Textile value chain
All the activities that comprise the textile value chain, from fibre production through spinning and weaving to the finishing and making up processes are under constant investigation and AITEX can employ its specialist knowledge in these areas to the full.
Lines of R & D:
Enzyme Technology
Enzyme technology encompasses the use of protein biomolecules with certain catalytic activity in the development of functional technical textiles. Enzymes, biocatalysts that are largely vegetable and microbial in origin can be used in the surface functionalisation of textiles, with a view to modifying their hydrophilicity, sensorial properties, chemical reactivity, etc.
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Addition of nanoparticles in thermoplastic fibres (multi and monofilament)
To create certain functions in conventional polymers, nanoparticles are added to the polymers, thereby obtaining a compound/formula that can be fusion-spun.
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Addition of nanoparticles to nanofibre veils
Nanofibre veils can be enhanced through nanoparticles incorporated into the precursor polymer dilution. The nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed in the dilution so they can be incorporated into the nanofibres obtained by means of electrospinning. These products have very good projection as catalysts in electrochemical reactions, anti-bacterial agents, electromagnetic screening, decomposition of organic matter, etc.
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Extrusion of new high-performance polymer materials
The search for new spinning possibilities in terms of technical polymers with improved mechanical/thermal properties. In this field, we are working with polymers such as PPS, TPE, LCP, TPVA.
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Nanofinishes
The inclusion of nanotechnology in finished products allows new or improved functions and features to be obtained. The nano-dispersal of functional particles affords greater penetration in textile fibres, as well as greater anchorage and durability.
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Extrusion of dual component nanostructures and special sections
Obtaining mono and dual component multifilament fibres broadens the horizon of possibilities for usage in diverse fields such as health/hygiene. The use of configurations such as side by side, core-sheath, segmented or islands in the sea means that the developed fibres can be given properties such as self crimp, micro/nanofibres or enables conductive or anti-bacterial fibres to be obtained.
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Compound materials based on the reuse of textile waste products
The textile industry generates a huge amount of textile waste that is difficult to reuse. In addition to the problems surrounding the dumping of contaminating effluents by companies in the sub-sector of textile finishes, spinning and weaving companies generate significant amounts of solid waste that could be used to load and/or reinforce composites. We are also working on the applicability of wet-laid technology in the formation of non-woven fabrics using solid waste in the development of textile structures which might have technical applications.
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Recyclability and biodegradability
AITEX collaborates with different companies in the sector to develop high value-added products created through the determined commitment to use recyclable and, as far as possible, biodegradable textile materials. We are also studying the biodegrading of textile materials in controlled environments through the use of certain microorganisms.
Optimisation of ‘ad hoc’ formulations with controlled biodegradability according to their end application for the manufacturing of textile fibres.
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Wastewater treatment
The environmental aspects derived from textiles, mainly in the sub-sector of textile finishes, are studied and quantified. We are working on the reuse of wastewaters treated in the textile process themselves, and the reuse and recycling of textile waste.
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Legionella
Development of solutions to eliminate the Legionella bacteria from carrier waters used in high-risk equipment.
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Plasma technology (crown and low pressure)
We are working to activate, functionalise and prepare the surfaces of textile substrates, using low pressure plasma technology and atmospheric pressure crown technology, with a view to improving the solidity and fixing of subsequent finishing processes.
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Supercritical fluids
A supercritical fluid is any substance under conditions of pressure and temperature that are above its critical point. The current known states of matter are: solid, liquid, gas, plasma and Bose-Einstein condensates. A supercritical fluid is a quasi-state with properties between those of liquids and gases.
The technology of supercritical fluids offers numerous applications in the development of technical or multi-functional textiles.
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Hydrogel technology
Hydrogels are elastic three-dimensional polymers that are either natural or synthetic in origin, characterised by their extraordinary capacity to absorb water and/or different fluids in their polymer structure without dissolving.
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Rfid technology applied to the control of processes and/or textile products
The use of automatic radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology is able to improve the unit traceability of products, optimise inventory controls, speed up the serving of orders, and reduce errors in the dispatch process.
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Artificial vision
AITEX aims to bring the benefits of artificial vision technology to companies in the textile sector, mainly focusing on actions such as the detection of colour differences and mixtures in thread spools, the detection of flock contamination, automated measuring of wrinkles in garments, thermal imaging applied to comfort, etc.
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Total logistics
The aim is to optimise current logistics processes used in textile companies through advice and consultancy services about processes and carrying out audits of logistics costs.
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Information and e-business systems
These systems enable companies to improve their levels of productivity and control different processes or actions, as well as to achieve more efficient management of business resources, through the availability of centralised information that can be accessed quickly.
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Lines of Innovation:
made in Green
“made in Green” is both a certificate and a label which, by controlling product traceability, ensures:
- The absence of substances that are harmful to HEALTH
- Respect for the ENVIRONMENT
- Respect for the HUMAN RIGHTS OF WORKERS
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