Cooperative Projects

Cooperative projects by Weber & Leucht are research projects which focus on topics of high practical relevance with innovation potential. Cooperative projects allow multiple companies to participate and benefit from the revelation of potential for further development and optimization of their products and procedures. Thus, the participants benefit from the creation of competitive advantages. Regular project meetings enable precise agreements and the continuous sharing of information; during the cooperative project, all project outcomes are treated as confidential. They are also only published in part after the project ends with the consent of all participants.

Important note: Participation in the cooperative projects is possible at any time during the project duration.

 

Current Cooperative Projects by Weber & Leucht GmbH

Screening of residual contamination on PPE

Comfort screening of new and washed textiles using the fabric touch test system and development of a reference panel for the comfort classification of textiles

Improved test procedure for determination of the dimensional stability and surface changes to textile fabrics using the accelerated procedure

Emission of microplastics caused by cleaning textiles

 

Project 1/2017:
"Screening of residual contamination on PPE"

Feuerwehr

 

The problem

Following firefighting activities, protective personal equipment can be contaminated with:

  • mineral fiber dust such as asbestos
  • inorganic dusts and particles (heavy metals)
  • chemical residues through the extinguishing and rescue activities
  • chemical residues from the fire itself
  • microbiological impurities
  • material degradation due to heat/chemicals/mechanics and other influences

It is largely unknown what residues can be found on PPE following firefighting activities. What contamination can be detected frequently and in meaningful quantities? This project aims to provide clarification and to demonstrate the potential for development to the participating companies.

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pdficonSupplementary Conditions for Cooperative Projects

 

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Project 2/2017:
"Comfort screening of new and washed textiles using the fabric touch test system and development of a reference panel for the comfort classification of textiles"

tragekomfort

 

The problem

Only few reference values and little empirical knowledge are available about the skin sensory comfort characteristics (handle/feel) of textiles. This often leads to discussions and complaints because

  • complex and expensive measuring procedures are necessary
  • the KES-FB measurement ("Kawabata system") is difficult to understand, meaning that experts are needed to performthe measurement and interpret the results

To date, no suitable tests have been found for the routine/QA testing and screening of large sample sizes. This project aims to improve comfort assessment by means of the fabric touch system and implement an industry-oriented, easy-to-understand classification.

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pdficonTechnical Bulletin: Fabric Touch Tester

pdficonSupplementary Conditions for Cooperative Projects

 

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Project 3/2017:
"Improved test procedure for determination of the dimensional stability and surface changes to textile fabrics using the accelerated procedure"

Schrumpf

 

Starting situation

Washing tests to the DIN EN ISO 6330 and DIN EN ISO 15797 norms are standard in the industry. However, there are a number of criticisms:Results from continuous washing tests are often only available after many days

  • The tests require experts for their implementation
  • The tests are cost-intensive (energy, test materials, water, etc.)
  • Samples must be moved to the dryer or finisher during the test
  • There is often a lack of transferability to the tunnel washer procedure
  • Each norm requires special equipment
  • All samples must be treated separately by type

The accelerated wash procedure used widely in the US and Asia may offer scope for improvement of the above points. However, many European manufacturers are not yet familiar with this procedure. We want to evaluate if the accelerated procedure is a valid alternative to the standard washing tests in Europe.

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pdficonApplication form

pdficonSupplementary Conditions for Cooperative Projects

 

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Project 4/2017:
"Emission of microplastics caused by cleaning textiles"

microplastics1

The problem / starting situation

Textiles are increasingly criticized for the release of microplastics –  especially microfiber products are being suspected. 

Suspected release of microplastics:

  • before, during and after textile manufacturing
  • triggered by usage, scrubbing, washing and drying
  • by additional polymers from finishing, lamination, coating, fiber sizing and other process chemicals
  • by fiber abrasion, microfiber in particularmin
  • inferior, unstable raw materials

The scope of this project is to classify and analyze the emission of microplastics triggered by the manufacturing, treatment and handling of cleaning textiles. Thus, an objective scientific standard of knowledge will be established.

pdficonDownload detailed project description

pdficonApplication form

pdficonSupplementary Conditions for Cooperative Projects