It’s the gas in your TV. And now it’s the gas that created the surface of your clothes. Plasma is a gas created by applying electrical fields to pure gas or gas mixtures in a vacuum chamber. A Swiss company called Eschler is using plasma to cause systematic surface modifications to fabrics. Translation: A process that creates water-resistant, water-absorbing and dirt-repellent fabrics through the use of electricity and an ionic gas rather than the use of chemicals or excessive water. Plasma changes the surface of the fabric to grant these properties through particular textures whether they’re smooth or mottled. The process has traditionally been achieved through the use of wet processing with chemicals and lots and lots of water. The chemical process often makes the fabric too stiff, and wears away with repeated washing.
Eschler is using the process for fabrics used in cycling, triathlon and swimming apparel due out for the 2012 summer Olympics in London. Once adopted for pro athlete uses, Eschler plans to address the consumer market with new apparel. The knitwear fabrics are expected to be lightweight and hold up to more wear and wash than the cycling shorts, swimsuit and running top you currently own.
Another advantage to the new fabric is the ability to add compression for key body zones such as the arms, and legs. Eschler says tests conducted by the research institute in Calgary showed that optimum compression can improve blood flow in the extremities by up to 2.2 percent, and reduce muscle vibration by 3 percent. These reductions allow the body to lower the production of lactate, which in turn means the body can absorb and convert lactic acid quicker and enhance regeneration.
[via: Knitting Industry News]