US supplier of silicone solutions for the textile industry Dow Corning was presented with the New Applications award for its Active Protection System at Techtextil on June 11.

First introduced in March 2006 at Techtextil in Atlanta, Georgia, the patented system consists of a three-dimensional textile treated with a special coating, which remains soft and flexible under normal conditions but hardens instantly upon impact. When the impact force is removed, the material immediately returns to a flexible state. It is also breathable and flexible, offering comfort and freedom of movement, and can be stitched directly into garments. The system is less bulky than hard armour and can be layered so that the garment can provide increased levels of protection for specific areas. 

Applications include protective sports and work apparel and industrial and geo fabrics.