Industrial-research Strategies for Technical Textiles at TEFO/IFP

Abstract

TEFO was established more than 50 years ago and has throughout this period made many important contributions to the international research scene, including the publication of pioneering work in some important areas. In tis context, mention can be made of such topics as fabric mechanical properties, anti-wrinkling treatments of cotton and wool fabrics, and clothing technology. The typical organisational structure of TEFO, which was introduced in 1968, is based on strong interactions between the institute and Swedish producers and users of fibres and textiles. Both basic- and applied-research activities at TEFO/IFP are selected on the basis of the requirements listed by the industrial partners. In this paper, the industry-research institute–s co-operative structure will be discussed in general and in particular as applicable to TEFO/IFP. This will be followed by a brief description of the industrial-research strategies for technical textiles at TEFO/IFP. Short references will then be made to the work carried out at the Institute within the area of technical textiles, including work on coated fabrics, high-performance yarns, and thermoplastic composites. Technical textiles constitute a major textile industrial sector in Sweden, showing a steady growth over the last decade.