On the basic research, activities focus on the fundamental understanding of the interactions between different textile/fibre materials, also taking different fibre modification strategies into consideration (Part 1). Starting from the basic understanding of fibre structure-property-relationship, modification of fibre bulk and surfaces modification are carried out with regards to the influence of modification reaction on fibre performance and fibre surface reactivity. Part 1 is also providing basic understanding in interface reaction and diffusion to controlled phase bonding in multiphase systems by interface reaction and diffusion.
On the application side, development activities will focus on the generation of efficient technological platforms to produce high performance textile hybrid structures (part 2). The platforms act as technological toolboxes for the formation of hybrids based on 3D nonwoven fibre structure, as well as for assembling linear materials (intermingled fibre bands, fibre roving, cables and yarns) to development defined fabric structure (band weaving, knitting, braiding) including tailored fibre placement (e.g. technical embroidery) and tailored weaving (e.g. modified Jacquard weaving technology).
“… focus on the generation of efficient technological platforms to produce high performance textile hybrid structures...”
The basic research part covers: further development of efficient 3-D textile electrodes and environmental friendly electrolyte systems for energy storage (redox flow cell and Li-Ion system), as well as the investigation on different concepts of integration of conductive structures and sensors in flexible material. The research programme is designed based on interdisciplinary approach, whereas the interaction between electrochemistry (e.g. efficient electrolyte), energy storage concepts (e.g. cell design) and textile processing techniques (e.g. technical embroidery for generating 3D electrodes) play the crucial role. It will deliver basic understanding of applied textile electrochemistry, enabling the generation of high-value added energy storage products to meet the performance and environmentally-friendly requirements.
“…deliver basic understanding of applied textile electrochemistry, enabling the generation of high-value added energy storage products to meet the performance and environmentally-friendly requirement…”
Area 3 is dedicated to the urgent needs in a much higher sustainable exposure to the use and handling with textile materials, ranging from efficient, environmental friendly resource utilisation, to textile circular economy.
In order to make a significant contribution, the entire chain of knowledge / value needs to be addressed. The required scientific knowledge in fibre science (modification, structure, property etc.) is forming the crucial prerequisite and can be taken from Area 1. Furthermore, critical expertise in polymer chemistry and textile chemistry, as the knowledge in formation of “multi-phase” system is applied to investigate this topic.
On the other hand, Area 3 is also characterised in a high number of textile-based company partners, covering the entire value chain, from fibre spinning to garment production and end brand owner / end users. This is particularly important to understand the applicability of the technical developments (bio-based fibre, reuse, recycling etc.) and thus, potential implementation and commercialisation of the developed technologies.
“…to contribute to the urgent questions in sustainable usage of textile materials, including environmental friendly, efficient resource utilisation and textile circular economy…”