University of Alberta

A Canadian researcher has developed a new protective shirt geared to the needs of wildland firefighters. Offering more protection, the new prototype shirt, which is being patented, reduces the total burn area to the body by about six per cent compared with the standard shirt.

Does your sweat smell more on some days? Check what fabric type you are wearing. A new study has found that polyester releases more odorants following contamination with sweat as compared to protein fibres, such as wool, which typically have lower odour intensity, followed by cellulosic fibres like cotton.

New research coming from Canada’s Alberta University could help manufacturers of high-performance fibres and protective fabrics to improve their processes and take informed decisions in the selection and design of materials for more durable gear for firefighters.

Researchers from the University of Alberta (U of A) are experimenting with cellulose from Canadian-grown hemp to determine the best parameters for producing lyocell, a man-made fibre that can then be turned into textiles for a wide range of products.

A $1 million funding is supporting researchers in the University of Alberta to make the science behind self-decontaminating fabrics a good fit for the production line.

A new research seeks to identify some key fabric properties that will bolster human comfort levels in activewear.

Sulphur content in some high-performance fabrics weakens them when exposed to moisture. This finding by researchers at the University of Alberta is expected to help manufacturers work towards a solution.