Competence from a single source!

In this research project, a new type of heat exchanger was developed based on an innovative textile structure. Using the classic tufting technology, the manufacturing requirements for this were created. The resulting "double loop structure" is a textile structure made of thermally conductive yarns that has a pile structure on both sides of the primary backing, in this case the thermal interface.
The heat transfer of the manufactured textiles was quantified and proven in a test rig.

We thank BMWK for the financial support of this research project.

The recycling of firmly bonded material systems is a major challenge. An example of this is the field of textile floor coverings, where a wide variety of materials must be combined to create different functionalities. The latex coating used so far hinders a high-quality recycling of the components polyamide, polyester and polypropylene after the use phase. The aim is therefore to develop a detachable bio-based coating system for textile floor coverings based on protein adhesion promoters and a degradable binder matrix. In the development of the application technology, particular emphasis is placed on industrial feasibility. During the use phase, the coating system should guarantee all necessary functions, and after use, it should be detachable by applying a trigger (e.g. extreme pH or temperature). The main users of the research results are SMEs from the field of textile floor coverings, textile multi-material systems (home, automotive, technical textiles), coating, adhesives, biotechnology.

Together with the MMI | Institute for Human-Machine Interaction, we have developed an experimentable digital twin (EDT) on a tufting machine as an example in the T-EXDIZ project. The EDT makes it possible to precisely record, store and reproduce tool parameters. Until now, this was hardly possible due to the inaccurate setting mechanisms. With the EDT, the tufting process can be digitally mapped, changes made and tested without having to modify the tufting machine. If the parameters tested in the simulation promise a more uniform tufting result with fewer production errors, the settings can be transferred to the real machine. The T-EXDIZ project has shown that even older, manually operated machines can be digitally retrofitted. Here, the benefits of digitization can be harnessed, leading to more reliable production, a digital knowledge base and a more modern, attractive working environment.