I-Tex: Treatment of technical textiles by application of organic-inorganic ceramic coating with water-repellent, fluorine-free and formaldehyde-free properties.

DESCRIPTION

In Italy, companies in the textile sector are encountering difficulties caused by a number of concomitant factors, such as the unfavourable euro/dollar exchange rate, strong competition from emerging economies, and fluctuating demand trends. These are compounded by structural factors within SMEs, such as a highly fragmented industrial supply chain, a lack of medium- to long-term strategic visions and a low propensity for technology transfer. In response to market demands and mandatory and/or voluntary regulations, the I-TEX project proposes the development of a water-repellent treatment with a low environmental impact, with high added value in relation to the properties conferred, the products used and the high knowledge content. Through the condensation of selected metallorganic precursors, previously hydrolysed, the sol-gel technology will allow the creation of hybrid water-repellent coatings on fabrics that are durable to maintenance cycles.

Textile materials treated in this way will not only be linked to fashion and design, but can also be proposed in rapidly expanding sectors for which technical performance and durability of the effect prevail (from fabrics for sporting applications or those destined for the automotive sector, to textiles used in construction or agriculture, or more specific ones for aerospace composites), demonstrating a flexibility and potential that has not yet been fully explored.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Development of water-repellent treatment with low environmental impact

TEAM

Giuseppe Rosace

CONTACTS

info@u4i.it

STATUS

Concluded.  Ongoing valorisation and business matchmaking actions.

UPDATE

The product confirmed the expected results in terms of stability in storage conditions. Activities continued with partner companies with whom contracts were signed. Large-scale production of the product was planned for applications on textile substrates.

PROJECT DURATION

24 months

GRANTS

62.000 €

YEAR OF ACTIVITY (IPF)

2019