Baxenden Chemicals Ltd

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Nanotechnologies and Smart Textiles for Industry and Fashion

Dr Robert Lomax will be presenting a paper at the Nanotechnologies and Smart Textiles for Industry and Fashion, 11 & 12th October 2006 - The Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London.

Breathable Polyurethanes for Sportswear, Workwear and Medical Textiles

Abstract:
This contribution outlines some latest developments in water vapour permeable membranes that are now widely used in apparel and industrial textiles.  It will concentrate on solid, hydrophilic polymers that transport moisture vapour in a very different way to the better known microporous types.  There are possibilities and opportunities for combining the “comfort” aspects of these materials with other complementary and emerging technologies. 

Hydrophilic polyurethanes are strange beasts, as we will demonstrate.  They flout the basic laws of physics, they have an inverse temperature dependency and they show “intelligent” behaviour in responding to a stimulus.  In the latter instance, they react like human skin and biological polymers such as keratin.  Some types exhibit characteristics of phase change materials (PCMs) and shape memory polymers (SMPs) at normal ambient temperatures.  We can explain some of their unusual characteristics, now that we have a better understanding of the interaction between polymer and water molecules at the nano-scale.

In simple terms, we are describing copolymers with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano-segments in their backbones.  By carefully controlling the size, shape and relative proportions of these segments, we can vary the breathability and physical properties of the polymer to satisfy a spectrum of requirements.  Thus, we can make a range of polymers that is suited for occlusive wound dressings, waterproof-yet-breathable fabrics for foul-weather clothing and various hygienic textile coatings.


Bullet Points:
• Latest developments in water vapour permeable polymer membranes
• New and existing applications in textile and associated industries
• Potential crossovers with other nano/smart technologies


Biography:
Robert Lomax is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and has been employed in the textile and associated industries for more than 25 years.  He joined Baxenden Chemicals in 1990 and has worked there in several capacities including polymer research, applications and technical sales.  Currently, he is Business Development Manager for Baxenden’s water-based and solvent-based polyurethane coating systems