The global textile industry has evolved significantly thanks to advancements in technology. The composition of fibers, merging fabric with technology, and innovations in textile machinery are just some of the key advancements in the textile sector. Smart textiles are one of the best examples of what happens when technology and the apparel and textile industry are brought together. One example of smart textiles is Marine composites, which are an optimal blend of resins and fibers. They are used extensively in cruise ships and power boats as they add stiffness and strength to marine vessels.
Reasons behind popularity of marine composites
Whether in the case of hull shells, shafts, piping, foundations, ducts, or internal structures of the marine vessels, manufacturers prefer using materials that enhance the strength of the boat without adding extra weight to it. Marine composites are very useful in this context; unlike traditional raw materials like wood, steel, and aluminum, marine composites reduce the overall weight of a component by nearly 30-40%. Composites also enable in the better consolidation of different parts of the vessel, further reducing its overall weight. This decrease in the mass of the boat provides benefits such as greater fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and reduced carbon emissions.
The lifetime expenditure needed for marine composites is significantly less as well, because of low installation and assembly costs. Most of all, architects of marine vessels can easily design complex shaped parts with composites. A number of marine OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers such as 3A Composites, DuPont, and MRC are switching to marine composites.
Apart from marine composites, another major innovation in fiber composition has been in the form of smart textiles. Smart textiles are also known as interactive textiles, and market analysts at Technavio predict that this market will record a CAGR of over 6% by 2020.
Why choose smart textiles?
Smart textiles have taken wearable technology to a whole new level. By integrating electronic components into fibers, smart textiles enhance the functionality of apparel. Fitness, health, defense, sports, and public safety are some verticals in which smart textiles are used today. Smart fabrics can track and communicate data on the wearer or the environment to other devices through embedded sensors and conductive yarns. Nanotechnology and BLE (Bluetooth low energy) technology are also being used in smart textiles. BLE-enabled garments can sense and monitor data by connecting to the internet. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, adds properties to apparel such as color fastness, odor resistance, and water repellency.
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