Page 79 - TEXtalks October/November 2021

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Nobel Prize 2021 demonstrates the

importance of touch and textiles

Textile scientists have worked for decades to better cells to discover a novel sensor class that responds
simulate the feel or touch of fabrics. David Julius to mechanical stimuli in the skin and internal
and Ardem Patapoutian have won the 2021 Nobel organs. Researchers had previously found
Prize in physiology or medicine to discover the mechanical sensors in bacteria, but the
human receptors for temperature and touch. David mechanisms underlying touch in vertebrates
Julius utilized capsaicin, a pungent compound from remained unknown. While the mechanisms for
chili peppers that induces a burning sensation, to temperature sensation were unfolding, it remained
identify a sensor in the skin's nerve endings that unclear how mechanical stimuli could be converted
responds to heat. into our senses of touch and pressure.

This year’s Nobel recognition has a personal Since responses to stimuli such as warmth or cold,
resonance for Ramkumar, who is heavily involved friction and outside pressure play an important role
with the understanding of the touch of fabrics and in consumer acceptance of textile and other
undertook doctoral dissertation research on the products, the basic work undertaken by the Nobel
hand of fabrics at the University of Leeds some laureates will give us a better understanding on the
years ago. Researchers used pressure-sensitive sensory perception at a molecular level.

Renewcell to go with ABB

automation to avoid landfill

ABB will deliver automation, electrification, quality
control systems, motors, and drives for Renewcell, the
fast-growing Swedish company specializing in
textile-to-textile recycling. Textile fibers made from
recycled raw material use approximately 50 liters of
freshwater per kg in production, compared to around
1,600 liters for cotton and 90 liters for viscose. The
process also lowers waste, plastic pollution, and both
CO and chemical emissions.
Among the ABB technology that will be installed in the
In addition, the use of recycled fabric can help brands new plant is the market-leading process control
deliver on their promises to reduce their negative system ABB Ability System 800xA that will provide
impact. The process for clothing recycling is similar to operators with comprehensive visibility and precise
pulp drying, breaking down cellulose in cotton and control from a central command center to ensure that
viscose textiles to recycle into new raw materials. This production is as resource-efficient as possible, with
similarity enables Renewcell to use the existing less material consumption and reduced waste. In
infrastructure, including buildings and the supply and addition, ABB’s PMC800 drive systems will reduce the
processing raw water, wastewater, compressed air, cost of ownership over the automation lifecycle and
and electricity at the SCA mill. improve energy efficiency during production.

October/November 2021