Porcher introduces new generation of intelligent textiles

February 27, 2020 - France

Porcher industries, a France based global leader in high-performance thermoplastic composites and technical textiles, has announced the launch of a new generation of intelligent textiles. These fabrics can integrate functions into the fibre, such as illumination of certain zones, temperature measurement, or detection of a remote presence. 
 
There are numerous opportunities for these ultra-high performance materials in a wide spectrum of markets including aeronautics, automotive, industry, construction, sports and leisure, and safety.
 
With luminous textiles, certain zones in the fabric illuminate, so that shapes can appear or words can be written on them - without using cables or bulbs. This innovation would considerably increase safety for cyclists and motorcyclists by making them more visible, for example, through inserts on vests or jackets. For the construction sector, floor slabs will be able to integrate signage information that can be read directly on the floors or the walls and can be modified remotely.
 
With aeronautical and automotive markets, interior cabin design can be entirely revamped to improve customer experience- and there's more. These new intelligent textiles can replace the 'arsenal' of heavy, bulky cables and electronics, which is an incredible advantage for aeronautical, automobile and train designers in their continued pursuit of light and space.
 
Heat-sensitive textiles, which can measure temperature, have a diverse range of applications: Improved safety in industry, transport, HVAC engineering or construction. For example: alarm systems can be activated if a specific temperature threshold is exceeded in industrial pipes.
 
These intelligent textiles are designed for seamless integration into industrial processes. Along with high-performance features, they are equipped with exceptional properties in flexibility, finesse, precision, lightness and durability.
 
"Through our expertise in combining chemicals and textiles and our in-depth understanding of the interface, we have created these intelligent composite textiles that perfectly meet industrial needs, specifically in terms of flexibility and durability," Jean-Marc Senecot, global head of research & development at Porcher industries, said in a press release.
 
These new innovations will be demonstrated at the Porcher Industries booth (Hall 5 V40), at JEC World 2020.
 
(Except for the headline and the first para, this story has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.)