Dow Corning's Latest Silicone Solutions for the Textile Industry Go On Show in September

A leading supplier of innovative silicone solutions for the textile industry, will feature its new multifunctional softener for flame-retardant textiles, new impact protection material product line additions and silicone textile printing inks at the Northwest Apparel and Footwear Materials Show September 15-16. Visitors to Booth 224 will learn about Dow Corning DS-9000 Eco Repel , an eco-friendly multifunctional encapsulated silicone additive for technical textiles. Jointly developed with DEVAN Chemicals, this technology allows apparel manufacturers to increase softness and hydrophobicity on existing flame-retardant finishes without impacting flame retardancy. "Most current flame-retardant chemicals negatively impact the softness of the textile leading to very harsh fabrics, which then become uncomfortable-to-wear garments," said Jenny Geng, Dow Corning's global textiles marketing manager. "Moreover, the material type predominantly used in textile multifunctional treatment additives for flame retardancy contains fluorocarbon derivatives, which arouse increasing concerns of safety and environmental issues." According to Geng, the primary applications for Dow Corning DS-9000 Eco Repel include water-repellent silicone additive for textile flame-retardant finishes, softener for flame-retardant fabric finishing formulations, softener additive for fluorocarbon-containing formulations and use in mattress ticking, tenting, canvas, upholstery and protective clothing. In addition, Dow Corning will showcase two new product lines for its patented Dow Corning brand Active Protection System family of impact protection materials. The S-Range is based on 3D spacer textile technology and the TP-Range is based on thermoplastic technology. "The new products - seven in total - are flexible, breathable, washable and offer great impact protection," said Liz Mallen, Dow Corning Active Protection System program leader. "Overall, designers are getting far more choices." Unlike bulky hard-armor systems, Dow Corning Active Protection System silicone technologies are very comfortable to wear in terms of fit, freedom of movement and breathability. They can be incorporated directly into products to shield against high-energy impacts, delivering outstanding protection and, for apparel comfort. Supplied on rolls, Dow Corning Active Protection System products can easily be cut into desired shapes and built up in layers to maximize protection where needed. S-Range fabrics can be sewn into garments or pockets. Three-dimensional shapes can be created to protect areas such as knees, elbows or shoulders. The S-Range features three new products for varying levels of impact protection, including high-impact collisions, like those experienced in motorcycling or snowboarding; medium-energy collisions in sports, emergency services or medical applications; and low-level impacts like those from kicks or blows in sports such as soccer or martial arts. The TP-Range has four base products and allows for significant customization in regard to appearance, comfort and level of protection. The TP-Range is well suited for body armor applications in sports and sport accessories, and for use in protective cases and sleeves for sensitive equipment, and electronics such as laptop computers, cell phones and cameras. Other possible applications include personal protective equipment, footwear and luggage. Also at the show, the company will highlight Dow Corning brand Silicone Textile Printing Inks, which are durable, color-fast and suitable for tough-to-print, high-performance sports apparel. The inks offer high elongation and a soft, nonsticky handle and allow for innovative designs, including amber-look and water-droplet effects. With heightened consumer concern about the environment, silicone textile printing inks are an ideal solution because they contain no organotin, phthalate, formaldehyde, PVC or solvents. The 33rd semiannual Northwest Apparel and Footwear Materials Show will take place September 15-16, 2009, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, USA. The event highlights natural and synthetic leathers, fabrics, prints, accessories, apparel and footwear components, and sewn products industry services. Dow Corning offers a comprehensive selection of proven silicon-based performance enhancers and process aids for textiles and is breaking new ground in the realm of eco-innovation. In addition to materials, the company provides supportive services and solutions tailored to the specific business and sustainability needs of the global textiles industry. Learn more about Dow Corning's full range of textile solutions.