Testing and AnalysisEvery textile material is exploited for its performance coming from its multi-scale nature. Understanding the properties of each scale, but also how the properties propagate through these scales are thus the key to design improved textile materials.
Testing and Analysis
Every textile material – be it low-end consumer goods or high-end niche products – is exploited for its performance coming from its multi-scale nature. Indeed, polymer chains make up fibers, fibers make up yarns, yarns make up textiles, and with those textiles we make all sorts of goods. Understanding the properties of each scale, but also how the properties propagate through these scales are thus the key to design improved textile materials. Many specific equipment is available at CTSE that allows to determine all sorts of properties for all kinds of materials (e.g. differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis, universal mechanical test benches, …). Yet, we have to go further and design dedicated analysis tools that allow a much better understanding of material performance and how this related to the multi-scale nature of the material. Therefor, we are actively working with the newest analysis tools such as in-situ electron microscopy during mechanical testing. With these, we gain insights at length scales ranging from micrometers to meters, allowing us to study textile materials in detail. A glossary of some of our current research topics is given below.
Microscale analysis of fibers, matrix and composite materials
Understanding the deformation and failure behaviour at the microscale level
Micromechanical observations of both composites and their individual components show that there are important differences in behavior at the microscale and at bulk scale.
Validation of a platform for the electrostatic characterization of textile
This research aims to validate an electrostatics characterization device to understand better the process of static charge generation in textile materials and to see how different factors affect it.
Balancing comfort and safety in personal protective clothing
Comfort plays an essential part in Personal Protective Clothing. This research focuses on combining selected objective and subjective tests to develop a protocol for accurate assessment of clothing comfort.
