Auxetic structures have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

Bacterial vaginosis can cause infections, abscesses, and premature births, and can lead to infertility. The DITF has laid the groundwork for the development of a panty liner that can prevent bacterial vaginosis.

The hiking pole developed in collaboration with LEKI Lenhart GmbH is made primarily from renewable raw materials. It demonstrates that sustainable materials can also offer high performance in the outdoor industry.

With support from the state of Baden-Württemberg, DITF have invested €1.6 million in photovoltaic systems. These were installed on the roofs of buildings and in covered parking lots. The system was ceremonially taken into operation on September 17, 2025.

Faced with mountains of waste textiles, DITF are launching two major research projects on recycling of high-performance fibers such as carbon and glass fibers for demanding applications and on recycling classic textile waste into high-quality yarns.

Denkendorf scientists have completely revised this indispensable reference work for training, study, and practical application. The new edition is now available in digital format for the first time.

A new technology uses microwaves and plasma heating to produce carbon fibers in an energy-efficient manner. This means high-strength composite materials can be produced more cheaply and efficiently.

Whether in restaurants, open-plan offices, or schools, we are confronted with loud background noise in our everyday lives. However, when it comes to reducing noise, the full range of sound-absorbing materials available is still far from being utilized to its full potential. The DITF are developing a comprehensive system for measuring and predicting the acoustic properties of different textiles.

The antiviral properties of textiles must be carefully tested and verified in laboratory tests. As part of an interdisciplinary research project on textiles for infection control, the DITF's biological testing laboratory has examined antiviral activities with coronaviruses.

Adaptable insulation elements ensure that the heat transfer through the building envelope can be adjusted as required. This saves energy for heating or cooling and therefore costs. The DITF and their partners are developing adaptive building envelopes.

Almost unlimited application possibilities for smart textiles: The SMART TEXTILES User Forum on 26 and 27 March 2025 in Stuttgart focused on construction, architecture, mobility and standardization.

Smart textiles with intelligent functions: Electrically conductive prints made from conductive inks are a cost-effective alternative to conductive yarns.

The AGXX technology developed by Heraeus effectively kills microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae as well as viruses. Research is being conducted at the DITF into how the technology can be optimally integrated into textile finishes and coatings and incorporated into fiber-spinnable polymers.

At this year's JEC Composites Innovation Awards ceremony, the award in the “Construction [&] Civil Engineering” category went to the “DACCUSS” project coordinated by the DITF.

When the sun is shining, shading textiles face particular challenges. Thanks to special light measurement techniques, the DITF offer solutions for suitable daylight management.