Page 79 - July-August-2017

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New method

for testing

PCM efficiency

Hexcel to supply advanced in textiles

composites for Airbus Phase Change Materials (PCM) play an important clothing-related physiological method of measuring
role in modern textiles. The Hohenstein Institute has
this. Physical measurements were only able to
investigated how effective PCM products are with the
indicate changes in temperature.
help of the WATson Heat Loss Tester.
A research project currently underway at the
Hexcel Corporation will extend its 40-year rotor and main rotor blades) contributes to the Whether for sports or outdoor wear, personal Hohenstein Institute has developed the first measuring
partnership with Airbus Helicopters by supplying lightweight fuel-saving design and performance protective clothing or for bed linen: PCM textiles are method that allows the effect and efficacy of PCM in
composite materials for the new H160 helicopter. optimization. becoming increasingly popular. But the greater textiles to be tested without costly wearer trials. This
Hexcel’s reinforcements, prepregs, adhesives and new test method has not only made it more simple to
honeycomb materials have been selected for the “Hexcel’s composite materials have been used in Airbus The number of applications, the greater the demands demonstrate the functionality of textiles, but also to offer
H160’s composite fuselage structures and main Helicopters’ programs for many years and we are made on textiles containing PCM. How is the effect proof of quality. This research project involved testing
rotor blades. honored to be continuing our long term relationship, they promise perceived by the wearer of such PCM-containing products from the market and coating
based on innovation and continuous improvement” textiles? Until now there has not been any textile samples with varying quantities of PCM.
The H160 was designed by Airbus Helicopters to commented Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President Aerospace
create added value for customers in terms of EMEA-AP. “We thank Airbus Helicopters for their selection
performance, economic competitiveness, safety and and look forward to our ongoing supply of high
comfort. The use of Hexcel’s composite materials performance, weight saving composites materials
throughout the structure (fuselage, tail boom, tail for this innovative rotorcraft”.
Polartec introduces

Polartec Power Fill

Hyosung to launch new

MIPAN Robic fine yarns Polartec LLC, a premium provider of innovative textile A unique controlled melt process bonds the hollow
solutions, has announced the upcoming launch of
fibres, increasing durability and drapability, eliminating
Polartec Power Fill insulation fabric technology that the need for scrims or other stabilisers. This is said to
Hyosung, a leader in innovative nylon fibres, will be launching new fine rounds out the company’s range of give Power Fill unmatched warmth and design versatility
denier, high tenacity MIPAN Robic Fine to meet customer’s demand for temperature-regulating performance fabrics. for a wide range of styles and usage occasions. The
lightweight, durable fabrics and garments. The new yarn family ranges from polyester fibre’s inherent hydrophobic properties also
7 to 15 denier and are 15-20% higher tenacity than regular nylon in same Polartec Power Fill is a soft and pliable matrix of spun work to ensure that Polartec Power Fill resists moisture
deniers in order to achieve stronger fabrics with higher tensile strength and polyester yarns engineered with a proprietary hollow absorption and dries quickly, while maintaining a high
abrasion resistance, the company reports. fibre construction that is softer and more durable, warmth to weight ratio.
forming thousands of air pockets that continuously
“Consumers want garments, backpacks, shells, and sleeping bags to be capture and contain body heat, while maintaining a Made with cruelty-free, 80% post-consumer recycled
lightweight but long lasting so we expanded the MIPAN Robic high tenacity resilient, equalised thermal layer between the colder content, Power Fill insulation technology is said to
yarn collection to include fine deniers,” said Roman Park, MIPAN Robic air on the outside and the warmer temperatures on provide greater warmth retention in colder conditions,
product manager. “Higher tenacity extends wear life and protective the inside, the manufacturer explains. without added weight or bulk.
performance for outdoor apparel, workwear, bags and accessories.”