Thermal protection a hot topic at IFAI Expo 2008

June 9, 2008 - PRLog -- What do NASCAR drivers need more than speed and skill? Fire and heat protection. Textiles designed to withstand extreme high-temperature environments will be the focus of the 6th International Conference on Safety & Protective Fabrics, held Oct. 20-21 at IFAI Expo 2008, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C.

During the 1.5-day Safety conference program, presentations will allow designers, engineers and manufacturers to examine high-performance material developments and the latest research and testing measurements that ensure consumer safety.

Safety Conference presentations:
-Comfort Aspects of Thermal Protection, Prof. Roger Barker PhD, N.C. State University College of Textiles  
-Standard Methods for Measuring Heat Transfer Properties, Prof. Elizabeth McCullough, Ph.D., Kansas State University
-Thermal Protection in Multi-Layer Garments, Dr. Richard Young, Senior Research Chemist, DuPont Personal Protection
-Features, Applications & Testing of Aluminized Fabrics, Lou Ott, Gentex Corp.
-Flame & Thermal Test Capabilities for Military Protective Materials, Carole Winterhalter, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research
-Fire Shelter for Wildland Fire Fighters - History and Development, Tony Petrilli, U.S. Forest Service
-New Developments in Spunlace Materials for Protective Apparel, Stuart Smith, Norafin (Americas) Inc.
-International Standards for Flame and Arc Thermal Resistant Fabrics, Hugh Hoaglund, Hoagland Consulting

Attendees will also learn about potential business applications in the racing industry during the presentation “Trends & Opportunities in Motorsports” by Karen Ray, N.C. State Representative. Ray will draw on her service as a motorsports industry business owner, N.C. State Representative, and a member of the N.C. State Motorsports Caucus to educate attendees on motorsports applications for high-performance textiles. North Carolina is home to 45 Winston Cup teams; 40 Busch Series teams; 20 Craftsman Truck series teams; as well as the offices of seven Motorsports-sanctioning bodies, including NASCAR's marketing and research development offices; so the "Hub of Motorsports in the United States" takes this $1.5 billion industry very seriously.

NASCAR: Behind the scenes
During the conference, attendees will take a private tour of the NASCAR garages. Here they will network with the suppliers and discuss the unusual materials and applications unique to the racing industry with the technical racing staff.

Networking and innovation
Attendees have exciting networking opportunities at IFAI Expo 2008 with an international consortium of engineers, designers, manufacturers and textile professionals. Safety Conference attendees will enjoy a special reception hosted at the Design Exhibition 2008 – a special exhibition featuring far-out innovations in health and safety curated by Marie O’Mahony.

Visitors to the Safety Conference also receive VIP admission to the IFAI Expo 2008 trade show, which will host an expected 450 exhibitors and their green, sustainable, high-tech products and materials. For best value, attend the Safety Conference and IFAI Expo 2008 by registering with a Full Business package. Starting at $699 USD.

Register online at http://www.ifaiexpo.com. For more information, contact IFAI representatives Barbara Connett at bjconnett@ifai.com, Ruth Stephens at rastephens@ifai.com, or call +1 651 222 2508.

The 6th International Conference on Safety & Protective Fabrics is organized by the Safety & Protective Products Division, a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International. For membership information, visit http://www.safetyfabrics.com.

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The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) proactively represents and promotes the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry worldwide.

Website: www.ifai.com