPE. We’ve had comments like ’we don’t want a driver to leave his/her FR jacket in the cab because he/she is too hot or uncomfortable.’ We want to be sure our PPE is worn properly to protect people.”

The mannequins in the spotlight video below show an example comparing synthetic aramid and Proban. They demonstrate that Proban is highly effective for protection against flash fires.

Tried and tested by Solvay

Mongan further explained: “Based on a natural fiber, Proban is stable to UV light and retains its tear and tensile strength properties with UV exposure, making it the perfect choice for working in outdoor environments. We recommend that end users test the suitability of various fabric technologies in strong UV conditions before choosing their protective garments.”

“Not only is Proban protecting workers worldwide, but it is also protecting Solvay employees in sites across Europe,” says MacDonald. “It is a cost-effective, comfortable, fully compliant solution for workwear that we are proud to have invented and continue to develop to this day.”

Posted December 17, 2018

Source: Solvay

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