Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
1. Introduction
In 2002, the European Commission has selected the project
Intelligent Textile Structures - Application, Production and Testing
(ITSAPT)
proposed by National Textile Centre (NTC) found at Technical university of Liberec and
Research institute for Textile Machinery as one of European Centres of Excellence (CoE)
under the research programme GROW-2001-5.1.
Mission of ITSAPT is creation, coordination and enlargement of international and
national networks of experts and research institutions dealing with intelligent and smart
textiles (their design, production technologies, testing and application). The main aim is
collection, exchange, dissemination and application of knowledge necessary for production,
testing and application of intelligent textile structures especially for high innovative textile
products of specific and unique properties.
The CoE-ITSAPT will conduct various forms of activities ranging from PhD students
training and exchange of specialists via collection/dissemination of scientific materials and
promotions and ending by organizing of scientific courses and specialized schools.
In this brief materials the basic ideas and goals of CoE-ITSAPT are summarized
2. Scientific and Research orientation
The main activities of CoE are based on solving of NTC individual projects and other
activities of participants. Key themes, specific research agenda and aim to be achieved are
described bellow:
INTELLIGENT APPLICATION
Basalt fibres
Purpose of research: Application of Basalt and modified Basalt fibres for technical textiles
and composites
Subject of research: Technologically oriented research of Basalt filaments application for
protective fabric, barrier materials and composites
Objective of research: Development of Basalt fibres based technical and medical textiles,
including fabrication, finishing and improving their properties
We are solving:
Mechanical properties of Basalts in one and multi dimensions
Thermal and Thermo mechanical properties of Basalt fibres
Investigation of structural changes caused by temperature action
Creation of textile structures (sewing threads, knitted and woven structures and filtering bags)
Behaviour of Basalts in physiological solutions, acids and alkalis
We want to cooperate in:
Optimisation of textile and special structures with application of basalt fibres
Composites with basalt fibres reinforcements
Creation of Basalt based barriers against electromagnetic fields
Protective clothing
Purpose of research: Comfort and physiology of protective textiles
Subject of research: Assessment and evaluation of clean room and heat barrier fabric comfort
properties
Objective of research: Improved comfort properties of clean room and heat barrier clothing
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
We are solving:
Determination of protective textiles air permeability and their surface variation
Determination of protective textiles appearance
Determination of protective textiles surface roughness
Determination of protective textiles tactile properties
Determination of protective textiles hand
We want to cooperate in:
Application of proposed methods for wide range of textiles
Evaluation of empirical predictive models based on the wide range of products
Creation of standards and catalogue of products
Testing of various barrier properties (anti- microbial, anti- pesticide, against selected chemical
agents, clean room clothing)
Conductive textiles
Purpose of research: Textiles with permanent dielectric polarization and electro conductive
materials
Subject of research: Textiles with permanent electric charge for electrostatic filter and
antistatic sweeper
Objective of research: Ferro electric, conductive and magnetic textiles for industrial
application
We are solving:
Development of melt blown nonwoven processing for products with high dielectric constant.
Measuring of dielectric constant and electrostatic charge, corona charging, separation
potential using NaCl aerosol and dust.
We want to cooperate in:
Optimisation of charging method
Measuring of charge-dissipation and charge-decay
Optimal utilization of piezoelectric polymers
Construction of equipment for charging immediately after spinning
Special textile composites
Purpose of research: Improving quality of life and health of elderly and wheelchair-bound
people.
Subject of research: Textile composites reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Objective of research: Mattress enabling static pressure redistribution and preventing
pressure sores in elderly patients and wheelchair-bound people
We are solving:
Design of machines for pilot making of mattresses like 3D textile composites
Design of equipment for measurement of the contact pressure between the human body and
the support surface
Measurement of the pressure properties of mattress in normal environment
We want to cooperate in:
Measurement of fibre properties, correlating with the elasticity of the mattress, in the
environment like between human body and mattress
Development of methods for testing of the pressure redistributing effect of the mattress on
human body
Design of mattresses and choice of materials for mattresses
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
INTELLIGENT PRODUCTION
Intelligent textile machinery
Purpose of research: R&D in machinery for processing and producing of intelligent textile
materials
Subject of research: Development and application of “intelligent” systems for design and
construction by using of mechatronics.
Objective of research: Intelligent spinning, weaving and finishing. Development of
technologies and machinery for the production and processing of basalt fibres,
We are solving:
Development of jet weaving machines for the production of technical fabrics (polypropylene,
glass fibres)
Application of electromagnetic field for continuous drying
We want to cooperate in:
Development of existing machinery for processing technical textiles
Enhancing the performances of production machines
Intelligent sensors actuators and control
Computer assisted design of technical textiles
Subject of research: Computer assisted design system „fibre – yarn – fabric“
Subject of research: Technical textiles predictive models
Objective of research: Creation of computer-assisted system for prediction of fibres, yarns
and fabrics properties
We are solving:
Models for basic geometrical properties of yarns and fibres
Prediction of yarns mechanical properties
Creation of new testing methods for yarn lateral compression
Application of image analysis for evaluation of fibres, yarns and fabric geometry
We want to cooperate in:
Creation of predictive models for fabric properties
Connection of mechanical and geometrical modes with physiology and comfort
Creation of technological and material constants database
INTELLIGENT TESTING
Hand evaluation
Purpose of research: Prediction of subjective hand
Subject of research: Development of new measuring methods, application of classical
laboratory devices – dynamometer, thickness meter etc.
Objective of research: Modification of KES system, using modern statistical methods
We are solving:
Measurement of basic properties connected with hand
Creation of regression type predictive equations
We want to cooperate in:
Development of new techniques for complex hand prediction
Comparison of results from different laboratories
Surface roughness and appearance
Purpose of research: Description of surface roughness and finding connections with hand
and appearance of textiles.
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
Subject of research: Development of new measuring methods and selection of the sufficient
one
Objective of research: Application of step thickness meter, tensile testing machine and Image
Analysis for roughness and appearance evaluation
We are solving:
Construction of methodologies for roughness measurement
Characterization of surface roughness by spectral methods and fractal dimension
We want to cooperate in:
Comparison of methods for roughness evaluation
Creation of surface roughness models
Physiology and transport properties
Purpose of research: Testing of thermal and thermo physiological properties of fabrics in real
conditions
Subject of research: Development of measuring of simultaneous effects of temperature,
humidity, ventilation, UV and IR radiation, electromagnetic field etc. on body comfort.
Objective of research: Improved, reliable and fast design of protective clothing for various
purposes
We are solving:
Fast determination of fabric thermal resistance and conductivity
Fast determination of thermal resistance of smart fabrics in wet state
Evaluation of the effect of underwear on the warm cool perception felt in simulated dynamic
conditions
Direct determination of moisture absorptivity
Fast determination of dynamic water vapour permeability
We want to cooperate in:
Evaluation of physiological comfort of garments through dry or sweating mannequin
Evaluation of protective function of fireman clothing by means of special fireman mannequin
Development of personal portable body comfort detector
It is clear that above described projects are oriented mainly to the future development in
whole textile industry, with potential expansion to areas of composites, electronics and
mechatronics systems.
3. Working packages
WP 1 Short exchange stay of PhD students
Exchange: 8 students yearly.
Duration of stay: 3 weeks.
Timetable: 2003, 2004, and 2005
WP 2 Postgraduate courses for specialists from industry
Participants: 10 per one theme
Lecturers: 1 per one theme
Timetable: 2004 (4 themes) and 2005 (3 themes)
WP 3 Summer schools
Participants: 20 per one school
Duration: 5 days.
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
Lecturers: 2 per one school
Timetable: 2003, 2004, and 2005
WP 4 Networking with Germany
2003: Mission from ITB Dresden to Liberec. Participants: 5 Duration: 5 days.
2004: Mission from Liberec to ITB Dresden. Participants: 5 Duration: 5 days.
2005: Techtextil exhibition Frankfurt. Participants: 5 Duration: 5 days.
WP 5 Networking with EL, F, P, FIN
Reciprocal visits of chosen partners
2003: 3 visits. Participants: 3. Duration: 5 days.
2004: 3 visits. Participants: 3. Duration: 5 days.
2005: 2 visits. Participants: 3. Duration: 5 days.
WP 6 Brokerage events
Participants: 20 yearly.
Duration of event: 2 days.
Timetable: 2003, 2004, and 2005
WP 7 Twinning, study visits
Participants: 1
Frequency: 5 times yearly.
Duration of visit: 5 days.
Timetable: 2003, 2004, and 2005
WP 8 Studies
Creation of WWW pages and leaflets
Creation of a list of special workplaces and experts
Presentation of events on WWW
Transfer of information
4. Managing structure
Short diagram of the structure, working groups and distribution of the staff is presented on the
fig. 1.
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
Managing
Board
Steering
Committee
Intelligent
Application
Protective
Clothing
Special Textile
Composites
Advisory
Board
Coordinator
Intelligent
Testing
Intelligent
Production
Conductive
Textiles
Surface
Roughness and
Appearance
Physiology and
Transport
Properties
Hand
Evaluation
Basalt
Fibres
Intelligent Textile
Machinery
Computer Assi ste d
Design of
Technical te xtiles
Fig. 1 Managing structure of ITSAPT
International Advisory Board:
Dr. Eric Devaux, ENSAIT, Roubaix, France
Prof. Iwona Frydrych, PhD., DSc., Institute of Textile architecture, Lodz, Poland
Prof. Dr. Albert Manich, CSIC Barcelona, Spain
Prof. Dr. Ing. Hab. Peter Offermann, Dr.h.c., ITB, University of Dresden, Germany
Prof. Petr Saha, MSc., PhD., Tomas Bata University of Zlin, Czech Republic
Prof. Jaroslav Sestak, PhD., DSc., Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
Markus Weder, MSc. EMPA, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Steering Committee:
Prof. Dr. Ing. Hardmut Rödel, Dresden, Germany
Prof. Jiri Militky, MSc., PhD., Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic
Prof. Anton Marcincin, MSc., PhD., Slovak University of Technology, Slovakia
Chairman:
Head of NTC
Members:
External member:
Innovative Business
Secretary:
Managing Board
Prof. Miroslav Václavík, M.Sc., Ph.D., VÚTS, general director
Assoc. Prof Aleš Richter M.Sc., Ph.D.,
Prof. Jiří Militký, M.Sc., Ph.D., TUL, scientific coordinator
Prof. Vojtěch Konopa, M.Sc., Ph.D., TUL, dean of the Faculty
for Mechatronics
Pavel Žižka, M.Sc., VÚTS, Technical Director
Karel Šperling, M.Sc., Ph.D., president of the Association for
Jaromír Ficek, M.Sc., VÚTS, General Director Assistant
Ivana Dvořáková, M.Sc., TUL
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
All the communications will be provided in English. Short annotations in French and German
will be translated. The methods of managing by Internet will be used. The detailed
information is available on the web http:/vslib.centrum.cz, http:/www.vuts.cz/rko.
5. Basic networks
There were proposed three networks of specialists, as is shown on the fig. 3,4 and 5.
During the project solving period the further modification and precissions will be done.
CETEX
Chemnitz,
Germany
Tampere
Univ. of
technology
Finland
CLOTEFI
Athens
Greece
U-Minho
Guimares,
Portugal
ENSAIT
Roubaix,
France
Technical University of
Liberec, CZ
Textile
Research Center
GHENT
Univ.
Belgiem
Research Institute of Textile
Machinery, Liberec, CZ
ITB
Dresden,
Germany
CSIC
Barcelona,
Spain
STFI
Chemnitz,
Germany
EMPA
ST.Gallen
Switzerland
Fig. 3 Structure of CoE NET – EU Countries and Switzerland
Center of excellence ITSAPT at National Textile Center Liberec, Hálkova 6, 46117 Liberec,
Czech Republic Scientific coordinator: Prof. Jiri Militky e-mail: jiri.militky@vslib.cz
NUTD
KIEV,
Ukraine
KUT
Kaunas
Lithuania
ITA
Lodz,
Poland
ISTA
Ivanovo,
Russia
Technical University of
Liberec, CZ
FIT
STU
Bratislava,
Slovakia
Textile
Research Center
Ruzomberok,
Slovakia
Research Institute of Textile
Machinery, Liberec, CZ
TU Lodz,
Poland
VULTEKS
Kiev,
Ukraine
Univ. of
Zagreb,
Croatia
Fig. 4. Structure of CoE NET – NAS Countries and Russia
IRSM
Academy
of SCI
Bata
University
Zlin, CZ
Prague, CZ
Technical University of
Liberec, CZ
Textile
Research Center
Research Institute of Textile
Machinery, Liberec, CZ
INOTEX
Dvur
Kralove
CZ
Physics
Institute
Academy of
SCI Prague,
CZ
Fig. 5 Structure of CoE NET – Czech Republic