Textile Technology Laboratories
In these labs, we focus on the development of future materials in functional and smart textiles, as well as innovative and resource-efficient production processes. It is a unique research environment where innovations happen in close connection to the textile industry.
Important research areas in textile materials technology are the development of new textile materials and innovative processes for the development of more efficient and sustainable textile production, such as functionalisation of textile surfaces (inkjet).
For example, polymeric e-textiles are being developed, with a focus on textile actuators to give the textile the built-in ability to change its shape or exert force on its environment. Conductive fibres and fibre optics are another major theme, and microfluidics, textile sensors (conductive, piezoelectric and resistive materials), and electrodes for the medical field are also developed.
The Textile Technology Laboratories includes four laboratories:
1. Research Lab – Chemistry
It contains most of our chemicals. It performs syntheses, manufactures various chemical compounds, coats fibres with synthesised products, and tests coated textiles and fibres. Electrochemical characterisation of textiles with a wide repertoire of analyses is possible.
Resources:
- Chemicals in chemical cabinets, refrigerators
- Fume hoods
- Metrohm Autolab (Potentiostat)
- Raman spectroscope
2. Research Lab – Supercritical CO₂
This lab is mainly used for dyeing and functionalising textiles with supercritical carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide in its supercritical state has both properties of a liquid and a gas at the same time, providing some technical advantages over water-based processes. The condition occurs when the gas is kept at or above its critical temperature and pressure. Density in that state makes carbon dioxide a liquid. This method of dyeing using supercritical carbon dioxide is considered particularly important in the textile industry because it is waterless and saves energy and chemicals. At the same time, high quality products can be produced, creating new opportunities.
Resources:
- Fume hoods
- Rotary evaporator
- Freezer
- Supercritical CO₂ Dyeing system RAPID COLOR
- Ultrasonic processor
- Drying ovens
3. Research Lab – Analysis/Inkjet
This lab is used for both inkjet printing and analysis. Using inkjet printing enables a more resource-saving and flexible textile production for printing, dyeing, and functionalising the surface of the textile. In this lab, we can do everything from analysis for the development of functional inks to lab-scale production processes at industrial speeds.
Resources:
- Optical Tensiometer THETA (contact angle)
- Ink Jet Printing System URIDIUM B200
- Samba printer and Table-top rewinder R300Bb-S2-015
- Digital inkjet printer COLARIS12
- UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
4. Research Lab – Analysis/Plasma Machine
This lab is used partly to analyse liquids and gels, and partly to treat textiles in the plasma machine for surface modification in textile manufacturing processes, for example to improve wettability, and the functional treatment of fabrics, fibres, and yarns. Using the plasma machine, we can carry out small lab-level productions that are relevant to industry.
Resources:
- Rheometer MCR302
- Pore Size Meter
- Plasma Machine PLAtex 600
- Drying ovens
Did you know that...
...researchers develop devices and instruments themselves if they are not available for purchase? An example is a pilot line for fibre coating to achieve conductivity.
...much of the equipment has been funded by various research foundations?
...many devices have been donated by local textile companies?
...the research lab, which focuses on resource-saving technologies for the sustainable and flexible production of textiles, is unique in terms of its scale when it comes to industrial-speed equipment and analytical instruments?