Protective clothing breakthrough for SmartSilver
21/11/2008
Provider of nanoscale antimicrobial performance additives for the textile industry NanoHorizons, and G. J. Littlewood & Son, a Philadelphia-based specialty dye house, have announced an application process to integrate NanoHorizons’ SmartSilver certified antimicrobial performance into technical fibres, including Nomex, Basofil, Kevlar, and Twaron.
These fibres are used primarily for protective clothing such as bullet-proof vests and fire suits. SmartSilver will give products made from the fibres new levels of protection against odour and material degradation caused by bacteria.
“NanoHorizons’ expertise in applied nanotechnology has created unique and effective antimicrobial nanoscale silver additives that bind to any fibre type at the molecular level,” said Richard Littlewood, vice-president of his family firm. “After testing various antimicrobials, we can say without hesitation that for customers who want affordable, environmentally-sensitive, permanent antimicrobial protection, there is no better choice than SmartSilver.”
Through Littlewood’s proprietary methods, SmartSilver’s nanoscale silver additives are evenly and completely dispersed in the dye bath. Other performance additives, such as for wicking, are not compromised in any way so that finished textiles perform as specified.
“The combination of SmartSilver and Littlewood’s dyeing and finishing expertise provides highly valued benefits for performance fabrics used in fire, military, and safety occupations,” said James Delattre, vice-president for global marketing at NanoHorizons. “Fabrics made with SmartSilver enhanced fibres also require fewer washings, which helps fabrics last longer and reduces the use of water and detergents. We look forward to working with Littlewood to introduce these remarkable fibres to the performance textile market.”
Littlewood is also conducting trials to apply SmartSilver to fibres used in air filtration systems to improve air quality and for the healthcare market targeting after-bandage applications used in minor post-surgery outpatient recovery.
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