Functional textiles which integrate active microcapsules

The 15 companies that are part of the Consortium are: Group Iturri, Antecuir, Angles Textil, Grupo Antolin -Engineering, Comersan, Sati Textile Group, Estambril, Francisco Albero, Industrial Quimica Del Nalon, Manterol, Marina Textil, Selvafil, Systems and Advanced Processes, Textulan and Yflow, Systems and Development. The project brings together 11 agencies also renowned researchers from different disciplines and related materials, electronics, textiles biomechanics.

Started in 2009, this project, to be completed during 2013, focuses on finding solutions for the Defence, Industry, and emergencies (protection applications and personal equipment) as well as in the field Automotive and focuses on both the development of new technologies and new materials, intelligent and functional textiles, as in subsequent spinning, finishing and packaging.

This large-scale research with the participation of nearly thirty organizations, including GAIKER-IK4 and YFLOW SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENTS SL-and is endowed with a budget of 29 million euros. It is in fact a reference in textiles internationally for the high level of specifications provided under the project, its highly innovative and significant impact on a wide range of sectors, assuming for companies that integrate the Consortium a bet on their growth strategies and access to foreign markets.

Since nanomaterials, materials with shape memory electrolumínicos materials (emit light when subjected to an electric current), the reflective piping (emit light when exposed to light), to materials with biocides (disinfectants), anti- vectors (insect-zapping) anti-scratch or flame retardants, have no place in the framework of this research.

From GAIKER-IK4 present in the early stages of the project-as Technological Centre specialized in developing new plastics and composites, nanomaterials and smart materials, we have developed in collaboration with YFLOW AND DEVELOPMENTS SYSTEMS, SL, a technology company based in Malaga, a method that allows the anchoring of the microcapsules with active compounds usually applied in the finishing of fabrics in order to confer special properties (moisturizing components, regenerating ...).

The development of this new method of anchoring to be applied, which requires conditions similar to that already used in textile dyeing process, allows the functionalization of tissues with the novelty that the microcapsules do not require any resin for its application, but which are anchored directly on the fabric itself, being therefore more accessible and enabling optimization of the active components that release, the latter being in direct contact with the skin and air. As a result, the quality of the fabric is more durable and the properties of functionalized tissues can better resist the wear resulting from the washing of clothes.

Anchor developed technology has proven particularly effective behavior of the cellulosic fibers (cotton, linen, etc.). These results would also be transferred to the synthetic fibers, extending the field of application most textiles.

GAIKER-IK4