Projects / Programmes
UV sensor nanoparticles embedded into PA fibres
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.14.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Textile and leather |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T151 |
Technological sciences |
Optical materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
SiO2 nanoparticles, UV sensitive dyes, textile fibres, PA, UV sensors
Researchers (20)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Most research on optical nanosensors (NSs) is focused on the development of new optical nanomaterials, which in most cases improve sensor characteristics, in terms of faster response times, greater sensitivity, stability, reversibility. Research is mostly concentrated on design of sensing nanoparticles: a) macromolecular nanosensor receptors (dendrimers); b) the sol-gel nanoparticles, c) a multi-functional "core-shell" system; d) multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles; e) the NSs using quantum dots; f) NSs on the basis of nanoparticles of metals (Au, Ag). Nanosensors (NS) open up new possibilities for use, in terms of better information for each of us about our health, housing and the environment. Connecting sensors with mobile technology make them really very personalized, by allowing us to monitor the desired parameters. Health is one of the factors which will be in priority concerns in the coming years in Europe and in the world. One of the current problems of the environment that adversely affect our health is the problem of the ozone layer and the resulting increase in UV radiation. The statistics report that excessive UV radiation each year caused approximately 66,000 deaths due to melanoma and other skin cancers. In addition, WHO - World Health Organization estimates that each year about 12 to 15,000,000 people blinded due to excessive exposure to the UV radiation. Due to the fact that UV radiation is invisible and does not cause an immediate reaction, there may be unconscious of excessive exposure to UV radiation, which can cause acute and chronic health effects and cancer. The idea is to develop new UV sensor nanoparticles, which will be of a color change response to the presence of excessive UV radiation by absorbing the UV radiation, which is why the particles are at the same time as the UV absorbers and UV-protective function. Clothes cover approximately 90% of our skin, thus presenting fabrics perfect platform for such a UV nanosensor. Optical sensors have until now been integrated in/on previously-made textile materials in different ways (with coatings, dyeing, printing, via fiber optics, etc.). Even today's textile technology, which allows the different functionalities of textile materials, based mostly on coats/nano-layers on the previously manufactured textile materials. Except the synthesis of new UV sensing nanoparticles, we carried out in this project, a new technological approach to achieve UV sensor fiber through the direct incorporation of the UV sensor nanoparticles in the PA fibers.
Significance for science
Research project will contribute to a greater understanding of synthetic routes of preparation of UV sensing nanoparticles, which will give new insights in the field of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, not only for researchers in the project, but due to the planned international publications, including those who are engaged in this field. The research findings will contribute to the enrichment of the fundamental (the correlation between structure, morphology, texture, functionality of the nanoparticles) and applied knowledge (optimization of synthesis for obtaining large quantities of UV sensing nanoparticles, the introduction of new technologies for on-line and in-situ control of the quality of the synthesized nanoparticles). Based on the new findings and appropriate nanoparticle synthesis with the planned features, which will enable the application of these in the textile fibres, we developed the idea of ??multifunctional textile fibres, which combine multiple functions in a single fibre (sensory, conductive, anti-microbial, etc.). At the same time this will evolve the appropriate technology, processes with a focus on sustainable development. We highlight some of the scientific contributions resulting from the work: a) new knowledge of the synthetic routes UV sensing nanoparticles; b) the preparation of well-defined nanoparticles based on a sol-gel synthesis using a variety of sol-gel precursors; c) understanding of the processes of installation of nanoparticles in the fibres; d) develop procedures to homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles for even installing them in PA fibres; e) the findings of a new economic concept based on LCA analysis; f) knowledge in the field of security and protection of human life; g) nanosafety. Except all of the above, the acquired knowledge will contribute to the development of complementary scientific fields (link engineering sciences will be linked to the medicine and to the natural sciences) as well as to the knowledge of the society.
The content of the program is fully in line with the basic objectives of the Horizons 2020 European Strategic Development Plan (SRA - Strategic Research Agenda), smart specialization, European and Slovenian textile technological platform as well as with the Slovenian strategic documents, as RISS11-20.
The results will be patented, published in indexed scientific journals and at international conferences, and in such a way to exchange experiences and ideas, which will increase the opportunities for cooperation with foreign experts in the proposed area.
The contents are consistent with the prescribed topics of smart specialization, Horizons 2020 and the other thematic calls
Significance for the country
Co-financier of the project, which is a world famous manufacturer of PA6 and PA6.6 fibres for sportswear (Nike, Adidas, Speedo ..), expects this project got a new product with high added value. For its customers it has already taken a market analysis, which showed that the market needs innovations that are primarily related to increased awareness, safety and human health. In addition, it is also of the opinion that this project has a far wider scale and that can affect the development of new technological processes for the production of technically and technologically advanced functional textile materials, which will enable the simultaneous mounting of various functional nanoparticles and thus achieve multifunctionality of textile fibers. Similar procedures incorporation of nanoparticles would be acceptable also for other manufacturers of polymeric materials. The project is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity for a new spin-off companies that could take over the production of new nanoparticles. Above all, the results of the project, socially beneficial, since information about UV exposure unconscious critical in terms of prevention, early intervention and education of the broader society about the harmful effects of UV radiation. Consequently, this could also contribute to reducing the figures for sickness and death coincidences. Perhaps it would be so easy with new products also contributed a wider social society in terms of reduced costs for medical care, less sickness absence, fewer surgical procedures, etc. Such products also contribute to a better future society.
Yulon is ready to co-finance the project submitted in the amount of 25%.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
