Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl

Toray Industries and Marmot Mountain Works ® also introduced a polyurethane polymer film
MemBrain ® laminated between adjacent layers of clothing, thus resulting in a waterproof and
breathable fabric. When the temperature of the outer layer of clothing has fallen sufficiently, the
polyurethane film responds so that the air gap between the layers of clothing becomes broader. This
broadening is achieved if, on cooling, the film develops an out-of-plane deformation, which must be
strong enough to resist the weight of the clothing and the forces induced by the movements of the
wearer. The deformation must be capable of reversal if the outer layer of clothing subsequently
becomes warmer.
Another application of shape memory polymers is the production of form regulating clothes. Australian
scientists at University of Wollongong have invented a smart bra that will change its properties in
response to breast movement, giving better support to active women. The bra tightens and loosens its
own straps, or stiffens and relaxes its cups, to restrict breast movement, preventing pain and sag. The
bra is made of a fabric with a special coating that makes it contract when the strain on it passes a preset
level. Scientists at Wollongong University say the brazier automatically provides women extra
support during strenuous activity such as exercise.
Other smart fabrics being developed by the team include a knee sleeve that tells athletes whether they
have landed properly and a cloth for the US military with built-in solar energy cells and batteries. The
team is also working with doctors at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on a glove for people with
hand injuries that uses electric signals to help patients clench their hands and pick things up.
In protective clothing, shape memory polyurethanes have been proposed to shield against heat,
although these ideas have, to our knowledge, never reached the market.
Finishings
MiracleCare, developed by the Japanese company Toyobo, is a long-standing vapour phase shapememory
finishing process for cotton and other cellulosic materials.
Nano-Tex licenses a nanotechnology treatment applied by pad in fabric form or by dipping the finished
garment. This is a permanent method of minimising wrinkles, while also offering softness and
breathability. The crease removal is achieved by a mixture of heat and moisture [191]. Eddie Bauer
used this technology in a khaki trousers collection.
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