2008.04.07

Dow Corning Corporation’s Impact Protection Business Development Manager Dr. Liz Mallen introduced Dow Corning Active Protection System, the patented unique “smart” technical textile that provides an unprecedented combination of defence and comfort for personal impact-protection applications. The fabric remains soft and flexible under normal conditions, but hardens instantly upon impact to absorb and distribute energy over the entire protective area. When the impact force is removed, the material immediately returns to a flexible state.
In October 2006, Rukka, a Finland-based manufacturer of sports apparel, launched the first commercially available product to use Active Protection System fabric: the SRO Anatomic motorcycle riding suit. Mallen discussed the case study behind this product launch and presented applications beyond motorcycling for the Active Protection System.
The Active Protection System was named to the R&D 100, recognizing it as one of the year’s most innovative technologies. From the top 100, the fabric also received the Most Innovative New Technology award. In June, Dow Corning Active Protection System received a 2007 Techtextil Innovation Award in the New Applications category.
Mallen’s presentation took place the 11th December, at The Dorint Novotel Don Giovanni in Prague, Czech Republic. Sponsored by IntertechPira, the conference covered the latest technologies and strategies in advanced textiles and nanotextiles.