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.
