CENTEXBEL: Blends4Innovation: research on advanced polymer blend technology

The interest in intimate polymer blends is growing fast. The opportunities have been confirmed by Centexbel’s recent research projects. The Cornet project “POMELAD” clearly showed that the use of PO blends generates an extended temperature range for melt adhesion applications while retaining the mechanical properties and processing conditions. The Cornet project “FIBRILTEX” examined blends of PP with PET and of PLA with PTT. The great potential of polymer blends and these preliminary successes drive us to continue the research to fully exploit the application of intimate polymer blends in textiles. Read more

CENTROCOT: Clothing for UV Protection

The intense exposure to the sun and frequent outdoor stays can damage the skin. Protection from UV radiation is vital and the clothing plays a very important role in this regards. Centrocot, has just completed its research aimed to identify the structural parameters that are more significant for skin protection. This project allowed optimizing the design of textiles considering different service conditions in order to obtain the maximum protective level and to apply UV absorbers only if they are essential. This approach helped to understand how to produce a fabric that is both protective and environmentally friendly. Read more

University of Borås: Unexpected collaborations behind the success of Smart Textiles

A smart collaboration between engineering, textiles and design – one of the forces behind the success of Swedish Smart Textiles cluster.
 
An unexpected collaboration is one of the forces behind the success of Smart Textiles, according to the evaluators who participated during the international hearing. Since 2011 Smart Textiles cluster developed 114 new prototypes, several of which are on the market. This includes protective clothing used in water blasting, Electro dress that help people with neurological disorders. “Smart Textiles is in the front line, in the interface between the textile and other fields”, says Lutz Walter, the ETP Secretary General. “While other initiatives have split areas Smart Textiles has brought them together, as in engineering and textiles. It is something that is unique.” Read more

UNITEX: 3rd International Digital Textile Congress 2014

The 3^rd International Digital Textile Congress will take place in Gent (University College Gent), Belgium  from 4 to 5 September 2014.
 
This conference intends to bring forward the best research results and the latest developments on digital technologies, including hardware (printers, print heads), RIP-software, digital inks and future perspectives. It will cover all the aspects of digital technologies that go into making creative, functional textile, from clothing, soft signage, outdoor and indoor textile. During the congress digital printed and finished samples from designers, students and companies will be exhibited. Also demonstrations on digital printers with new inks are foreseen. Read more at: www.digitaltextilecongress.be  and www.unitex.be

DITF-MR: European Textile Research – Success Stories and Future Topics

The Center for Management Research at DITF Denkendorf (DITF-MR) and the German Textile Research Council (FKT) informed in Denkendorf about highlights of the 2014 Textile ETP conference.
 
Eleven speakers from research and industry underlined the benefits of cooperation and networking in current and future topics for research and development of textile-based materials and products. More than 35 participants learned about the direct benefit of networking and funding instruments. In addition, selected successful European research projects and future themes for innovation have been presented. In particular the framework of the seven Textile Flagships Europe (TFEs), and TFE3 “3D Textiles” and TFE7 “Digital Fashion” were shown in detail.