Company Capabilities & Corporate Social Responsibility Overview 2021
Silver: A Versatile Naturally Occurring Element
At the heart of Noble’s technologies is silver, a naturally occurring element. We are committed to the use of silver and silver ions because the functional qualities of silver support superior performance and sustainability.
Pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, has the lowest contact resistance[i], and is naturally antimicrobial. Even ancient civilizations knew of silver’s health benefits (what we now recognize as bactericidal properties[ii]) and silver has been used as a preservative for millennia. At Noble, we harness the functional powers of silver in several novel ways.
At the molecular level, in the presence of a catalyst, such as moisture or heat, silver becomes available as silver ions (Ag+), which, at very low concentrations, can act as a powerful antimicrobial agent. When integrated into fibers and fabrics through Noble’s proprietary manufacturing processes, silver can be a highly effective, skin-safe, and permanent solution. For performance apparel, this helps to eliminate unwanted odors and impact the long-term performance of these apparel products. In advanced wound care applications, silver can help prepare the wound for closure by managing the microbial contamination at the wound site. In healthcare soft surfaces, it can help promote a safer environment by permanently inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi and minimizing bacterial cross-contamination.
Because of silver’s high conductivity, it is also ideal for use in the rapidly growing wearable technology industry. In such applications, the silver yarn or fabric facilitates signal transmission from the body through the garment to biometric monitoring devices.
In industrial, automotive, aerospace, military, and electronics industries, our silver yarns and fabrics are highly effective at conducting electricity, dissipating static, and providing EMI shielding in applications where data transmission networks, electronics, and soldiers require protection from interference or interception. It is safe and cost-effective solution using a naturally occurring element. The technology can be used as both a sensor and a conductive pathway.