Clothing is an integral part of humanlife and has a number of functions; protection, adornment and status. Traditionally, textiles are used for various applicationscovering apparel (suiting, shirting, dress material, scarf, etc.), homefurnishing (table mats, bath mats, bed sheets, upholstery, carpets, curtains,etc.) and technical functions (industrial belts/filters, automobile, medicine, agriculture,etc.). With increase in population, improved standard of living and growingindustrialisation the overall demand for textile material for the various end-useapplications is rapidly rising. Protective clothing is one area whichencompasses both the apparel as well as the technical functions and is emergingas one of the fastest growing textile segments.

Protective clothing refers to garments and otherfabric related items designed to protect the wearer from harsh environment whichmay result in injuries or death. Thus, primarily this comprises all thosetextile-based products, which are used principally for their performance orfunctional characteristics rather than their aesthetic or decorative purposes. Presently the protective textiles segment is about 1.5% ofthe total textile market with an estimated value of US$ 5.2 bn and theconsumption is expected to grow at 10-12 % per year.

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About the Author:

Dr. Ashok Athalye isassociated with the Technical Service department at Atul Ltd (Colors division),Valsad, Gujarat.