New centre for research in textile fibres inaugurated in Germany

03 Oct '11

2 min read

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Thuringian Institute of Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) has inaugurated a 1.5 million euro centre to develop biopolymers – new fibres made from renewable raw materials.

Established in 1991, the Rudolstadt, Germany-based Institute today employs around 100 scientists and researchers generating annual sales of €15 million. Through its research department, TITK helps small and medium-sized companies in product innovations. In recent years, TITK has focused on research in fibrous materials.

The new centre has been set up on 1,000 square metres of area and offers ten jobs in the field of textile research. The team will be headed by Dr. Frank Meister, who currently heads the research on developing textile fibres with integrated insect protection.

The fibres developed in TITK will be used in making fabrics that protect the wearer from mosquito and insect bites and would be useful in making T-shirts, jackets, trousers and socks, explained Dr. Meister.

He added that TITK is also undertaking research for developing textile fibres with skin-protecting properties. These fibres nourish the skin with vitamin E, which is preserved even after more than 50 washes. These would be useful for people suffering from skin conditions like eczema as well as for healthy people.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - Germany...