V ARSTIFF: intelligent fabric
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What is
it
A laminate of flexible ‘textile’ layers inside an air-tight flexible ‘envelope’. Under atmospheric pressure the intelligent fabric is flexible like a textile and freely shapeable in either 2D or 3D shapes. Under moderate vacuum the intelligent fabric stiffens to a stiffness comparable with common plastics (e.g. HDPE). By removing the vacuum, the structure returns to the flexible state.
HOW does it work? The layers made of PET-fiber textiles are flexible like textiles, but have high tensile stiffness. The textile layers are coated with a high friction PVC film. These have a low stick, but a high coefficient of friction. Under the compressive force induced by a vacuum, the layers of the laminate are fixated causing the intelligent fabric to act like a glued laminate, if plasticity limits are not exceeded.
business
opportunity
Similar to the Gore-Tex® business case of an active textile; Varstiff promises a new generation of functional clothing offering protective or supportive functions fully integrated in textile. A general potential is also foreseen in application of reshapable or foldable constructive elements or elements with adaptable stiffness. This has clear promises:
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the most promising applications and specific market entry strategies need to be identified and studied. Develop application portfolio with information from clients and end-users. Important aspect are application-specific product definitions.
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