Textiles & Fibres
The textiles industry is diverse and ever-growing. A whole range of materials are being used to produce an array of, often complex, textiles for a multitude of industries and applications. From automotive, defence and medical to clothing and furnishings, textiles are being asked to perform, not only better, but also in different applications.
At CERAM, thanks to our materials expertise, testing capabilities and industry knowledge, we can help you to develop textiles for novel applications, ensure that products outperform those of the competition and provide solutions, should failures occur.
We Work With:
- textile manufacturers and users on development projects to enhance properties of textiles both for performance reasons and for use in diverse applications including medical/surgical applications.
- manufacturers who produce home care products for textiles to ensure that their products perform to the best of their ability, thereby satisfying consumer demand and differentiating themselves from competitor products.
- textile end users when unexpected issues in use are encountered.
Materials Analysis and Characterisation
Analysis of both raw materials and finished products helps to inform new product development, pinpoint failures and optimise performance.
Testing Services
At CERAM, we offer a huge range of testing services for both manufacturers of textiles and of home care products. In addition to chemical and physical testing, we have extensive expertise in analysis of surfaces and coatings - critical aspects of textile and fabric performance and quality.
Failure Analysis
When failures occur, we work quickly and effectively to analyse and diagnose problems in order to minimise downtime, improve product and process efficiency and optimise quality.
Some of the projects are experts have been involved with include:
- UV light damage on automotive upholstery
- Laundering of fabrics - effect on surface finishes
- Development of surface finishes for crease resist, flame retardants
- Stain removal on fabric surfaces after washing
- Kevlar fibres for military applications
- Textiles on trainers to prevent soiling but allow breathability
- Yellowing of Lycra with time and laundering
- Monitoring Silk processing and the effect on the fibre chemistry
- Coatings on textiles for artificial arteries
- Fibres/textiles in cigarette filters - coatings throughout the smoking process
- Effects of cleaners on carpets and carpet fibres
- Characterisation of dyes on ancient textiles
- Speciation of fibre types.