Development of multifunctional non-flammable fabric for dual use

Call: Increasing the Development of New Products and Services Arising from R&D Activities – Phase II” (IRI 2)

Project name: Development of multifunctional non-flammable fabric for dual use

Project reference: KK.01.2.1.02.00064

Project applicant: Čateks d.d.

Project institution partner: University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology

Duration: 17.08.2020. - 17.08.2023.

Project value: 27.885.187,86 HRK

Grant awarded: 11.660.948,54 HRK

Project coordinator for partner institution: Assoc. prof. Ivana Schwarz, PhD

Project associates for partner institution: Prof. Stana Kovačević, PhD, Prof. Tanja Pušić, PhD,  Prof. Martinia Ira Glogar, PhD, assist. Prof. Snježana Brnada, PhD,  Zlatko Jurković, tehnical associate, 4 new employees: Ana Kalazić, mag.ing.techn.text., Tea Bardov, mag.ing.techn.text., Tea Kaurin, mag.ing.techn.text., Veronika Lovreškov, mag.ing.techn.text.

Abstract:

The Project „Development of multifunctional non-flammable fabric for dual use“ is a collaborative project of the Croatian textile factory Čateks and the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, representing a triple helix model that characterizes by linking economic sector (industry), the scientific sector (the university) and the government with the aim of foster economic and social development.

The aim of the project is to develop a new multi-functional fabric for dual use, which due to its comprehensive and advanced properties will be a novelty in the global market of a wide range of protective textiles, in the development of which extremely large financial resources and knowledge are invested. Great attention is focused on the production of woven fabrics using new raw materials and constructions, but also surface treatments. Therefore, in this Project, extensive research will be undertaken in both segments of new product development, the technological process of designing and manufacturing woven fabric, and finishing processes. The improvements in first segment will be achieved by optimizing the structural and construction parameters of fabrics.

Fabric properties that are planned to be achieved by incorporating all influential parameters at the micro and meso-level (improvement of tensile properties, wear resistance, thermo-physiological properties, etc.) in all research segments are properties of non-flammability, higher durability, better colour fastness and comfort. It will represent a significant technological breakthrough, and provide the product with innovation, uniqueness and competitiveness.

The final product of the project will be a fully developed and tested multifunctional fabric, ready for commercialization that will be a novelty in the global market.