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New sensors making

firefighters safe

FabRoc : F.I.R. emitting fabrics to deal with cold weather
TM

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed sensors to detect the gradual breakdown in
garments from exposure to heat, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Such breakthroughs could save the H.E.A.T. Inc. is leading the way in developing the highest-quality heated clothing. H.E.A.T. ONE-LAYER is the
ultimate addition for cold-weather gear. The new system is a state-of-the-art base layer heating system with
precious life of firefighters. Firefighters have no authentic way to know how safe their clothing is just by looking unparalleled reliability, durability, and performance. Combining the most advanced and comfortable textiles,
at it. The current recommendation is to wash firefighting garments twice a year. However, all the existing data smartphone technology, and custom, ergonomically correct batteries, H.E.A.T.'s One-Layer smart system will
that determines when the clothing needs to be replaced is based on that once or twice-a-year washing. finally give people who work or play outdoors in winter the protection they need from the cold with the desired
Damage to the garments may not be visible to the naked eye before performance is comfort and maneuverability to do their tasks safely.
reduced, leading to accidents.
The company uses FabRoc™ technology as cutting-edge heated fabric. This heat technology is durable, wireless,
Researchers will use the fire-resistant fabrics manufactured by Davey Textile Solutions as part of the sensor
lightweight, crush-proof, and safe. FabRoc™ is the safest heated technology on the market. FabRoc™ self
patch. The sensor has been provisionally patented and is still under development. Once fully developed, the regulates temperature with 13 proprietary formulations. There is no need for resistors, thermolators, or other
sensor patch would provide a way to assess the garment without destructive testing, such as cutting out
temperature-controlling components. These components can malfunction and cause thermal runaway. FabRoc™
samples to test the fabric’s condition through conventional methods such as strength testing. The sensor is certified to emit in the Far Infrared (F.I.R.) spectrum heat and provides multiple health benefits. F.I.R. heat deeply
could also be used in the oil and gas, electrical, construction, and mining industries.
penetrates soft tissue and loosens up sore muscles. With F.I.R., H.E.A.T. ONE-LAYER aids in injury prevention with
proper muscular heating. The H.E.A.T. ONE-LAYER is the ideal piece of heated clothing for athletes.
Kraig Labs expands its spider silk

production and files two new patents Researchers successful in recycling

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. is the leading been the subject of much interest due to spider silk’s polymers from nonwoven diapers
developer of spider silk-based fibers. Kraig Labs incredible toughness. Because of its strength, Diapers are not what you would think about first designed to absorb liquid. When any liquid hits them,
announced the opening of a new spider silk produc- resilience, and flexibility, spider silk holds great considering recycling. Most disposable diapers they expand and absorb it. This absorption serves a
tion factory located in Vietnam. The Company’s promise for commercial and consumer applications. wind up in landfills, where they can take up to 500 practical purpose when used in a diaper, but it can
Vietnamese subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles, has already The spiders are cannibalistic; they cannot be raised years to degrade. Thus, they are a source of also absorb quite a lot of rain when out in a landfill.
completed transitioning production operations to the in concentrated colonies to produce silk. Therefore, pollution. Ideally, if we could recycle them, we could
new facility. The first batch of recombinant spider silk scientists have been able to replicate the proteins potentially clear massive areas of landfills that Currently, the process for getting adhesives out of
cocoons has already been completed at this new that are the building blocks of spider silk. However, would otherwise be used to house sodden diapers. these diapers creates less global warming than
headquarters for Prodigy Textiles. The company has two technological barriers have (until now) stymied However, scientists at the University of Michigan conventional adhesives. Although, researchers note
further expanded its leading position in developing production. These barriers are the inability to form have developed a process to untangle absorbent that this process used clean diapers. Used diapers,
recombinant spider silk by filing two new patent these proteins into a spider silk fiber with the desired polymers (SAP) in diapers and recycle them. which are most likely to be recycled, may need to
applications. These new innovative patents build upon mechanical characteristics and effectively doing this. be cleaned first, leading to carbon footprints. More
underlying knock-in/knock-out gene-editing technolo- Kraig invented new technology and acquired the The recycled SAP has successfully been converted research is needed before stating unequivocally
gies that the company first made public in 2020. exclusive right to use the patented genetic sequenc- into materials similar to the gooey adhesives used in that recycling diapers are the best way to make
es for numerous fundamental spider silk proteins to sticky notes and bandages. Initially, the polymers are future adhesive products.
Protein-based fibers, exemplified by spider silk, have solve these problems.

September/October 2021 September/October 2021