Simulation-based finishing of barrier fabrics by means of partial particle application

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Chokri Cherif; Professor Dr.-Ing. Siegfried Ripperger
• Subject Area: Lightweight Construction, Textile Technology
• Term: from 2011 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 202243774

High density woven barrier fabrics for filtration and surgical textiles feature permeable pore channels between yarn interlocking points. These pore channels can be reduced in size by high-density weaving. This however has a negative effect on the functional properties. Therefore the aim of this research project is to develop a novel, fluid-tight and particle-tight woven fabric with adjustable porosity without impairing the physiological properties. This research aim could be realized by the targeted and partial application of cross-linkable, functionalized micro particles. In the first project stage a novel method based on the cross-flow filtration technique was successfully developed for the manufacturing of fluid-tight multifilament woven fabrics for use as filter media and surgical reusable textiles, which contain good wearing comfort. In order to minimize the experimental efforts, the necessary simulation of particle deposition on or in meso pores of woven fabric was carried out. Based on the promising results of the first project stage, fluid-tight polyester microfilament woven fabrics with predefined porosity are to be developed by using particles of various sizes in the single-digit micro range. A customized surface functionalization of woven fabrics will be employed in order to guarantee a permanent particle bonding onto the fibre surface (meso range) under complex quasi-practical stress (e. g. combined bending/pressure, biaxial tensile and shear load). Furthermore these woven fabrics should be fulfilling the requirements for filter media. For these purposes, a continuous virtual simulation chain will be developed and validated regarding to the relevant process parameters. A FEM fabric-model has to be created which displays the pore morphology, dependant on material, structure and weaving parameters. To determine the particle size and process parameters the particle disposition will be simulated by means of the fabric model. The change of pore morphology and the particle behaviour under quasi-practical stress will be analysed by means of a combined fabric-particle-model. Another aim is to establish the pre-conditions for a continuous simulation of the interactions of particles with the fabric surface which take place during cross-flow filtration. In addition, the structure-deformation of particle finished woven fabrics, especially in the meso pores, has to be recorded under quasi-practical diaphragm loads, in order to offer a possibility to validate the numeric simulation. The stability of particle bonding onto the fibre surface by means of amino functionalization should be also investigated. Furthermore the application of gas-phase fluorination for permanent hydrophobic treatment and simultaneous oleophobic treatment of particle finished woven fabrics has to be analysed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants