Smart Fabrics Techno Textiles

Performance Enhancement Spandex – invented by Du Pont’s Benger Lab in Waynesboro, Virginia in 1959 Word ‘Spandex’ is an anagram of expands Modernised and transformed aspects of garment industry Main property of fabric is elasticity, to allow the body to move freely Remains stretchy and tight-fitting after being worn for a long time Made popular in 70s and 80s by heavy metal bands and the aerobic culture

Lycra During World War II scientists developed synthetic replacement for rubber This was due to price an increase in the price of rubber Supplies of rubber were also short due to being used in the construction of weapons and equipment for war use Bayer was a scientist and pioneer in polymer chemistry He produced the first spandex at an experimental level This was copyrighted in 1952 in Germany Later, DuPont and the US Rubber Company developed the final fibre and give it the name Lycra

Spandex is a synthetic polymer It is made of long chain polyurethane It is produced by reacting polyester with a diisocynate polymer It is then converted into a fibre using a dry spinning technique This makes is stronger, lighter and more versatile

Polyamide; polyester; viscose; cotton; spandex

Training Shoes The ‘Athletic Shoe’ was specifically designed as footwear for sport/physical exercise A rubber soled shoe that was flexible, allowing freedom of movement in the foot They had the appropriate tread for function This required design on the bottom of the shoe Originally known as plimsolls and later, sneakers First branded trainers appeared in 1968 by Gola

Brands GK Elite Sportswear – gymnastics apparel; state of the art technical features with Stretchtek – a compression fabric which fits the body like a second skin Moisture wicking properties to keep the body cool and dry Flatlock seams for comfort; eliminates seam and label abrasion

Addidas and Stella McCartney collaboration

Addidas – glow in the dark sportswear