Projects / Programmes
Kemijska modifikacija tekstilij z uporabo sol-gel tehnologije (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.14.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Textile and leather |
Textile chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.11 |
Engineering and Technology |
Other engineering and technologies |
Researchers (14)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
The studies performed in the framework of the project will make a significant contribution to the introduction of nanotechnological processes in chemical finishing of textiles. The use of sol-gel technology enabling a preparation of the nanocomposite organic-inorganic polymer coating on the fibre surface which provides an important progress in modernization of the textile processes. Namely, in general a sol-gel process is quite simple, relatively inexpensive, and gives opportunity to produce multifunctional products with new and improved functional properties with high added value.
Preparation of the functional water and oil repellent and antimicrobial protective coating with the use of sol-gel process represents an upgrade of the research work in the field of textile finishing. Regarding to this, a synthesis of novel functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) could be a special challenge which ensures an additional step in the development of hybrid sol-gel nanocomposites. Guidance to the synthesis of POSS materials is reasonable and scientifically interesting, since relatively few POSS materials have been known, especially bi- and tri-functionalizated POSS. Furthermore, because of their high prices, they are rarely commercially available. POSS materials consist of cluster-like oligomers of the type (R-SiO3/2)n (n = 6, 8, 10, 12,…). They have a well defined cage-like structure with a stable inorganic Si-O core of dimensions from 0.8 to 1.8 nm surrounded by organic (R) substituents, resembling in this respect organically functionalized nanosized particles of SiO2. Physical and chemical properties of POSS could be easily changed with the incorporation of different substituents which provide more functional properties simultaneously. For application on textile fibres, the POSS precursors with isobutyl and isooctyl groups are used in this research. It is assumed that these POSS precursors could impart superhydrophobic properties on textile surface (contact angles for water higher than 150°). The latter could only be obtained with the use of alkyl trialkoxysilanes with a very long carbohydrate chains which are ecologically less acceptable. In the case of the use of POSS precursors with perfluoroalkyl groups, the oleophobicity of the coating could also be achieved.
A novel research topic of this project includes the formation of multifunctional water and oil repellent POSS matrix with physically or chemically bounded antimicrobial agent. Namely, POSS precursors can form an appropriate matrix for embedment of different agents, among them also antimicrobials. As antimicrobial agents, the nanosilver and titanium dioxide are used. The latter possesses not only antimicrobial properties but also sel-cleaning properties.
A structure of the sol-gel coating will be studied with the use of novel analytical approaches. An important goal of the project is to get information about the composition of the nanocomposite film on the fibre surface as well as the washing resistance of the POSS coating which is urgent for achieving a permanent chemical modification of fibres. Investigations into the interactions between metal nanoparticles and the POSS matrix will contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of silver and titanium dioxide antimicrobial activities which has not yet been clearly explained.
The results of this research will provide directions for the additional developments of the fibre chemical modification for production of high-tech multifunctional textiles as well as for solving the technological problems relating to the introduction of the nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents. They will give an opportunity for transfer of the sol-gel technology to the textile industry which represents an important contribution of the science to the increase of the economical development.
Significance for the country
The studies performed within the framework of the project will make a significant contribution to the technological development of the Slovenian textile industry as well as to the promotion of new small and medium business enterprises. The introduction of sol-gel technology, which represents a novel nanotechnological process, enables the manufacture of textile fibres with new and improved functional properties with high added value for high-quality products. This will offer the opportunity to expand the use of functional textiles into other economic fields, e.g. pharmaceutical, medical, engineering, agricultural and food industries. The results of these studies should significantly improve the competitive position of the Slovenian textile industry. The improvements in the quality of textile production will directly contribute to the preservation of existing jobs as well as to an increase in the employment possibilities for highly educated experts within the industry.
The influence of our research on the Slovenian textile industry derived from:
- introduction of novel processes of chemical modification of fibres with the sol-gel technology to achieve antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning, superhydrophobicity and oleophobicity,
- synthesis of the sol-gel precursors and knowledge about them,
- decreasing costs for the introduction of the novel finishing processes,
- optimization of the technological processes regarding the costs and energy consumption,
- expansion of the new product supply, market expansion, decrease in the production costs and material consumption as well as greater competitiveness of the companies,
- entire and whole use of the available research equipment to gain new knowledge.
In consequence, the important goal of this project is to transfer the laboratory results into new industrial processes. Our existing collaboration with the textile industry experts within the framework of the Slovenian textile technological platform will be of great importance. By preparing strategic research agenda 2007–2013, the research priorities for the technological development of the Slovenian textile industry were set.
We are aware that the transfer of our knowledge into the academic as well as into the economic sphere is urgent for the successful introduction of novel technologies into the industrial use. Therefore, we actively participate in the organising and programme committees of symposiums on the novelties in textiles organised by the Department of Textiles, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, where our research results are presented to the technologists from the Slovenian textile industry. Furthermore, trough the publication of scientific and professional papers in the journal Tekstilec, we take care of the rise of the education structure of the employees in the economy as well as of the Slovenian textile professional terminology.
The results of our research work have an important influence on the teaching skills at the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of the textile technology at the Department of Textiles, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana. We give lectures from the fields of theory and technology of chemical textile processes and textile testing.
The use of functional antimicrobial textiles with a high UV-protective factor presents health protection, especially as a precaution.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
