The 2012 Symposium has been developed by industry experts to meet the current strategies and goals of the attendees and exhibitors. The Symposium will contain a structured program allowing ample time for Q & A with the presenters during and at the end of each session and, as always, the program will also allow for plenty of time to spend on the exhibition floor where companies from all aspects of the industry will be showcasing their latest innovative products and developments from around the world.

Held concurrently with the exhibition, the symposium will contain twelve sessions with more than 50 presentations in a variety of formats that will cover a wide range of topics from high performance nonwovens, sustainable materials, military developments and research to medical textiles.  There will also be a new two part session oriented to technical applications; The Basics I - From Fiber to Fabrics and The Basics 2 – From Woven to Nonwovens to Knits.

The Basics I – From Fiber to Fabrics

This is the first part of a two part session intended for those who are new in the industry or those who may want a refresher in textiles oriented to technical applications. Elements of fiber, yarn, fabric types, and subsequent processes used to enhance properties and/or provide greater function will be included. A review by academic and industry experts of the attributes of various materials, their advantages and applications, and how they fit into technical textiles will be an integral part of this program. This session is designed to honor many requests for such a program at the beginning of the event to make your visit more valuable.

The Basics 2 – From Woven to Nonwovens to Knits

A continuation of the elements of technical textiles. This session covers nonwovens in technical textiles along with specialized finishing processes and applications.

High Performance Composites

Composites are everywhere and touch our lives in major ways daily. In technical textiles, composites involve materials that reinforce a resin to produce products (often called reinforced plastic) with high strength-to-weight rations, most often reducing the weight of existing products of metals such as steel and aluminum. It is a growing market. Yet, to most of us, composites appear invisible. This session will review some of the applications, materials, construction, and the advantages of using composites.

Military

Technical textiles continue to be an important component of countless items used by the military.  Dress clothing, protective clothing, tentage, shelters, parachutes, and many other items utilize technical textiles.  Some of the current areas of interest include ballistic protection, flame resistance, and chemical and biological protection.  Presentations will cover the latest developments in science and technology of particular interest to defense applications.