Functionalization

With the technologies employed by the DITF institutes, we have continuously improved the functions of textiles of any type and integrated new functions. Depending on the requirements, different treatments are used for the fibers, yarns, or the resulting textile products. Traditional methods for coating, printing, dyeing, or finishing are applied at DITF, but also new and innovative methods, for example from the area of nanotechnology.

An important field of work is the optimization of traditional textile finishing and modification processes with respect to environmentally friendly and energy-saving processes. This involves methods such as electron beam hardening, plasma treatment, or digital printing processes with UV curing. The required effects - for example water-repellent, flame-retarding, easy-care characteristics, etc. - are intended to be achieved without compromising the textile character or the benefits of a material.

Often, the properties of textiles are dependent on the materials’ chemical or morphological surface qualities. Therefore, modification processes that modify the surface properties of fiber-based materials are of significant importance. Such modification can either be achieved through wet-chemical processes or using physical methods. In both areas, the DITF institutes have many years of experience and the required equipment.