The event, regarded as the industrial fabric industry’s flagship show for commerce, networking and knowledge, will takes place from 16-18 October at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX, co-locating with CAMX, the composites and advanced materials Expo.

Keohan’s presentation, Creating a New Performance Fabric Category: Stormproof/Breathable takes place on 17 October, on the show floor at the Shade and Weather Protection section of the show.

Keohan’s talk describes how Stormproof/Breathable chemistries work and why this represents a new category of DWR protection. The presentation also discusses how Stormproof/Breathable chemistries compare to existing DWR technologies, the science involved, current DWR testing methods and how Stormproof/Breathable chemistries can be used alone to add advanced DWR performance in single-play fabrics or paired with laminates to enhance laminate repellency performance and comfort.

In addition, the presentation looks at how new extreme rainfall weather patterns are fuelling demand for higher-performance DWR’s in apparel, camping gear, marine textiles, industrial textiles and other textiles routinely exposed to the elements.

As the Senior Technology Manager at Bolger & O’Hearn, Keohan has led the development of high-performance fabric effects including repellents, odour control agents, and adhesives. He holds a BA-Chemistry from Holy Cross College, an MS-Chemistry from Virginia Tech, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Keohan has over 30 years of experience in polymer synthesis, applied chemistry, materials science, and textile finishing.

Founded in 1969, from its traditional beginnings in the textiles industry, Bolger & O’Hearn has expanded into paper coatings, nonwovens and other non-textile manufactured products, all of which find applications in a wide range of industries. Today its product line – totalling over 2,500 products – is sold and distributed globally. Committed to a zero-carbon future, B&O currently produces its products using renewable energy. The solar voltaic array on its facilities allow it to displace more than 100,000 pounds of carbon each year.

www.bolgerohearn.com