Dow Corning introduces Active Protection System at Techtextil

02 Jul '09

4 min read

Dow Corning Corporation, a leader in innovative silicone technology for the textile industry, has added two new product lines to its Dow Corning brand Active Protection System family of impact protection materials. The S-Range is based on 3D spacer textile technology while the TP-Range is based on thermoplastic technology.

The two new lines were recently introduced at Techtextil 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany. First launched in 2006, the patented silicone-based impact protection materials are comfortable and breathable.

“Since the successful introduction of the Active Protection System several years ago for motorcycling applications, our scientists have worked diligently to develop materials for additional applications based on feedback from our customers,” says Liz Mallen, Dow Corning Active Protection System Program leader. “We are very pleased to now offer these two new Active Protection System platforms. The new products – seven in total – are flexible, breathable, washable and offer great impact protection. Overall, designers are getting far more choices.”

Unlike bulky hard-armor systems, Dow Corning Active Protection System 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 applications, comfort for the wearer. The new platforms are very different product forms but both are based on the unique properties of silicone. 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. The products also can be incorporated into garments and accessories easily.

“The focus of our research was to offer our customers more product options in the key areas of material comfort, protection, weight, thickness and washability,” explains Mallen. Most of the new Dow Corning Active Protection System products can withstand more than 50 washes at 40°C (104°F) and more than 25 washes at 95°C (203°F) with no decrease in performance.

“Another important aspect of our work in developing these new platforms was tailoring the materials' energy-absorbing properties to different types of impacts while maximizing comfort levels,” adds Mallen. “The new product choices are softer, lighter and more aesthetically pleasing than first-generation materials and meet a variety of international impact protection testing standards.”

S-Range fabrics can be cut into different shapes and 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:

• Dow Corning Active Protection System S7-005 is recommended for protection against high-impact collisions, like those experienced in motorcycling or snowboarding, as well as medium-energy collisions. With good breathability and washability, this material is well-suited for base-layer garments, especially in combination with COOLMAX fabrics.

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