Fields of application

The aim of this joint project is the development of a multilayer material composite consisting of at least one filtering functional layer (meltblown nonwoven, foam coating or nanomembrane) in partial combination with each other or in combination with a textile. The developed composites are to be used to manufacture individually adapted protective masks and gowns that can be washed several times and comply with the PPE Ordinance and also dual use as a medical device.

The demand for permanent water-, dirt- and oil-repellent properties of functional textiles is achieved according to the current state of the art by application with fluorinated polymers (FP) or per- or polyfluorinated low molecular weight chemicals (PFC).

The beneficial properties achieved with FP on textiles are offset by ecological and human ecological risks. Currently, leading manufacturers of textile auxiliaries are engaged in the development of high-performance fluorine-free products. Unfortunately, studies show that these products do not meet the requirements in the area of oil repellency compared to fluorocarbon finishing. With the development of fluorine-free surface modifiers, the project aims at a sustainable finishing of textiles without limiting their functional properties. Ultrahydrophobic, oil-repellent and soil-repellent textile finishes are to be synthesised and applied according to a novel concept. The developments are aimed at small or medium-sized companies in the field of technical textiles, HOMETECH, PORTTECH, MEDTECH, PROTECH, MOBILTECH. With the use of functional finishes, these companies are to expand their business using their core competences.