Development of new coated membrane textile using plant fibres

Objective

Commercial pressures and raised environmental awareness have increased the impetus to find safer, more environmentally benign replacements for the polyester/PVC combination. It is proposed that plant-derived cellulosic fibres, which display several desirable characteristics advantageous to their use as structural textiles, would be viable replacements for polyester fibres. These fibres are from renewable resources. Isolation of the fibres is a completely mechanical process. PVC will be replaced by a range of non-chlorine containing coatings. The coatings will protect the physio-chemical properties of the fibre and provide a renewable, aesthetically acceptable finish to the textile. Potentially, a coated textile produced in this manner could have a longer lifespan that polyester/PVC.

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0201 - Materials engineering

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (2)