Textile that comes from NASA visits French by bicycle

During the De France tour, athletes must maintain constant speed while cyclists drive tens of kilometers of cold rain and summer heat. These cyclists need equipment that adjusts to the various environments they face. One company uses NASA -origin material to ensure that these athletes remain comfortable while leading their big tour.

Phase change materials use basic substances of matter to maintain constant temperature. When the substance is melted from solid to liquid, the material absorbs the heat, and when it becomes firm again, it releases that heat. In the 1980s, the Triangle Research Corporation received the NASA Award for Innovation Research for Small Companies to investigate how phase change materials can be installed in textiles for temperature control in the gloves of the space game. By placing phase changes in small capsules woven by textiles, these properties of temperature regulation can be adapted to the comfort of the human body. Although these textiles were not embedded in any gloves that flew on NASA’s missions, they made up the basis for a new product, which is sold under the name Outlast.

Outlast has since become one of the most commonly distributed fabrics that regulate the temperature found in products such as bedding, daily clothing and office chairs. Particularly extensive use in active clothing, ranging from jogging to professional sports equipment.

Founded in 2001 and based in Fréjus, France, Ecoï makes for cyclists clothing and accessories, especially those who are cycling competitively. The company first appeared on the supervision at the Fabric Fabric for performance in Munich, Germany, and was impressed with its capabilities as well as NASA -in heritage.

“When you say Nasa, it’s always impressive.” said Celine Milan, director of textiles to Ecoï. “At the beginning, we even spoke here in our offices:” Alas, this technology developed NASA. “It’s on the second level.”

Eco’s Outlow line was officially launched in July 2022, during that year Tour de France. During this race, the company found that it improved the performance of cyclists in the mountain stages of events, where changes above sea levels mean wide temperature changes. She also improved athodynamics of athletes, as their jerseys could remain closed in warmer environments instead of opening them to let go of the wind.

Today, ecoï sells several products containing material rental, including jerseys, gloves and socks. These products are internationally known for our heritage. Whether an astronaut comfort engineering is in space or competitive athletes, NASA aims to excellence.

Find out more about NASA’s Spinoff Technologies: https://pinoff.nasa.gov/