Textiles are fulfilling relevant functions in different fields of application. High strength textiles in form of ropes, belts, nets, etc. are used in specific applications for securing objects or people. Examples are securing of cargo ladders, people on construction sites, heavy weight lifting belts and nets, and other applications like mountaineering ropes and parachute strings.

Resource-efficient coating technologies for improved durability of high strength textiles with special safety relevance

Common to these textile materials is that they:

  • are exposed to different and varying environmental factors (sunlight/UV, heat, humidity, abrasion,…)
  • are subjected to high loads, which can vary strongly and abruptly
  • need to secure the person/object reliably: failure can be detrimental to the secured person or object
Up to now no systematic method exists for assessing the degree of ageing and to determine when to replace the textile components. Existing standards evaluate the unused condition of the product. Replacement of the products is then done after an estimated period of time or because of visible destructions of the textile structure.

The first aim of the project is to improve the existing test methods, including:

  • development of improved test methods tp evaluate the life-time and remaining strength of high strength textiles used in securing applications. This will be done by modifying existing test methods and using test methods from other application areas (e.g. geotextiles)
  • development of test methods to evaluate the complete ensemble used for securing (textile & other components), also under quasi-dynamic (cyclic) loading

The second aim is to improve the resistance of the textile structure to influences like UV/sunlight, heat, humidity or abrasion by applying resource efficient, functionalised textile coatings and finishes.

The third aim is to develop and integrate a detection system for the remaining strength of the textile structure. This detection system needs to:

  • indicate (an estimate) of the remaining lifetime of the product
  • give warning that the end-of-life status has been reached, both without the need for further testing.
Project funding:
CORNET
Project partners:
STFI