Journal of Industrial Textiles

Chitin added to three types of polyurethane resins including hydrophilic, water in oil (w/o) emulsified, and wet-coagulated polyurethane resins for cast films and coated fabrics was investigated in this study The results showed that adding chitin to the hydrophilic and wet-coagulated polyurethane resins can effectively increase the water vapor permeability of the cast films or nylon coated fabrics. For the w/o emulsified polyurethane coated fabrics, however, this increase was not detected. These observations can be readily explained by the microstructural variations which create homogeneous or irregular pores, as evidenced by the scan ning electron microscope pictures

I wish to discuss various topics that are of great importance to my company and the textile coatings industry in the United States I will briefly review hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyurethane coatings in this paper The textile indus try has seen significant changes in the last few years, and imports have eroded our in dustry to a great extent To turn the tide, we have concentrated on high tech textiles and niche markets to survive in the late 1990s and into the 21st century

A review of plasma treatments of textiles is presented. The utility of plasma technology in processing textiles and the corresponding changes brought about in textile properties are discussed. The initiative, funded by the National Tex tile Center, and its progress to date is presented. This program features the use of en hanced high density plasmas for depositing films, removing surface matter, and alter ing surface properties.

The current (1995) state of the art in UV/EB coatings manufacturing technology is described Major commercial applications are summarized and illus trated. Research projects aimed at development of UV/EB technology for coated fabrics are discussed together with possible reasons for lack of commercialization fol lowup. Suggestions are given for potential paths to future commercial development.

The benefits of forming strategic alliances with Australian companies targeting the growing Asian markets is examined. In broad terms, a strategic alliance can be described as some type of relationship involving two companies who share certain characteristics in common, and can see the potential for gaining advantages from being involved with one another.

There are currently two principle material types which are used in the manufacture of airbags. They are uncoated nylon (polyamide 66) and coated nylon. Two types of commonly used coatings are Silicone and Neoprene. In general, coated materials are used for driver's side airbags and side impact bags, while passenger side airbags are made from uncoated nylon materials.

Different cutting methods are needed for the two different classifications of mate rials. Coated nylon can be cut with traditional mechanical tools such as dies or reci procating knife cutters, due principally to the fact that the coating prevents fraying. On the other hand, uncoated nylon must be cut with a hot tool, such as a laser to pre vent fraying; fraying could compromise the airbag integrity during deployment.