During the first reporting period, cellulose-based textile fibres were produced using two novel production technologies. Fibre hydrophobicity, which enhances fibre performance in insulation use, was improved using safe and sustainable chemistries. Three fibre finishing approaches were successfully applied to the cellulose-based fibres, and the most promising treatments will be used in insulation material development. Computational tools were developed to support the selection of safe chemicals for the modification of fibre properties towards higher hydrophobicity.
The cellulose-based fibres were studied in insulation material production using three production technologies, air-laying, foam forming and loose-fill, that result in insulation materials for different end-uses. In air-laying, non-biobased fibres was minimized. The thermal resistance (CLO values) were comparable to polyester and lyocell references. In loose-fill development, a mixture of cellulose-based fibres and synthetic fibres resulted in acceptable mechanical performances and volume of the insulation material. Further work will focus especially on improving shape stability in washing, which is essential for insulation materials used in outdoor textiles.
Fabric development using the novel cellulose-based fibres was advanced, and the first knitted fabric prototype was achieved using the novel cellulose-based fibres. Biobased hydrophobic finishes for cellulose-based fabrics have been developed, showing strong water-repelling performance and continuously improving results.
During the first reporting period, an early-warning and decision-support framework was applied for the textile material development. The chemistries used in the production and finishing of the cellulosic fibres were pre-screened for their safety profile. In addition, a preliminary LCA analysis was completed for the cellulose-based textile fibres. Results of the preliminary analyses are being used to guide material development.
The PENGUIN project also tackles integrating electronics in a way that enables high user comfort and easy recyclability. During the reporting period, several roll-to-roll compatible technologies were assessed to manufacture heating elements for textile use. The developed heating elements have similar properties to fabrics, such as foldability, packability/drapability and lightness. Development of the outdoor jacket prototypes was initiated by collecting end-user input for a collaborative definition of material requirements to ensure the proper development of the outdoor jacket prototypes.
During the first reporting period, project objectives and activities have been actively communicated and disseminated to industry, policy makers, scientists and R&D professionals and common people via social media, trade fairs and scientific events. Work has focused on raising awareness on the project, project partners and biobased textile material development.
