Objective
The global market for technical textiles grows rapidly. It is accompanied by increasing customer needs and stricter
regulations combined with the demand for lower prices. This is especially true for high-value markets such as automotive
insulation, thermal protective clothing or hot gas filtration. Even though these segments appear to be quite different, the
major needs are very similar: higher safety (thermal insulation, flame resistance), higher comfort (lightweight, acoustic
insulation, filtration efficiency), better processability, lower price. As current solutions cannot fulfil these high demands and
regulations, this represents an excellent opportunity for smartMELAMINE. By enabling thermoplastic processing of melamine
in a dedicated meltblown process, it is possible to create a fabric with unmatched fibre fineness and a unique set of
properties at costs well below competitive solutions. The project is based on a thorough business plan. In talks with more
than 100 potential customers, the need for new solutions has been emphasized and a high interest in smartMELAMINE was
confirmed. Samples at pilot-scale (width: 300mm) have been produced on a continuously updated pilot plant and tests in an
industrial environment have confirmed the processability of the melamine-meltblown at larger scale (TRL6-7). The main
objective of the phase 2 project is the upscaling of the production process to industrial scale (2,400mm) and the further
improvement of fibre fineness and volume weight, in order to perfectly address the market needs. The partners combine
unique know-how regarding melamine processing and meltblown technology. The joint venture SML will build on this know-how to facilitate the commercialisation of smartMELAMINE. Unlimited licenses and patents guarantee the freedom to
operate. The project will contribute to strengthen the European leadership in the market for advanced technical textiles and
create further employment and wealth throughout Europe.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.2.1.2. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Nanotechnologies Main Programme
- H2020-EU.2.1.5. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced manufacturing and processing
- H2020-EU.2.1.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced materials
- H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
1330 KOCEVJE
Slovenia
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.