Development of an Innovative Dual-Use Nanocomposite for Ballistic Protection with Multispectral and Thermal Camouflage
Call: IRI S3 – Increasing the Development of New Products and Services Resulting from Research and Development Activities
Project reference number: PK.1.1.12.0259
Project beneficiary: Čateks d.d.
Project partner: University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology
Planned project duration: 1 July 2026 – 1 July 2029
Total project value: EUR 5,031,509.52
Grant awarded: EUR 1,940,421.34
Scientific team leader at the partner institution: Associate Professor Ivana Schwarz, PhD
Team members at the partner institution: Assistant Professor Snježana Brnada, PhD; Professor Dragana Kopitar, PhD; Professor Ružica Brunšek, PhD; Professor Sandra Flinčec Grgac, PhD; Professor Martina Glogar, PhD; Professor Ana Sutlović, PhD; Katarina Novaković
Brief summary:
The joint project of Čateks d.d. and the University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology focuses on the development of two innovative hybrid composites for civilian and military applications. The project aims to develop composite materials with enhanced dynamic mechanical, thermal and ballistic protection properties, as well as multispectral and thermal camouflage capabilities. It envisages the development of a thermal camouflage composite material combining ballistic protection with reduced detectability across different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the thermal infrared region, and a non-combustible composite with waterproofing properties.
During the industrial research phase, the composite material development concept will be defined, the properties and compatibility of key components will be investigated, and laboratory prototypes will be produced and tested. During the experimental development phase, prototypes suitable for commercial applications will be developed, tested and demonstrated in a simulated operational environment.
Collaboration between the academic institution and the industrial partner will combine expertise in the design and manufacture of textile materials and composites, as well as textile finishing processes, with the manufacturing and development capabilities of the Faculty of Textile Technology and Čateks d.d. The expected outcomes are two innovative products with higher added value and validated properties, ready to enter the commercialisation process.
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