TTNA EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE -
Please click here to enter the dedicated conference website
(www.textileconference.com)


SUSTAIN-TEX... environmental solutions

Parkview Hotel in St Kilda Road, Melbourne
THURSDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2008

Two themes:
Environmentally & Economically Sustainable Manufacturing: The Australian technical textiles and nonwovens industry has embraced many strategies which reduce water and power usage, prevent chemicals polluting the surrounding ecosystem and reduce waste.  Decisions are being made early in the product development phase that eliminate, avoid or reduce downstream environmental impacts.  In recognition that sustainable manufacturing in Australia is dependent upon creating an internationally competitive manufacturing industry and attracting the next generation of manufacturing technologies to Australia, the TTNA is therefore calling for presentations and papers on sustainable manufacturing technologies and processes.

Environmentally & Economically Sustainable Products: Technical and nonwoven textiles are manufactured into advanced materials, engineered for many functions that make an important contribution to the protection of our environment. Solutions that technical textiles and nonwovens can provide in reducing global warming and environmental pollution will be eagerly accepted by the broader global market well into the future. The TTNA is therefore calling for papers on technical and nonwoven textiles products and processes that either currently provide an environmental solution or hold that promise for the future.

SUSTAIN-TEX will bring together international and local speakers and attract senior decision-makers and staff from all areas of the technical and nonwoven textiles industry, including fabricators, suppliers, educationalists and research/development organisations.  The TTNA Annual Conference is known in the industry to be the ideal forum at which new business relationships are either conceived or further developed.  

Presentations and papers will address either or both of the above.  Following is a list of possible themes:

• Filtration media and technologies aqua and effluent treatment and mining applications
• Building materials – membrane, lightweight and solid structures that take less energy for construction as well as for insulation effects
• Road construction -  economical, comfortable, affordable and environmentally friendly
• Recycling and waste disposal products and technologies
• Textiles used in horticultural and geo applications
• Home textiles – recycling machines and under-felts
• The automotive industry….. and more.

SUSTAIN-TEX will bring together local and international representatives from technical textile and onwoven companies, research & development agencies, suppliers and end-users.

SUSTAIN-TEX will showcase conscientious, clean and green manufacturing technology to the industry and provide a forum where finished products that solve environmental problems can be displayed to the industry.

Be a sponsor at the TTNA Conference! Cick here for Sponsorship Opportunities.
Be a speaker at the TTNA Conference! Click here for Call for Papers.
Application Form to make the presentation is here.
Special Earlybird registration for members only valid to 31 July 08 - here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The TTNA Annual Conference – 2007 (Click here for Brochure)
The Three Rs - Recreation, Resources and Retirement - The Roles for Technical and Nonwoven Textiles

Date:  Thursday and Friday 30th & 31st August 2007
Location: Albury NSW
Venue: Sundowner Hovell Tree Inn, Corner Hovell Street and Wodonga Place (old Hume Hwy), Albury  

Dear Industry Colleagues
It gives me great pleasure, as the new Chair of the TTNA, to report on the great success of the TTNA Annual Conference held in Albury, New South Wales.

The evaluation sheets reflected very positive experiences and I can assure you that all suggestions raised will be addressed by the Events Committee. This is a diverse industry and the TTNA is here to serve all aspects of it.

Traveling to a regional centre proved to be a positive experience for delegates, despite the distance. Most drove; others came by train and some by plane. We had a total of 95 participating in conference activities - 10 speakers, 74 conference delegates on both days, 86 enjoying the bush tucker and dancing at the annual dinner, 14 networking on the golf course and 10 at the winery dinner: very positive figures for a small organisation. ...
click here for the entire letter to industry from the Chairman, Mr Rod McKenna

Click here for the full brochure.

Click here for the list of speakers, or see abstracts and bio details further down this page.
Click here for the program - please note, this program may change with the addition of speakers.

The conference was proudly sponsored by TenCate Australia, Kimberly-Clark Australia, Ramsay McDonald, Madison Filter, the International Fibre Centre, Albany International, Lectra and supported by Destination Albury Wodonga. Promotional Sponsorship is from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.

Many thanks to our 2007 Sponsors - (click on logo for company website)

SPEAKERS FROM THE 2007 CONFERENCE

The TTNA welcomes the following speakers to the TTNA Conference. This list is still growing. Watch this space for further details of these speakers and more speakers.

Mr Ian Butler:  Worldwide Prospects for the Nonwoven Industry & India – Nonwovens Outlook 2007-2012
The worldwide nonwoven industry has grown steadily for more than the past decade about 7.5% per year in tonnage.  While the nonwoven industries’ growth in North America (US & Canada), Europe and Japan have slowed with maturity, but, these countries’ growth still remain in the 5% range per annum.  A significant portion of worldwide nonwoven expansion is due to the rising demand for these materials as emerging economies expand.  This presentation will review the world’s nonwoven growth in several key and emerging markets.  Click here for bio details.

Mr Adrian Trioli:Intellectual Property Rights – Why Are They Important For The Technical Textiles Industry?  
An overview of intellectual property rights, including patents, trade marks, designs, trade secrets, copyrights and why are those rights important to the technical textiles industry. Click here for details.

Mr Chris Hurren:  Sol-gel Coatings, Functionality for the three R's
Since the early 1990’s there has been a lot of interest in sol-gels. In recent years this research has started to focus on textile applications. Sol-gels can be employed to impart functionality on a surface. These can include self cleaning, UV protection, antimicrobial, colour, photochromatic effect, increased cell growth and flame redundancy. These functional finishes will be an important property in textile items used in recreation, resources and retirement. This presentation will describe the chemistry of sol-gels along with a look at some of the functionality that they can provide. It will also include case studies into specific applications for sol-gels under research at Deakin University. Click here for bio details.

Mr Gerard Murphy:   Composite Materials Used in Recreation by Retirees
This presentation will create an awareness of the current and future uses of textiles in the production of composite products that will be used or consumed by retirees in Australia, including a SWOT analysis – Graph or matrix to display options and strategies. Click here for more details.

Mr Tshun Thart Chan & Dr Niall Finn:  Degradation of Textile Covers for Anaerobic Ponds
The Western Treatment Plant at Werribee utilises floating membrane cover at its anaerobic ponds for its initial treatment process.  These covers allow compliance with EPA Victoria license in odour control and allow the harvesting of combustible gas.  There are three such covers in the plant which consist either of High Density Polyethylene, Ethylene Interpolymer Alloy or Reinforced Polypropylene.  Throughout the years, Melbourne Water with the assistance from CSIRO has undertaken numerous material testing to better understand the failure mechanism of these covers.  The purpose of this paper is to summarise the results of the material testing carried thus far. Click here for bio details of Mr Chan.

Mr Michael Coates:  Measurement of Resource Efficiency in Manufacturing
The efficient use of resources is essential for sustainable manufacturing, and is a pillar of Lean Manufacturing. Resource efficiency is simply a measure of business inputs less business outputs – the rest is waste. This presentation focuses on operational activities, where overall measurements of resource efficiency are seldom used. Click here for more details.

Ms Vanessa Dwyer:  Evaporation Protection of Water Resources
The future of water availability and assuring the quality of this water has become one of the major environmental issues in recent years.  The reduction of water loss through evaporation and seepage in our storage systems is a key element in any water management strategy. This presentation will cover a shading system using a double layer woven fabric with pen mesh sectoins. Click here for more details.

Dr Peter Cookson:  Medical Applications of Fibres and Textiles
The following sub-topics will be discussed within this presentation:  Definitions of Medical and Hygiene Textiles; Size of the Global Market; Impacts of the Ageing Population;  Latest Developments in Medical Textiles;  Strategic Options Available to Those who Want to Enter – or remain in – the Market. Click here for bio details.

Dr Andrew Poole:  Next-to-skin Wool Garments for Preventing Skin Tears
The skin of elderly people is easily damaged.  The bumps and scrapes of everyday life can tear the skin, creating open wounds that are slow to heal.  New protective garments are being produced using fine Merino in a fabric construction that imparts high stretch with low power.  The garments are highly conformable without compressing the skin and are easy to apply.  The garments have been successfully trialled in nursing homes and are awaiting clinical evaluation.  The global need for such garments is large with over 40 million people aged 80 years or older in the more developed countries of the world. Click here for bio details.

About The TTNA Annual Conference - 2006  (click for brochure)
Creative and innovative uses of technology in design, engineering, processing and manufacturing are revolutionizing many industries.  New technologies create profound challenges and opportunities for the technical and nonwoven textiles industry.  Training and education issues along with research and development are vitally connected to advances in technology. 

This conference will be addressing new technologies and innovations within the technical textiles and nonwovens industry that will create new product and market opportunities - including manufacture and supply of technical and nonwoven textiles, research and development and training issues. The application of technical textiles covers all sectors of everyday life from agriculture, construction, environment, transport, medical, protection and sport.  Personnel from all areas are urged to attend this conference.

Speakers from the 2006 conference

Mr Ian Butler – Director of Market Research & Statistics, Industrial Nonwovens Disposables Association (INDA) – North Carolina USA
Prospects for the Worldwide Nonwovens Industry
This presentation will review the world’s nonwoven growth, and focus on several new product developments that are pushing this growth as well as key technology trends.

Ms Rebekah Vesali – Lean Systems Manager, INC Corporation (Melbourne)
Change Management Through Lean Principles
This case study on using Kanban The INC Way, illustrates how linking targeted training modules to a well planned change management program provides successful outcomes.

Dr Olga Troynikov – Program Coordinator and Senior Lecturer, RMIT University – (Melbourne)
Recent Developments in Knitted Technical Textiles and the Future Outlook
In this paper we will take a look at some recent developments and uses for various knitted technical textiles.

Mr Roger La Salle – Director, Rudders RLS Pty Ltd (Melbourne)
Innovation – The Key to Market Success
Mr La Salle presents a simple clarification of what innovation is and, moreover, how you actually undertake innovation in a practical real way that will lead to almost certain business success.

Mr Samir Gupta – Managing Director, Business Coordination House (New Delhi)
Technical Textiles in India – A Market Perspective
The Indian market and its population in excess of one billion, present lucrative and diverse opportunities for Australian companies to sell/outsource their products. India’s technical textiles market is becoming too big to ignore with infrastructure development taking place.

Dr Richard Helmer – Research Engineer, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology (Melbourne)
Electronic Textiles: Technologies, Applications and Impacts
The incorporation of electronics into textiles is enabling new functionality that has significant impacts on both traditional and many non-traditional textile uses.

R. Neil Muirhead - Managing Director, Kuesters Far East Ltd. (Hong Kong)
Innovative Wet Finishing Technologies for Nonwoven End Products
This presentation examines the latest technical application technologies available including low liquor “kiss-roll” add-on systems, the importance of “S-Roll” based impregnation technology allowing full nip control, units with significantly improved dewatering capacity, plus the specific state of the art dosing technologies needed by the non-woven industry operating in the hygiene markets today.

Mr Frank Henkel – Scientific Employee, Institut fur Textiltechnik der RWTH, (Aachen, Germany)
Tailored Textile Composites for Mobility Applications
Increasing demands on functionality, weight and price reduction can be fulfilled in many cases only by composite and hybrid constructions. Appropriate one-step- or multiple-step-processes are the key to industrial realization of textile based composite structures.

Mr Robert Bell – Technical Manager, Madison Filter Pty Ltd (Melbourne) An Improved Elastomeric Tracking System
To overcome the problems associated with the Edge Track used on vacuum drum filter belts, an elastomeric tracking system has been developed, the key advantages of which will be presented.

Ms Kerryn Caulfield – Executive Manager, Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Association
Data and Information Project into the TTN Industry
This paper will outline the process of gathering appropriate data to develop a new training framework for the technical textiles and nonwovens industry.

Fibre Vision – Future Trends in Fibre Development and End Use Applications
Tuesday 15th November 2005 

Speakers from the Annual Conference 2005 - Fibre Vision - Future Trends in Fibre Development and End Use ApplicationsTuesday 15th November 2005
AOR Dr.-Ing. Dieter Veit – Deputy Head of Department, Institut fur Textiltechnik der RWTH, Aachen (Germany). Innovative Materials for Medical Applications – Latest Developments and Trends

Dr Veit is at the forefront of research and development in the field of biomaterials and artificial implants. He will present an overview of the materials and processing technologies for medical implants, covering the use of shape memory effects and superelasticity of Nitinol for the production of stents, blood filters and micro stents. Product technology and testing procedures for warp knitted structures for tissue engineering for artificial blood vessels will also be covered. The production and processing technology of extremely small amounts of fibres for nonwovens made of biomaterials with equipment developed by ITA will also be demonstrate.

Mr Ken Atkinson – Project Leader, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology CSIRO Research into Carbon Nanotubes for Smart Textiles. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the ultimate fibre, possessing high strength, low density and high electrical conductivity. The incorporation of CNTs into textiles in ways that exploit this unique combination of properties is being examined by both CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology and the NanoTech Institute at the University of Texas in Dallas by using real twist to assemble the CNTs into a continuous yarn. The advantage of dry-spinning is that it produces pure CNT yarns with good electrical properties because it eliminates non-conducting polymers. This presentation will cover the spinning method, yarn structure and yarn properties and implications of carbon nanotubes.

Mr Chris Rane – Product Manager, Excel Nonwovens (UK). Protection Textiles and the Technical Demands on Fibres In a world of ever-increasing violence and occupational hazards, there is an ongoing demand for technical textiles to provide protection from bullets, knives, glass, fire, vandalism and sports injuries. Protection is enhanced by incorporating nonwoven, knitted and woven fabrics  - sometimes using highly sophisticated fibres - into the finished article.  As new threats appear, increased levels of performance are required and, with them, fibre and fabric manufacturers worldwide must meet the challenge to develop products that meet the specific threat or level of protection. This presentation will review these challenges.

Mr Gerard Burg - Minerals & Energy Economist, National Australia Bank. The Outlook for Oil and its Derivatives. Global trade, pricing and market conditions of the oil market are major influences on fibre prices and, thus, the prosperity and competitiveness of all enterprises throughout the collective textile supply chain. This presentation outlines the National Australia Bank’s outlook for global oil markets for the medium term, focussing on the fundamental market drivers for oil prices.

Mr Howard Price – Marketing Manager, Invista (Australia) Pty Ltd. Fibre SolutionsEmployed by the world’s largest integrated fibre, resin and intermediates company serving the apparel, interiors, intermediates, performance fibres and polymer and resins industries, Mr Price is best placed to present a global perspective of the technical fibre industry market place and discuss current developments aimed at providing solutions for today’s needs, including the increased use of Lycra™ in technical textiles and trends in molecular weights and chemical and abrasion resistance needs of the industry.

Mr Allan Williams - Project Officer, Cotton Growers Research Association Challenges and Opportunities for the Australian Cotton Industry. Mr Williams will focus on two critical issues for cotton, both domestically and internationally: competition from synthetic fibres, and the sustainability of cotton production. An introduction to the Australian cotton industry will be outlined with a focus on why Australia has a reputation as a producer of high quality, low-contamination cotton, produced in an environmentally responsible manner. An overview of the world cotton market will also be provided, with particular attention being drawn to its declining market share as compared to synthetic fibres and the efforts being made internationally to combat this decline

.Mr Paul Bowden – Technical Specialist – Power Generation and Alumina, Albany International. The Use of Textiles in Reduction of Particulate Emissions from Coal Fired Power Stations in Australia. Over the last 30 years there has been a significant increase in the use of textiles in coal fired power stations.  When coal is burnt in a power station, approximately 30% of the weight of coal evolves as fly ash (smoke), which must be prevented from passing to the atmosphere.  Mr Bowden will discuss the use of different fibre polymers and yarn types and how woven and fabric structures have developed in order to achieve low emissions, high air flows and extended life.  Mr Bowden has also developed fabric designs for all product groups, in particular power generation, alumina refineries and smelters.

Dr Peter Cookson – Research Academic, Deakin University Fibre & Textile Applications of Nanotechnology. Investigations of potential applications for nanoscience are occurring in almost every field of human endeavour and are consuming billions of dollars globally every year. Many forecast that fibre and textile industries are likely to be amongst the early adopters of nanotechnology products and processes. Dr Cookson will present current and future trends for nanotechnological innovations in fibres and textiles.

Ms Janet Pope – Managing Director, Cust & Jacobson Pty Ltd. Soybean Protein Fibre - The Old Fashioned Fibre with a Modern Future. Soybean Protein Fibre (SPF) launched into the world stage after 10 years of intense research and development led by the inventor Li Guanqi. Recognised as something special in China when it received the 2003 Patent Gold Medal, it continues to attract accolades from around the world as one of the most exciting new developments with plant protein. Ms Pope will cover the history of the fibre from Henry Ford to Li Guangi:  the fibre's attributes, its environmental status, the products being produced and marketing opportunities.

Professor Ed Kosior, Technical Director, Managing Director, NEXTEK Pty Ltd. Fibres Production from Post Consumer Waste and Sustainable Sources.The technology of recycling post-consumer waste into fibres is now well established as a reliable production process. The major recycling techniques and controls over key process parameters and modification technologies will be discussed along with the future prospects for this approach to sourcing low cost materials. Professor Kosior will discuss the use of sustainable source materials as an alternative to petrochemical based polymers which is fast becoming a new focus for many industries. The growth prospects for these materials for the fibre industry will become increasingly important as oil prices increase.

The following organizational promotions took place in the suppliers’ session during the conference:

Drake  Extrusion – by Mr David Lovegrove, Australasian Sales Manager;  Gerhardt Australia – by Mr Ian Sarney, Sales & Marketing Manager; German Chamber of Commerce – by Ms Doris Schnyder, Manager- Trade Fairs who will promote the CINTE Techtextil in Shanghai in September 2006.

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology – by Mr Kent Williamson – Workplace Training Manager.
E-mail lorraine@ttna.com.au if you would like more details on any of the presentations made at the Fibre Vision conference in 2005 – or telephone her on +61 3 9866 6643.

The Annual Conference - 2004

Advanced Materials for the Environment and the Production of Energy
Tuesday 23rd November 2004

Speakers from the Annual Conference 2004 – Advanced Materials for the Environment and the Production of Energy

The Benefits of Textile Covers for Potable Water Storages – A study by CSIRO, Gale Pacific, and East Gippsland Water–Dr Niall Finn, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology.
There are many potential benefits from covering water storages but the method must be practical, long lasting, low maintenance and cost effective. This paper describes an on-going study to quantitatively determine the advantages of covering water storages with tensioned shade cloth structures. The expected benefits include lower algal and plant growth, reduced evaporation, prevention of fouling by birds, and reduced contamination by wind blown debris. The study will evaluate the benefits of covering water storages especially the impact on post storage processing with regard to any increase or decrease in processing requirements and costs and will include a comparison with other possible solutions.

New Developments in Waste Water Treatment in the Textile Industry – Mr Massimiliano Previdi, SIMEM S.R.L. (Italy)
We will demonstrate the latest completely biological technologies in this sector that provide:-
-Optimal results in water purification, with no toxic waste and with very low running costs
.-Waste water recovery: the easiest and cheapest way to recover 50% of waste water for reuse as process water.
-Brine salts recovery: recovery of 50% of sodium sulphate or chloride from the spent process baths.
It is possible to discharge water with lower total dissolved solids and sulphate content, allowing the reuse of a larger proportion of water.

Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant – Energy Recovery System – Mr Rob A’Vard, Melbourne Water.
The Western Treatment Plant has had an upgrade to move away from the practice of discharging raw sewage onto the local paddocks to developing a lagoon system.  This is to reduce odour in the local community as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen targets.  The reduction of the greenhouse gasses has been carried out by covering some of the lagoons with technical textiles which capture and compress the gasses.  It has been turned into a recovery process where power is generated which is then on-sold onto the power grid. 

Title of Paper: Photocatalytic Oxidation System for Colour Removal in Dye Effluent – Dr Linda Zou, Deakin University.
Photocatalytic oxidation process is an effective way to deal with organic pollutants in wastewater which could be difficult to be degraded by conventional biological treatment methods. In this research, two types of titanium dioxide materials, powder and pellets were used and investigated for photocatalytic degradation of textile dye effluent. A test system was built with a flat plate reactor and UV light source. It was found that the photocatalytic process under this configuration could efficiently remove colours from textile dyeing effluent. The TiO2 pellets were very easy to recover and can be reused without the significant change on the photocatalytic property.

Title of Paper: How Composites are Revolutionising Energy Generation – Mr Francis Woodruff, Web Processing (M/C) LTD.
Composites are reducing the weight of transport systems thereby reducing energy utilisation, as well as being the means by which energy can be generated from environmentally friendly and  renewable sources. The paper will present important developments being made in this market.

Aerospace to Windmills: The Development of Composite Reinforcements – Mr Steve Hoptroff, Hexcel Corporation.
A composite by definition has more than one component – a reinforcement and a matrix that gives it form. The paper describes the evolution of cost effective reinforcement forms, fabrics, braids, spirals, multi-axials and production processes.  Their transition from the Aerospace Industry to Wind Energy and Industrial Markets (and back again).

Nonwoven Geosynthetics in Containment and Remediation – Mr Simon Restall, Soil Filters.
The utilisation of geosynthetics as a means of containment has grown to embrace a broad and diverse range of engineered solutions. The containment and rehabilitation of municipal, industrial and mining waste still present some of the most challenging applications for these products. This paper will present an over view of non woven products, their applications and a look at the transformed end result.

Electrospun Polymer Nanofibres and Their Applications – Dr Tong Lin, Deakin University. Electrospinning is a process that uses a strong electric field to stretch a polymer fluid into extremely fine fibres. Such fibres have a number of applications in areas such as semi-permeable membranes, specialty filters, composites, scaffolding for tissue engineering and protective clothing.

The Use of Geosynthetics in Landfill Waste Disposal, Treatment, and Energy Recovery – Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd.
Geosynthetic materials have gained broad acceptance in the greater engineering community in Australia by providing alternative construction materials for infrastructure (eg road construction), geotechnical works (retaining structures and foundations), coastal works (sand/rock armour filtration and erosion protection) and water-wastewater projects (liquids containment, filtration). The properties of Geosynthetic materials that make them cost effective alternatives in these applications can also be put to good effect in landfill practices. Some of the common uses in solid waste disposal for geosynthetics include; low leakage rate barriers for landfill base liners, filters and drains in leachate collection systems, reinforcement of cover soils on landfill caps, low infiltration landfill caps, groundwater / seepage interception drains around waste cells, reed bed lining for leachate polishing, greenhouse gas emission minimisation, methane extraction and utilisation, and erosion control of rehabilitated landfill sites. Geosynthetics allow landfill space to be maximised in volume by steepening the cell slopes and reducing the thickness of hydraulic and leachate control layers. Many geosynthetics are now made from a high percentage of recycled materials (eg recycled PET and HDPE) so the use of virgin quarry gravels and clay resources can be minimised. Case histories from a number of Queensland projects highlighting the use of Geosynthetics in landfill construction are presented.

Biodegradable Polymers in Textiles – Dr Mickey Huson, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology.
Most textiles, particularly technical textiles are made from synthetic polymers which in turn are made from fossil fuels, a non-renewable natural resource. In addition polymers are generally chosen for their durability and stability over the long term. These two facts combine to make polymers a potential threat to the environment and there is thus a growing trend towards the design and use of biodegradable polymers. This is particularly true in the packaging industry but is likely to become more widespread. This paper reports on the range of biodegradable polymers currently available, their properties, prices and suitability for textiles.

Sustainable Industrial Materials derived from Agricultural Fibre Waste – Dr Stephen Russell, University of Leeds (UK).
There is increasing interest in the substitution of petrochemical based fibres with crop-derived alternatives to produce highly functional and environmentally sustainable industrial materials. Examples of industrial products that have been developed containing agricultural crop-derived fibres for applications in civil engineering and building, automotive and horticulture as well as recent developments will be presented. The need for an improved understanding of crop fibres in the context of new industrial product design will be discussed. The variety of crop fibres now available will be presented and a summary of some of the associated mechanical and chemical extraction methods will be given. The physical and chemical properties of these sustainable fibre materials compared to conventional synthetic fibre materials and metals used in the built environment will be considered and the potential for new, sustainable industrial materials composed of crop fibres with enhanced functional performance will be discussed.      

Non Woven Technical Textiles for the Collection of Fly Ash in Flue-gas from Coal Fired Power Stations – Mr Paul Bowden, Albany International Pty Ltd.
Prior the 1970 all Coal Fired Power Stations used Electrostatic Precipitators to collect fly ash from their flue gas.Since then almost all existing power stations have been converted to using fabric filters that utilise technical textiles.  With newly built power stations all have been equipped with this technology as original equipment.The conditions in the flue gas duct work exiting the coal-fired boiler and in the fabric filter are extreme and require the use of specialised technical textiles to effect both the filtration duty and to withstand the mechanical and chemical demands.This paper discusses the development of these technical textiles from a material and construction perspective, the changes in the technical textile technology utilised and the challenges in their applications.

E-mail lorraine@ttna.com.au if you would like more details on any of the presentations made at the Fibre Vision conference in 2005 – or telephone her on +61 3 9866 6643.

Advanced Materials for the a Secure World 
Tuesday 18th November 2003

Speakers from the Annual Conference 2003 – Advanced Materials for the a Secure World

Roger Tattersall - Lantor (UK) Ltd
Military Protective Concepts for First Responders, Emergency Services and Homeland Protection
The potential spread of the nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threat is transgressing from military warfare to domestic homeland areas, and is changing the needs of first responders and emergency services.  Available protective concept systems and the adaptation of military systems to meet domestic needs will be presented.  Included will be the history of NBC development at Lantor in the UK, the current NBC suit and latest, new generation advanced protective materials. 

Dr William Humphries - CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
New Materials for Protective and Bio-monitoring Textiles
CSIRO is creating commercially advanced materials by incorporating advanced functions into fibres, rather than sewing electronic components into finished garments.  Sophisticated spinning and knitting technologies used to mass produce garments with integrated electrical circuits will be explored. Applications for the defence and emergency services will be presented, including wireless transmission, ballistic protection and blast containment with the incorporation of carbon nanotubes.  

Dr Bin Lee - Defence Science & Technology Organisation
Textiles for Combatant Protection and Performance
Soldiers face threats ranging from ballistic impact to burns and injuries from chemical, biological and radiological weapons.  A soldier is a combat system requiring protection whilst giving optimum performance under extreme conditions.  The challenge is to provide technical textile ensembles emphasising protection as well as comfort.  Areas discussed include CB protection, signature management, flammability, ballistic and environmental protection. 

Mr R. Neil Muirhead – Eduard Küsters Maschinenfabrik Gmbh & Co. KG
Laminating Technologies for Multi-functional Textiles
Demands on technical textiles employed by defence, security and humanitarian forces are becoming more complex and increasingly require engineered textiles such as laminates and composites.  The latest ultrasonic laminating technology will be described where materials with different melting points, used in the production of ballistic/chemical/water and heat resistant fabrics, can be laminated without adhesive.    

Mr Rod McKenna – Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd
Long-Term Performance of Non-Woven Geotextile Wraparound Walls
Retaining walls constructed in the ‘80s using non-woven geotextile as reinforcement responded positively to simulated war conditions and were subsequently used in a full-scale traverse construction at the Mulwala Ammunitions Factory in NSW.  The performance of the geotextile against UV, creep and in-soil degradation in semi-arid and chemically aggressive environments will be discussed.  

Mr Randy Meirowitz – RnD Technical Solutions Inc
A Systematic Examination of Chemical/Biological Warfare Related to Textiles – Threats, Needs & Opportunities
A US based authority, Mr Meirowitz will review the history, development and use of CB agents in warfare, including physiological results of contact with CB agents, in order to highlight the capabilities and shortcomings of current technology.  Strategies employed prior to and after exposure to minimize personnel and collateral damage during high risk operations will also be explored. 

Mr Graeme Clarke – QANTAS
Airline Security:  Technology, Regulation and Risk
The climate of fear combined with political sensitivities has prompted an intensive focus on the technology applied to reduce risks associated with terrorism in the airline industry.  The current regulatory environment, current technologies, systems and concepts required now, and in the future, will be discussed, as well as their impact on the cost/risk balance

Advanced Materials for a Solution Driven Industry 
Tuesday 23rd November 2002

Speakers from the Annual Conference 2002 – Advanced Materials for a Solution Driven Industry

Nonwovens – A Global Perspective. Mr Ted Wirtz, President, INDA (USA)
Future Developments in the Nonwovens Sector. Mr Colin F. White, Consultant, MCW Technologies (UK)Airlaid -  A New Technology for Australia? Mr Jesper Dobel, Managing Director, Dan-Webforming A/S (Denmark)
A Technical Textiles Solution in Paper Making – A Case Study. Mr Frank Oxley, PMC Technical Manager, Albany International
Spunlacing of Calendered Spunbond WebsMr Daniel Feroe, Area Sales Manager, Rieter Perfoject (USA)
Friction Modifiers and Much MoreMr Dirk Leiber, General Manager of ESCH Anlagen & Maschinenbau GmbH (Germany)
From Customer Driven Developments to Market Leading Solutions. Mr Robert Bell, Technical Manager, Madison Filter Pty Ltd
Nonwoven Carding Instrumentation & Process Control. Dr Niall Finn, Project Manager, CSIRO TFT
Italians Do it Better – Winding, Slitting, Rewinding Nonwovens. Dr Alessandro Celli, A. Celli SPA (Italy)
Lectra Solutions and Success Stories on the Filtration Market. M. Jean Millorit, Lectra (France)
Technical Textiles & Electro Magnetic Radiation Protection. Professor Mike Pailthorpe, Senior Research Scientist, LincLab Australia
The Intelligent Knee Sleeve. Ms Bridget Munro, CSIRO TFT
Innovative Coastal Solutions Utilising Nonwovens. Mr Simon Restall, General Manager, Soil Filters Australia Pty Ltd