Neutral evidence of functionThe Hohenstein Institute offer neutral evidence of performance properties for an extremely diverse range of functions. In conjunction with certificates and the Hohenstein Quality label these help manufacturers in their marketing and serve as reliable guides for retailers and consumers when selecting suitable products. Wear comfort The wear comfort of clothing can be measured objectively. By using experimental procedures the influence of the most important clothing physiology factors can be judged reliably. Simulation models developed at Hohenstein, which make it possible to give a quantitative representation of the two fundamental variables governing the interaction between human being and clothing – thermal insulation and moisture transport capacity - have contributed to this in no small measure .
These so-called thermo-regulation models do not simply permit an objective assessment of the wear comfort of clothing by measuring these two variables for the garment under examination. It is possible, on the basis of the values obtained, to make reliable predictions of the climate range in which a textile product can be applied. The range encompasses the band of temperatures under which a human being engaged in a specific activity while wearing the clothing concerned becomes neither too cold nor, on the other hand, sweats to an unacceptable degree. If the climate conditions and the type of activity are known, then the predictive models can also be used to determine for how long a human being may wear a given item of clothing without suffering undue stress in physiological terms which can impair efficiency or even become damaging to health. It is also possible to define the potential range of application for bedding and sleeping bags using laboratory tests .
Fit
Antimicrobial effect Antimicrobial textiles are not only being used more and more often in technology and the health care sector; they are becoming increasingly popular in the fields of sport and leisure. The reasons for using antimicrobial finishes on textiles are similarly diverse. They range from preventing the textile from becoming less fit for its intended purpose due to the microbial breakdown of the fibres, and reducing the formation of odours caused by microbial decomposition to keeping the microbial content within acceptable limits and preventing the transmission and spread of pathogenic agents as part of the prevention of infections . Depending on the individual requirements, the Institute for Hygiene and Biotechnology (IHB) at the Hohenstein Institute offers its clients different test methods which can help to objectively demonstrate the effectiveness of antimicrobial finishes and to document this by means of an appropriate certificate for marketing purposes. The link with biological safety tests for skin compatibility also provides manufacturers and suppliers with the opportunity to accurately identify and record the interaction between textiles and the skin and the potential benefits and risks on a scientific level . Click here to download details of the IHB’s complete service portfolio. Nanotechnology Probably no other catchword has had such an impact on professional textile circles or been included in the advertising messages of manufacturers as frequently over recent months as the term nanotechnology. As there is no uniform definition of the term as yet and there is no distinction between this and conventional textile finishing, insecurity amongst retailers and consumers has increased as the number of advertised active principles and products of this type has risen. The Hohenstein Institutes, in conjunction with NanoMat, a network of various research institutes and leading suppliers of nanomaterials, have therefore now found a definition which can be applied to the textile sector. This also forms the basis for the award of the Hohenstein Quality Label for nanotechnology. Under the definition of the term nanotechnology according to NanoMat, the fact that the majority of applications to date simply exist in theoretical form or at best as prototypes is taken into account. Nanotechnology is therefore related back to the area of nanoscience : Nanotechnology refers to systematically arranged functional structures which consist of particles with size-dependent properties.
In order for a textile product to be able to use the Hohenstein Quality Label in the future, it is therefore not sufficient for nanoparticles (1 nanometer = 10 -9 m = 0.000001 mm) to be incorporated within the fibre or for the fibres to be enclosed in a nanoscale coating (nanofilm). Rather, the nanoparticles or nanolayers in or on the textile must be systematically arranged and thus demonstrably result in a new function. Moreover, the nanotechnology should only be perceptible to the wearer by means of a demonstrably improved function, and should only have a negligible effect on the textile properties . Textile technological parameters which need to be tested in addition to the nanofinish are resistance to care treatments, any effect on health and wear comfort. These parameters can also be neutrally tested by the Hohenstein specialists on request. They are then included separately on the quality label.
UV-protection Textiles are intrinsically suited for use as UV protection, as they are able to offer particularly good protection against intense radiation from the sun if suitable materials and constructions are used. UV-protection factors (UPF, sun protection factors) can be achieved which are far above those of the strongest sunscreens (sunblocks) .
In order to provide consumers with a reliable UPF, the specific requirements which a sunscreen textile will be subjected to in use need to be taken into account. In the case of clothing, stretching during wear, moisture due to perspiration or sea water, or wear during use all affect the sun protection factor. The protection time is on average reduced by around one third as a result of these conditions, and this must be reflected in the UPF factor given in order to protect the wearer . In order to provide consumers with a reliable UPF, the specific requirements which a sunscreen textile will be subjected to in use need to be taken into account. In the case of clothing, stretching during wear, moisture due to perspiration or sea water, or wear during use all affect the sun protection factor. The protection time is on average reduced by around one third as a result of these conditions, and this must be reflected in the UPF factor given in order to protect the wearer . Under www.uvstandard801.com you find details on the measurement of the UPF according to the UV-Standard 801.
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Hohenstein Institute | 74357 Bönnigheim | GERMANY | Tel. +49 7143 271-0 | Fax +49 7143 271-51
