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Current trends in the Protective & Safety area include fabrics and apparel that provide comfort, manage moisture, and are lightweight and flexible. In the past, apparel for the Protective & Safety area has often been bulky, confining and uncomfortable. Many of the fibers, fabrics and technologies developed for the technical sports textile area are also being applied to protective & safety clothing. This includes the use of Smart/Responsive materials, and nano-technology to improve and add performance. Technologies allow fabrics to thermoregulate, such as Akwatek/Akwadyne and Outlast, and regulate the comfort zone - the atmosphere next to the skin, controlling temperature and dryness. Wearable electronics, which will allow monitoring of body functions such as heart rate, respiration and blood pressure may also soon be a reality
• The design of apparel is also employing ergonomic designs and constructions to provide better fit, add more flexibility and comfort. However, design improvements for comfort must not reduce the required effectiveness and performance of the product. Advances in construction include seamless knitting and welded & glued seams, which reduce a garment's weight, provide added protection from liquid chemicals, and enhances comfort.
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Fibers: | Innova® American Fibers and Yarns Co. |
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Fabrics: | Microspike Pittards |
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Yarns: | Sorbtek Unifi, Inc. |
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Technology: | SmartSilver NanoHorizons |
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