Fiber Innovations > High Performance

Dynamic Support in Sportswear: Unveiling the Science and Potential of RHEON Fiber Technology

Saal A
Mittwoch, 11.09.2024, 17:10 - 17:35 Uhr

- The RHEON Technology features a highly strain-rate-sensitive polymer with dynamic stiffening characteristics. Thus, RHEON is soft and comfortable in its natural state, but stiffens dynamically when subjected to force. - Main application fields are 3-dimensional geometries for impact protection and film in high performance athletic wear with dynamic support properties. - Focus on the development of a highly strain-rate-sensitive RHEON Fibre and it’s applications.

Sprecher
Sarah Karmel (RHEON Labs)
At the core of cutting-edge the RHEON Technology lies a polymer composition which is highly sensitive to strain rates, exhibiting dynamic stiffening characteristics when subjected to external forces. Presently, RHEON Technology is established in two distinct formats: as engineered 3-dimensional geometries primarily employed in impact protection, and as a a dynamically stiffening film activated under tension, prominently featured in high-performance athletic apparel to provide dynamic support. These garments maintain flexibility and comfort in their natural state but exhibit stiffening and supportive attributes under elevated loads, ensuring athletes receive support precisely when needed. Our ongoing endeavours have recently culminated in the development of a novel RHEON format—a highly strain-rate-sensitive fibre tailored for integration into sport garments and footwear. This presentation will focus on the scientific principles of highly strain-rate-sensitive polymers, elucidating their applications, with a specific emphasis on the dynamic landscape of sport textiles. Furthermore, we aim to provide an in-depth exploration of the development and inherent properties of the RHEON Fibre and showcase the application of the RHEON technology with real-world examples.