#Yarn & Fiber

2015-05-08

Outlast launches new PCM acrylic fiber

The new generation of PCM acrylic fibers: Outlast and TAF succeeded in producing a heat managing Outlast® acrylic fiber with a four times higher performance (c) 2015 Outlast Technologies LLC

Outlast Technologies, Inc., a market leader in phase change materials (PCM), and the renowned fiber manufacturer Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd., Bangkok/Thailand, announce they have succeeded in developing a new generation of a PCM acrylic fiber with Outlast® technology. This new fiber provides four times the performance and offers perfect climate comfort for apparel and home textiles.

Second generation with four times higher performance

A new production process has allowed the Outlast® acrylic fiber to perform four times better than the existing version. “We are using now a non-encapsulated pPCM system and we no longer work with encapsulated mPCMs here,” says Martin Bentz, President of Outlast Technologies LLC, Golden/USA.“This change allowed us to improve the performance of the new Outlast® acrylic fibers enormously. With that, the spinning and dyeing properties are enhanced."

This especially plays a positive role for dark colors - darker tones are easier to achieve now through a better color absorbance.

The new Outlast® acrylic fiber blends very well with wool. It is well suited for use in socks, knitwear (e.g. pullovers) and home textiles (blankets) offering the significant added value of a dynamic heat and moisture management. The new Outlast® acrylic fibers absorb excess body heat, store and release it.

Pic: "We are proud of our new PCM acrylic fiber with a four times higher performance," says Martin Bentz, President of Outlast Technologies, Golden/USA.

The performance fibers regulate the climate proactively – in contrast with other technologies that only wick away humidity. Outlast® technology proactively manages heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins, so less humidity is produced inside the apparel. This Outlast® difference also results in more comfort as well as improved hygiene, which is important especially when it comes to socks.

Outlast® technology

Outlast® technology was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from temperature fluctuations in space. Outlast® technology utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Outlast® technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for a longer period of time. Outlast® phase change materials work in the same way.

The PCMs have the capacity to absorb, store and release excess heat. This gives any product containing Outlast® technology the ability to continually regulate the skin’s microclimate. As the skin gets hot, the heat is absorbed, and as it cools, that heat is released.

Outlast® technology is not wicking technology, which manages moisture by reacting to your sweat and pulling it away from the skin. Outlast® technology will proactively manage heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins. That’s the Outlast® difference. The benefits of Outlast® products at a glance:

Absorbs excess body heat
Manages moisture
Reduces overheating
Reduces chilling
Reduces perspiration
Continuously adapts to thermal changes

Outlast presented the newest innovations at Techtextil.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

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Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

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Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

Compact, powerful, cost-efficient – KARL MAYER launches its HKS 2-SE TWO

KARL MAYER is launching a new two-bar tricot machine for the elastic sector at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025. This newcomer is called HKS 2-SE TWO, stands for double customer benefits, and offers even more advantages than the predecessor model. With this innovation, the leading textile machinery company is once again asserting its top position in the market.

VDMA members at ITMA ASIA + CITME in Singapore

With 69 exhibiting member companies, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 is once again marked by a strong presence of VDMA companies. Altogether 82 companies from Germany will exhibit at the show, covering about 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, topped only by China and Italy. VDMA initiated a German Pavilion with two group stands (spinning in hall 4 and finishing in hall 7) with a total of 30 exhibitors.

Marzoli unveals its new textile ecosystem at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 at Singapore

With the claim “Designed to Impact”, Marzoli showcases its evolution into a complete engineering company for the textile industry. By combining advanced machinery, digital intelligence, science of materials and innovative services, the company enables textile manufacturers unlock new business opportunities, and accelerate their path to innovation and differentiation.

KARL MAYER is launching two machines that set new standards in performance and cost-effectiveness

At this year's ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER is exhibiting two advanced developments in the field of tricot machines. Both newcomers expand the portfolio with highly practical solutions for increased efficiency and cost-effective production – making the exhibition booth once again a focal point for more than just the warp knitting industry.