KNIT-FORCE

 

 

 

 

The Knit-Force project for the Textile Industry aims to establish a collective and structured action, oriented to the pre-competitive capacities, that enhance and value R&D results by reinforcing transference and scientific and technological knowledge for this sector.

Strategic Areas:

  • Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT)

Systematic integration of Industry 4.0 into the National ITV through the development, use and optimization of interoperable technological resources at the service of industry and productivity.


The aim of the Knit-Force project in this theme is to find quantitative and qualitative information worldwide, in the textile and clothing sector as well as in other complementary sectors, leading to the adoption of new industrial and commercial technologies capable of promoting productivity and competitiveness.

  • New Complex Textile Structures

Development of new complex textile structures based on the incorporation of new materials.


The work will identify initiatives and R&D results that are being worked on worldwide, such as new formulations, new materials, new complex configurations of textile structures (3D, auxetics, shape memory, etc.), new production processes and new intelligent combinations of different materials and processes (eg integration of textiles and intelligent textiles into thermosetting and thermoplastic composites) and disseminate this knowledge to the Portuguese industrial fabric in order to boost the R&D spirit among companies, to value the results generated and create new business models.

  • Multifunctionalization

Boost the productive capacity of the national ITV by investing in the development of functionalized solutions (end products) with high added value.


Multiple functionalities, intelligent (able to actively react to stimuli) and customized that allow different uses in different scenarios, such as adaptation to various social situations, climatic conditions, etc., are highlighted in the product development strategy.


Routes followed by the industry in the functionalization of textile substrates

  • Application of functional additives through conventional finishing processes;
  • Incorporation of functional additives in fiber (synthetic and artificial)
  • Development of new functional additives (nano-materials, organic or inorganic nano-particles with topology, morphology and specific and parameterizable chemical properties)
  • Chemical, biological and physical surface modification through the use of emerging technologies (plasma, ultrasound, ozone, hotmelt coating, etc.).

The expectation of KNIT-FORCE is that the transfer of scientific knowledge in this area can support companies to develop multifunctional products as a differentiating factor and improvement of the strategic positioning of their sector.

  • Sustainability and Circular Economy

Development of a sustainable STV (Social, Ecological and Economic) through the creation of new business models based on the use and valorization of textile waste.


This project aims to enable the sector to follow the emerging opportunities that are emerging throughout Europe in the development of new materials and solutions through the valorization of waste and by-products not only of the Textile Industry and of clothing but also of other industries such as footwear , automobile, cork, agriculture, forestry, among others, allowing to place new and innovative textile solutions on the market and at the same time optimizing the use of textile waste, minimizing the use of chemical products and using biologically based fibers to promote the economy and sustainability of the sector.

 

Useful information and other documents:

  • Road maps (in development)

 

 

 

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