National Taipei University of Technology researchers have developed a new fabric-coating technique to produce quick-drying cloth, which they said could help the textile industry carve a niche in the global market even in the face of China’s “red supply chain.”
University professor Rwei Syang-peng (芮祥鵬) yesterday said that his team took two years to develop an incomplete surface-coating technique for unidirectional moisture transport and sweat diffusion, which could drain sweat swiftly and achieve a better cooling effect than Gore-Tex fabrics, a waterproof and breathable material.
Water-repellent fabrics are created using what is called the lotus effect, Rwei said. Microscopic structures on the leaves of the lotus plant prevent water droplets from attaching to the leaves, so water sits on papillae on the leaf’s surface without soaking in.
Water-repellent fabrics have a nanoscopic hairy structure on their surface that mimics the papillae on lotus leaves to keep out liquids, Rwei added.
The team’s incomplete coating technique leaves parts of the fabric “naked” — not covered by the water-repelling, hairy structures — so moisture can be swiftly drained through uncoated areas, Rwei said, adding that the incomplete coating could dissipate moisture three times faster than conventional gauze materials.
Gore-Tex fabrics are generally made into jackets or overcoats because they are too rough to be worn in contact with the skin, but the team’s technique can be used to make fabric with a gentle texture that could be made into lingerie and sportswear, he said, adding that they have been approached by international clothing companies.
The incomplete coating technique can be used on many fabrics, including cotton, nylon and polyester, he said.
“Our technique could give Taiwanese businesses an edge over Chinese competitors and help the textile industry carve a niche in the global market of functional fabrics, which has an annual value of US$70 billion to US$80 billion,” he said.
The team also developed a new technique to coat Teflon on kitchenware or high-temperature conveyor belts in food factories.
The team uses specially designed slot die to inject Teflon solution onto glass fiber, which is heated to 320oC to firmly attach the solution, Rwei said. The technique could the amount of Teflon solution used by 60 percent compared with the traditional dipping method, while no toxic residue would be left on the finished surface.
A strong continental cold air mass is to bring pollutants to Taiwan from tomorrow, the Ministry of Environment said today, as it issued an “orange” air quality alert for most of the country. All of Taiwan except for Hualien and Taitung counties is to be under an “orange” air quality alert tomorrow, indicating air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups. In China, areas from Shandong to Shanghai have been enveloped in haze since Saturday, the ministry said in a news release. Yesterday, hourly concentrations of PM2.5 in these areas ranged from 65 to 160 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m³), and pollutants were
Taiwan’s armed forces have established response protocols for a wide range of sudden contingencies, including the “Wan Chun Plan” to protect the head of state, the Ministry of Defense (MND) said today. After US President Donald Trump on Saturday launched a series of airstrikes in Venezuela and kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, concerns have been raised as to whether China would launch a similar “decapitation strike” on Taiwan. The armed forces regularly coordinate with relevant agencies and practice drills to ensure preparedness for a wide range of scenarios, Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) told reporters before a
EVA Airways on Saturday said that it had suspended a pilot and opened an investigation after he allegedly lost his temper and punched the first officer several times as their plane was taxiing before takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport. According to a report published on Thursday by The Reporter, the incident occurred after the flight’s Malaysian first officer tried to warn the Taiwanese pilot, surnamed Wen (文), that he was taxiing faster than the speed limit of 30 knots (55.6kph). After alerting the pilot several times without response, the first officer manually applied the brakes in accordance with standard operating
NOT AN OPENING: Trump’s violation of international law does not affect China’s consideration in attacking Taiwan; Beijing lacks capability, not precedent, an official said Taiwanese officials see the US’ capture of the president of Venezuela as a powerful deterrent to Beijing’s aggression and a timely reminder of the US’ ability to defeat militaries equipped with Chinese-made weapons. The strikes that toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro signaled to authoritarian leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), US President Donald Trump’s willingness to use military might for international affairs core to US interests, one senior official in Taipei’s security circle said. That reassured Taiwan, the person said. Taipei has also dismissed the idea that Trump’s apparent violation of international law could embolden Beijing, said the official, who was not
RSS