MDB-Texinov: Presentation at ISF 2014, Tokyo

Structural modifications of poly(butylene succinate) a biobased and biodegradable polymer for the preparation of melt-spun fibers.

Agrotextiles are an alternative to pesticides to improve quality and safety of agricultural products. However, these textiles are mainly prepared from polypropylene or polyethylene. These textiles must be collected after the growing season and generate disposal cost. An ideal agrotextile would be left into the soil at the end of the growing season. These requirements can be achieved by using biodegradable polyesters. Among them, Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) shows desirable properties including mechanical properties similar to polyethylene. The spinning of PBS modified by several approaches like chain extension or branching was evaluated in this study for the production of biodegradable yarns. Read more:  www.texinov.fr or contact Dr Nadège Boucard, R&D Manager nboucard@texinov.fr

STFI: CORNET - Project ResCoTex

The CORNET-project ResCoTex “Resource-efficient coating technologies for improved durability of high strength textiles with special safety relevance” launched on 1st January 2014 had its second meeting on 9th July at Centexbel including a visit of the Belgian company Tiscotex. 

Objective of the project is the development of a detection system for the remaining strength of the textile structure by using different indicator principles. Furthermore, the improvement of the resistance of the textile structure towards influences like UV/sunlight, heat, humidity or abrasion by applying functionalised textile coatings and finishes using resource efficient techniques is in the focus of the project. Additionally, evaluating the life-time and remaining strength of high strength textiles used for securing applications shall be realised by improved test methods taking into account the real conditions of usage. Read more: CENTEXBEL and STFI

UNITEX: Smart Laundry – 2015

Project FP7-SME-2007-2 SMILES, in which TO2C, University College Gent, Belgium participated as a research partner, received the United Nations National Energy Global Award 2014 in the category WATER.

Energy Globe Award is the most prestigious Energy - Environmental Award of the United Nations Environmental Programme, which includes more than 165 countries all around the world. Energy Globe’s aim is to create awareness of the necessary solutions to our environmental problems and shows that each of us can contribute their part. The campaign is carried out under the patronage of UNESCO and in cooperation with UNEP under the slogan ‘Save the world by acting not by talking - Sustainability starts with you’. Read more and visit www.unitex.be  

STFI: New CORNET-Project ProGeo with STFI participation

Kick-off-meeting of CORNET-project ProGeo took place  in Bielsko-Biala on 26th June 2014
 
In the CORNET-project ProGeo which started on 1^st May 2014, STFI cooperates with a Polish partner of the University ATH, the Institute of Textile Engineering and Polymer Materials and the Polish Association of Producers of Geosynthetics. Objective of the project is the development of geotextile grid structures made of regionally available raw sheep’s wool, sea grass or hay in combination with other natural fibers. This includes also the compact processing technology with automated devices and machinery components for the manufacture, cutting, packaging and mounting. The prototypes to be developed shall combine an appropriate textile design for steep slopes and contain a barrier function for water and soil against erosion. 

University of Borås: Catwalk with Smart Textiles at Sweden's biggest political event

Smart Textiles will participate at Almedalen week – the most important forum in Swedish politics. During a slightly different fashion show the innovations like the world’s first dress made of recycled cotton will be demonstrated. A new technic developed at KTH and GreenHouse Labs made it possible to regenerate textile fibers with perfect results. The fibers have gone through the entire textile procedure for the second time. This is a cooperation between Re:newcell, Svenskt Konstsilke, Smart Textiles and Wargön Innovation.  A dress to be demonstrated is made of 100% paper and is also recyclable. This opens new possibilities to use sustainable materials, as cellulose, instead of cotton. Read more