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TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume
3, Issue 4, Winter 2004 |
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Mapping the Automotive Textile Supply Chain: The Importance of Information Visibility Robert Handfield, College of Management; ABSTRACT Information visibility is an essential element to improved supply chain performance. Without adequate sharing of information, firms are required to supplement the available information with other costly alternatives. This paper follows the development of a convertible fabric material in the supply chain for a large automotive assembler, beginning with a large textile manufacturer in fabric formation to final assembly of the convertible top. The current level of information sharing in the supply chain is assessed and the effects of inefficient information flows between the various tiers of suppliers are determined. In order to improve performance in this supply chain and create a truly integrated value systems, a number of tactical and strategic changes will be required throughout the automotive textile supply chain. KEYWORDS: convertible fabric material, supply chain, automotive
textiles |
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Studies towards Lightfast
Automotive Dyes for Polyester
Harold S. Freeman, Natacha Berthelon, and Laura C. Edwards ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of studies conducted in our dye chemistry laboratories that were directed towards the design, synthesis, and evaluation of dyes for polyester fibers for applications requiring high lightfastness. Presented are results from the early studies in our program that involved characterizing the chemistry associated with the light-induced (photo) degradation of azo, anthraquinone, and nitrodiphenylamine disperse dyes in an ester environment. This is followed by a summary of molecular design efforts based on results from dye photodegradation experiments. In this case, results pertaining to the utility of built-in photostabilizer groups for enhancing disperse dye lightfastness (resistance to light-induced fading) are discussed. Special attention is given in this paper to studies in which the effects of natural and artificial light on oriented polyester films following the application of azo, anthraquinone and nitrodiphenylamine dyes were assessed. This work was part of an investigation aimed at determining the contribution of polyester to the fading of disperse dyes. In this regard, dyed polyester films were exposed to sunlight from two regions in the United States and to the artificial light of an Atlas Weatherometer. The results of the different exposures indicate that artificial light exposures were far more damaging to the polymer host than natural light. It was also apparent that a significant level of dye fading could be attributed to substrate degradation. KEYWORDS: dye, fading, lightfastness, polyester films, exposure
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DESIGN DRIVEN
The Development of New Materials in Automotive Interiors Nancy
B. Powell ABSTRACT Design is a critical component of the development of textile materials for automotive interiors. It contributes to the overall quality and cost of the vehicle interior. The appearance of the vehicle passenger cabin affects the perception and satisfaction of the occupants. This research analyzes how a fabric is developed through the supply chain from concept to product launch. The interrelationships between designers at each tier level are considered. The market factors are reviewed and the specific design issues important to fabric development in future transportation products are identified. This research reveals processes and considerations for new product development for academic and industrial consideration. KEYWORDS: Design, automotive interiors, upholstery, development process |
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Knitting Shells in the Third
Dimension
J. Power MA BSc ATI CTexT In order to produce textile structures intended for technical applications it is essential to have a full understanding of the geometrical properties and be able to guarantee exact replicas can be manufactured. This paper discusses some of the issues related to the controlled knitting of carbon yarn into three-dimensional 3-D shell shapes and the affect on the structural geometry. The study begins with an examination into the basic issues affecting the knitability of the selected yarn. Health and safety problems are addressed and the resultant carbon yarn was modified to reduce the chances of electrical failure due to conductive fibre fly. Initially two factors were considered relating to the structures geometry, however it was found that a third consideration was required when examining 3-D integrally knitted products. This study identified a maximum variation regarding the stitch length during knitting and devised a methodology to use when considering a yarn for use in 3-D shells. It was found that a two-phase approach was required when producing knitted 3-D shells, part mathematical and part empirical. KEYWORDS: Knitting, Carbon, 3-D Shell, Technical, Textiles, Weft knitting.
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Global Sourcing and Textile and Apparel Import Values: A Four-Country Study as an Application of Global Commodity Chains Theory Eun-Ju Lee, Ph.D., Department of Marketing, 5151 State University Drive, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8127, e-mail: elee9@calstatela.edu Phone: 323-343-2967 (FAX 5462) Kwang-Bae Lee, Ph.D., Professor, School of Textile Engineering, Soong Sil University Seoul, Korea Marguerite Moore, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Retailing, University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 e-mail: mmoore11@gwm.sc.edu ABSTRACT The authors use Gerrefi’s (1999) Global Commodity Chains Theory to guide examination of U.S. textile and apparel imports from four countries including Hong Kong, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Italy. These four countries represent different developmental stages and hold varying export positions in the buyer-driven apparel commodity chain. Unit values of U.S. apparel and textile imports are estimated using OTEXA trade data (1999-2001). Data analyses suggest conformity between Gerefetti’s theory and differences in unit values among countries with different export positions. KEYWORDS: Global sourcing, Global Commodity Chain, Export positions, Unit value |
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Comfort Characteristics of Fabrics Containing
Twist-less and Hollow Fibrous Assemblies in Weft
A
Das & S M Ishtiaque ABSTRACT Comfort characteristics of plain-woven fabrics, containing viscose staple fiber twist-less and hollow fibrous assemblies and core-sheath type DREF-III yarn in weft, have been reported in the present paper. The twist-less and hollow fibrous assemblies are the individually separated parallel core and annular sheath components respectively of core-sheath type DREF-III yarn. In all these fabrics the same warp yarn, i.e. two-ply ring spun yarn was used. Three different types of weft yarn were prepared in DREF-III system; (i) 59 tex yarn with staple viscose fiber in both core and sheath, (ii) 118 tex yarn with staple viscose fiber in core and water soluble staple PVA fiber in sheath, and (iii) 118 tex yarn with staple PVA in core and staple viscose in sheath. The core-sheath ratio was kept 50:50% for all the DREF-III yarns. The idea is to maintain the same weft yarns count (59 tex) in all the three finished fabrics (after removal of PVA component), with different structure of fibrous assembly in weft. The structure of fibrous assemblies in weft has great impact on the comfort related properties, i.e. air permeability, thermal conductivity, percentage water vapour permeability, wicking and water absorbency.
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The Development of Woven Velours for the Transportation Market
Scott Manley ABSTRACT Woven pile fabrics may be found in upholstery, apparel, and industrial applications. This fabric formation technology may produces a variety of pile heights and densities appropriate to the end use. The development of woven velour fabrics for upholstery has become a specialized competency with few training possibilities outside the machinery manufacturers or in house training at the few companies who hold the experience and expertise. This research looks at the fundamentals of pile weaving and in particular, the steps in producing a woven velour for the high performance standards of automotive and other transportation upholstery. This research should be helpful to students, academics and industry as it provides information on the design and manufacturing processes in the US market providing examples for technical specifications and simulations. KEYWORDS: pile weaving, velour, velvet, automotive upholstery |
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GIANT VEHICLES
Magdi A. Said Willi W. Schur Amit Gupta, Gary N. Mock, Abdelfattah M. Seyam*, and Thomas Theyson ABSTRACT Science and technology development from balloon-borne telescopes and experiments is a rich return on a relatively modest involvement of NASA resources. For the past three decades, the development of increasingly competitive and complex science payloads and observational programs from high altitude balloon-borne platforms has yielded significant scientific discoveries. The success and capabilities of scientific balloons are closely related to advancements in the textile and plastic industries. This paper will present an overview of scientific balloons as a viable and economical platform for transporting large telescopes and scientific instruments to the upper atmosphere to conduct scientific missions. Additionally, the paper sheds the light on the problems associated with UV degradation of high performance textile components that are used to support the payload of the balloon and proposes future research to reduce/eliminate Ultra Violet (UV) degradation in order to conduct long-term scientific missions. KEYWORDS: Scientific Balloon, Payload, High Performance Fibers, UV Resistant, Tendon, Gore * Communicating Author |
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AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY A HIGH
POTENTIAL MARKET FOR NONWOVENS SOUND INSULATION
Simona Vasile ABSTRACT This paper highlights the increasing penetration of nonwovens in automotive sector and their suitability for certain applications (e.g. sound insulation). Suitable technologies and raw materials to process insulations are discussed and remarks regarding their advantages and disadvantages are pointed out. As the recyclability is one of the main drivers of automotive industry, especially in Europe, a deeper insight has been given to natural, renewable resources, and their advantages and downsides have been underlined, in comparison with some traditional materials. KEYWORDS: automotive, nonwovens, sound insulation, technologies, renewable resources, recyclability
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DIVERSIFIED EXPANSION AND DIFFERENT
BUSINESS MODELS
IN THE JAPANESE TEXTILE INDUSTRY ASLI M. COLPAN Kyoto Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Advanced Fibro-science and Kyoto University, Graduate School of Economics ABSTRACT Diversification into non-textile activities became the major instrument for Japan’s large textile enterprises which confronted the maturing state of their original businesses. Diversification strategies that companies adopted exhibited the different directions in their basic investment patterns. The present research confirms that dissimilar technological resource and capability endownments have decisive impacts on the contrasting long-term growth patterns of the companies. The timing of new market entry is also endogenous to the firm resources and capabilities. While firms adapt to the changing environments, diversification can thus be a very much path-dependent process. KEYWORDS: textile industry, Japan, technological resources and capabilities, diversification strategy |
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Smart Textiles in Vehicles:
A Foresight
Lieva Van Langenhove, Carla Hertleer ABSTRACT After technical textiles and functional textiles, also smart textiles came into force a few years ago. The term ‘smart textiles’ covers a broad range. The application possibilities are only limited by our imagination and creativity. This paper gives an overview of the functions that can be achieved by smart textiles in general. In vehicles as well, smart textiles can introduce new features. Two examples are described, namely climate control based on comfort of the passengers, and detection of reduced attention of a driver. KEYWORDS: Smart textiles, functional textiles, automotive textiles |
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