Tailor-made organosilicon modifiers for durable functionalisation of textile fibres

Technological Overview

A Polish research organisation has developed a technology for durable and permanent functionalisation of natural and synthetic fibres. The solution is based on the chemical bonding of tailor-made organosilicon compounds to the fibre structure.

The solution is based on a wide range of organosilicon compounds, including silanes, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, cyclosiloxanes and silsesquioxanes, as well as other functionalised organosilicon derivatives. The compounds are synthesised from non-petrochemical raw materials in a highly efficient and scalable process. The type of organosilicon core and of the functional groups determines which property is enhanced and how well the modifier is compatible with a given fibre. This makes it possible to design modifiers for a specific application.

The technology can be used to obtain selected functional properties, including flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, superhydrophobicity and antibacterial activity. The approach enables the development of tailor-made functional textile solutions adapted to the type of fibre, target properties and final application. The organisation has experience in the modification of cotton, flax, hemp textiles and specialises in engineering functional solutions for natural materials. The process is designed to support the development of natural textile fibres while helping to preserve the biodegradability and circularity of natural fibre-based materials. The solution has been also tested on synthetic textiles.

Advantages and innovations

The proposed technology offers the following advantages and innovative aspects:

• durable chemical bonding of the modifier to the fibre structure;

• tailor-made functionalisation adapted to the fibre type and final application;

• possibility to design specific textile properties, including flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, superhydrophobicity and antibacterial activity;

• use of modifiers synthesised from non-petroleum-based raw materials;

• low modifier consumption, helping to preserve the biodegradability and circularity of natural fibres;

• compatibility with dip-coating technology, enabling functionalisation throughout the fibre cross-section rather than only on the external surface;

• broad range of possible organosilicon compounds suitable for use as functional modifiers;

• scalable synthesis with the potential for further industrial validation;

• applicability in technical textiles, protective clothing, upholstery, automotive and other functional textile products.

Our Organization

Poznan Science and Technology Park (PPNT) is the first science and technology park in Poland, established in 1995 and operating within the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation. We bridge the gap between academic breakthroughs and industrial application. As a research and technology organisation, we work in organic chemistry, advanced materials development and agrochemistry.

Our expertise includes:

• Design and synthesis of organosilicon modifiers: tailor-made compounds for specific fibre functionalisation, selected according to the target property and fibre type.

• Scale-up excellence: laboratory-scale synthesis and scale-up of production up to 100 kg per batch.

• Chemical fibre modification: durable bonding between the modifier and the fibre structure; development of flame-retardant, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic or antibacterial textile properties.

• Basic material characterization: testing and evaluation of flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity and mechanical properties.

• Validation and adaptation: support in further validation and adaptation of the technology to different natural or synthetic fibres and functional textile applications.

• Science dissemination and popularization: organizing conferences, workshops and trade fairs.

Collaboration

We are looking for projects to join as research institution and consortium partner.