By Sangeeta Saxena

Leh/New Delhi. 30 September 2024.  Textiles with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties may help lower the microbial contamination of textiles and the associated risks of pathogen infections . It is not only a boon to  patients, health care professionals and the general public but also to troops who are in extreme climatic conditions. These recyclable, non-toxic, and reusable products contribute to the preservation of both the planet and its inhabitants.

Indian Army and FICCI co-organised  HIMTECH 2024, a platform for showcasing defense and security innovations at Leh recently, where Thermaissance , a company known for its advanced fabric technology, displayed it’s latest products tailored to the needs of soldiers operating in extreme environments. In an exclusive interview, Rohit Jairath, Consultant to  Thermaissance  discussed the company’s smart fabric wear, its superior features and its growing success in both military and medical sectors.

ADU. Thermaissance is showcasing smart fabric wear at HIMTECH. Could you elaborate on that?

Rohit Jairath .  Yes, we are showcasing our Level 1 and Level 2 smart fabric wear. These are designed with superior thermoregulation and wicking properties, meaning they efficiently manage heat and sweat, providing added comfort in extreme conditions.

ADU. What exactly is meant by “smart fabric wear”?

Rohit Jairath.  Smart fabric wear refers to materials that go beyond the standard fabric features. Our fabric offers not only excellent thermo regulation but also protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Despite being polyester, it’s skin-friendly, lightweight, and highly comfortable, making it ideal for long-duration wear in challenging environments.

ADU. Is this fabric designed specifically for soldiers?

Rohit Jairath.  Yes, especially for soldiers in high-altitude regions where temperatures can range from 0°C to as low as -40°C. The fabric is designed to cater to both types of environments with two levels—Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 can be worn in a wide range of temperatures, and Level 2 is added for extreme cold.

ADU. Can you explain how the fabric works in high-altitude conditions?

Rohit Jairath. In high-altitude areas, sweat can cause serious issues like frostbite and edema. Our smart fabric efficiently wicks sweat away from the body, preventing it from freezing and causing harm. We focus on sweat management, particularly in areas like the feet, where sweat accumulation can lead to problems. Our fabric has been tested for 28 days without generating any fungus, which is a common issue in such environments.

ADU.  You mentioned that the fabric has been tested by the US Army. How has the response been?

Rohit Jairath.  Yes, we supply to the US Army, and the response has been very positive. They appreciate the smart features of our fabric, especially the sweat management, which traditional cotton-based fabrics fail to address. Our material absorbs sweat and dries quickly, preventing the wearer from feeling cold due to moisture retention.

ADU.  How has the response been at HIMTECH so far?

Rohit Jairath. The response has been encouraging. Many soldiers and officials are impressed by the smart fabric’s capabilities. We are also supplying our fabric to Troop Comfort Limited, which manufactures Level 1 and Level 2 garments for the Indian Army.

ADU. Are you targeting other sectors besides the military?

Rohit Jairath. Yes, besides the military, we are also focusing on Homeland Security, the Forest Department, and regions like Northeast India, where cold conditions are prevalent. Additionally, we’re making strides in the medical sector by providing protective clothing for doctors, such as coats with antiviral and antibacterial properties.

ADU. How does your medical fabric stand up to washing and reuse?

Rohit Jairath. Our fabric can withstand up to 100 washes in an autoclave at 120°C, which is crucial for the medical sector where hygiene is paramount. This ensures that our products maintain their protective qualities, even after rigorous use.

Thermaissance creates smart fabrics that effectively inactivate a variety of bacteria, fungus, and viruses using nanotechnology. In numerous ISO 17025 certified laboratories (as required by the WHO), Thermaissance’s fabric technology has undergone scientific testing and been shown to inactivate over 99.999% of coronavirus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, MRSA, VRE, CRE, Mucor species, and other microorganisms. The technology disrupts the membrane of bacteria and viruses around-the-clock, which ultimately kills them by preventing them from proliferating. We create a variety of medical textiles, including scrubs, gowns, patient clothes, lab coats, etc., using these clever textiles.

It is pushing the boundaries of smart fabric technology, delivering innovative solutions for both military and medical sectors. With a focus on protection, comfort, and sustainability, the company’s smart fabric wear is poised to revolutionize how soldiers and health care professionals manage extreme environments and high-risk situations. As the company continues to expand its reach, its products are set to play a vital role in the safety and efficiency of those operating in harsh conditions.