Projects / Programmes
Textile Chemistry and Advanced Textile Materials
January 1, 2022
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.14.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Textile and leather |
|
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
textile chemistry, advanced textile materials, multifunctional, smart textiles, medical application, active packaging, technical segment, nanotechnology, biotechnology, sensors, sustainable economy , interaction phenomena, surfaces
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
May 10, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
815 |
18,063 |
15,634 |
19.18 |
| Scopus |
897 |
20,841 |
18,156 |
20.24 |
Researchers (44)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Activities in the Textile Chemistry and Advanced Textile Materials programme group focus on the development of advanced textile materials and technologies that are aligned with the latest global trends and requirements. Producing materials and components with the required flexibility, mechanical properties, drapability and porosity as well as multifunctionality in a highly reliable, economical and productive way is a key requirement for the technical textile industry. At the same time, the development of textile/textile composites for various applications tailored to create particularly multifunctional& smart textiles is extremely difficult to achieve at an efficient level. Moreover, there is a need to pursue more efficient, economical, green and sustainable approaches in the field of textile material development. The focus of our research is therefore on the development of smart and (multi)functional textiles and composite materials for: i) active packaging, ii) medical and iii) technical/engineering applications, based on the horizontal integration of nano- and biotechnologies and incorporating green sustainable economy approaches. In addition, the physical, chemical, structural, thermal, tensile and morphological properties of fibres will be investigated to understand their behaviour as a function of specific properties. Insights into surface and interaction phenomena that enable a deeper understanding of material functionality, serviceability and their inverse influence and manipulation for material optimization are another important goal of this project. This will lead to the development of new research methods, scientific subfields and original scientific approaches. Such a complex approach in the field of textile chemistry has not been shown before and represents an innovative way of research. The group has an interdisciplinary and complementary structure, i.e. it includes members from different scientific fields and the activity of PG is in line with the policy of Horizon Europe and the national Smart Strategy S4 as well as the EU circular policy and the EU vision Textile Platform. Most importantly, our PG is synchronised with the needs of Slovenian and European industry and thus being the starting point for the development of advanced products and processes in the fields of textiles, polymers and composites with the reorientation of production towards products with high added value and increasing the competitiveness of Slovenian and EU industry.
Significance for science
We will investigate the transition between bulk and interfacial behaviour, as well as the intrinsic properties of surfaces and interfaces, with the goal of discovering new phenomena: new kinds of textile materials, as well as new ways to control and utilize them. Since the multi/functionality of most materials is crucial, and depends on specific properties, the work of the PG is also strongly focused on the characterization of material properties (surface properties, structure, mechanical properties, and morphology of materials, etc.) and to understanding the interdependence between structure, morphology, surface properties and functionality. In terms of fundamental knowledge and scientific implications, special emphasis is placed on understanding the textile materials properties with emphasis on surface parameters and interaction phenomena to gain a deeper understanding of functionality and its inverse manipulation for material optimization, using the most advanced techniques for this purpose: XPS, ToF- SIMS, AFM, SEM - EDS, Confocal-Raman spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, zeta potential, etc. The project will pursue the main objectives through a highly qualified and experienced team of researchers within a complementary consortium of PG. The new knowledge will be disseminated indirectly and directly to students (lectures, diploma, master, and doctoral theses) and postdocs. Particular attention will be paid to publicizing and disseminating the developments and the results of the project achieved to the scientific community and the public. Carefully planned dissemination activities will be carried out (e.g. publication of scientific articles in a High impact and Open Access Journals; participation in conferences at national and international level especially as invited lectures, positive inclination to disseminate the results to interested audiences and the public through workshops and the media (TV, newspapers, websites, Facebook, etc.), including the organization of an international symposium, in order to promote and advance the project theme and results even more effectively. It should also be noted that the team members, who are already very active internationally, would provide even more national and international scientific networking in terms of exchange of ideas and researchers (young and experienced). This will establish and facilitate a broad scientific forum in project-related areas that will serve as an essential network for these research topics for future larger projects within Horizon Europe and other national and EU programs as well as various bilateral projects and industrial procurements.
Significance for the country
Health care: Sanitary products and medical textiles and devices will be developed by modifying fibers or by spinning nanofibers or performing composites. A special segment will also be focused on novel personal protective materials (PPM) and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the fight against the COVID -19 pandemic. The project will also have a high application effect in other areas of health-related medical sectors where antibacterial, antiviral and microbiotic properties are desirable, such as other medical implants (stents, catheters, heart valves, etc.) and wound dressings. The development of medical devices with an active bio surface that interacts with the biological environment in an antimicrobial and biofilm-inhibiting way, is of great societal benefit, which is clearly indicated both in EU documents and in the action program of S4 (Slovenian Strategy of Smart Specialization) in the area of "Health", priority areas "Resistant Bacteria" and "Natural Medicines and Cosmetics". Our aim to develop new active surfaces of textiles and composites, by using natural coatings and fillers, is in line with the measures to reduce the use of antibiotics and to reduce the problem of antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance AMR. Preventing the spread of AMR is also one of the EU Commission's policy priorities, and the first aim of Slovenian Action Plans in S4 at Health-Medicine. By using natural and biodegradable substances, we will also comply with increasingly stringent EU environmental and safety regulations. This program will have a particularly positive impact on the aging population, as the older population is more exposed to the use of medical materials and devices, which will translate into better health as well as a higher quality of life. The latter is important, as the global population aged 65 and older is expected to triple by 2050. Protection of natural and cultural heritage: Part of our research also relates to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. The project will provide, extend and disseminate knowledge, by ensuring the efficient conservation and novel protection of fibre-based heritage, which is extremely important in terms of a range of cultural, social and educational benefits. Preservation of the historic environment supports the social and cultural well-being of residents and contributes to civic pride. Promotion of the country: Memberships in committees, associations in EU networks, lectures at foreign universities, invited lectures, international project coordination and high-quality articles, as well as international awards, all this is reflected in our work and continues in the same extend and thus leads to the promotion of our country. Access to foreign knowledge, and involvement in the international division of labour: International networking in EU projects (Horizon, bilateral projects, ITN projects, and Erasmus exchanges (as leaders and partners, see point 21 and 32), as well as current preparation of Teaming Center of Excellence, enable exchange and access to prior knowledge and infrastructure. We have already established successful cooperation with several EU universities (see above; page 9), which allow access and exchange to foreign knowledge and transfer of best practices. Human resources development: The programme will enable the development of individuals who can realise their full potential and will make a significant contribution to the objectives of the programme group, taking into account the needs of the programme group as individuals and their business and personal vision. Most of the young researchers are visible in the job market and our researchers are globally recognised. We also focus on not discriminating against any gender and/or sex but strive to remove any barriers and encourage the participation of women and other disadvantaged groups. Every effort is made; including work scheduling that allows work/life/family balance, also to strongly encourage women's participation. As a result, new jobs have been, and continue to be created, through the actions of our programme groups. Our program group also includes researchers from abroad and this will continue through the EU programs as ITN, Erasmus, Teaming and, in this way, international networking will be accelerated and the intertwining of different nations of young people, which has not only scientific but also social/life impact. Last but not least, our research work will influence the development of undergraduate and postgraduate education in the field of textile materials and technologies, contributing significantly to the development of higher education and thus to the formation of a knowledge society.
