Brochure on The North Face
Nanotech Fabric
The North Face Company would like to present to you our new line of jackets. These jackets are a Nanotechnology clothing fabric with the guarantee that it will “never get wet” (Evans). This material was developed by Swiss chemists and the lead researcher, Stefan Seeger at the University of Zurich, says that “this fabric is the most water-repellent clothing-appropriate material ever created” (Evans). Rain drops stay in little balls on top of the fabric and you only need to tilt a sheet of the material by 2 degrees for them to roll right off (Evans). The main reason for the strong water resistance is the layer of silicone nanofilaments (Evans). “The spiky structure of the 40-nonometre-wide filaments strengthens this effect to create a coating on the fabric. This helps prevents the water from soaking through the coat into the polyester fibers underneath” (Evans).
The same water repelling substances that are used in this fabric is the same as the surface of Lotus leaves. Also, the silicone nanofilaments trap a layer of air between them to create a permanent air layer (Evans).
This is similar to layers called plastrons that are used by some insects and spiders to breathe underwater (Evans).
“Since the layer of air ensures that the water never comes into contact with the polyester fabric, the jacket can literally be submerged in water for two months and still remain dry to touch states Seeger” (Evans). Seeger conducted in some of his experiments that the plastron layer is also able to reduce drag when moving from water by up to 20% (Evans). This had also brought up the idea to make athletic swimsuits that would never get wet.
The new coating is created through a one-step process (Evans). The silicone is in gas form and condenses on to the fibers to form nanofilaments; this is proved to be very durable through the experiments (Evans).
I would definitely purchase this jacket. Overall, I think that this seems like a very well constructed material. I think that this could be a jacket that is especially geared towards college students. This new kind of water resistant material will be able to hold up well with the harsh weather conditions.
PrimaLoft
Another new type of fabric that North Face will be issuing is our PrimaLoft Eco line. This line uses fibers that are made up of a minimum of 50 percent recycled materials, along with standard PrimaLoft fibers (The North Face). “The fibers are created from postconsumer products such as plastic bottles and from post- industrial waste” (The North Face). It is warm, lightweight, and water resistant (The North Face). Not to mention it is extremely soft to touch. I think the microfiber lining of this jacket is what makes it so comfortable to wear. Also, if you were to sweat, I think the microfiber would work well with absorbing the moisture from your skin, compared to other materials. I would definitely recommend this type of jacket, especially if you enjoy camping and being outdoors in your spare time.
Upcoming
Another new fabric that The North Face Company will be introducing in our fabric line is Carinessa. This fabric is 91% microfiber polyester and 9% Lycra (Idcatalog). “The combination of these two fibers creates a comfortable, stretchy fabric that allows the garment to stay in place better, move and stretch as you wear it, and create shape to the individual body styles” (Idcatalog). Because of the stretchy fabric, outer clothing will be able to go over Carinessa very easily. This will be great for layering in cold climates (Idcatalog).
