Projects | Ft.Tul.cz

Currently Solved and Ongoing Projects

Textile-derived microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: identification, characterizations, and effect assessment

Registration Number / Code	LUAUS23054
Provider	MŠMT
Implementation Period	2023 - 2026
Principal Investigator	A. Ševců (TUL)
FT Team	J. Militký, J. Wiener, M. Tunák, D. Křemenáková, A. Ali, M. Venkataraman, J. Novotná

Annotation: One of the most serious long-term environmental problems is the presence of microplastics (MP) in the air and in all types of water around the world. A significant proportion of microplastics (>30%) in surface waters is made up of fiber fragments released from textile products. These microplastics are often made of polymers with a higher density and are resistant to degradation. It is proven that more than a third of microplastics in rivers and oceans originates primarily from textile products. A large amount of these fibers enters the aquatic environment during textile production and the first three washing cycles. Given the chemical composition (dyes, finishes), more toxic decomposition products can be expected. Very little is known about the potential risks associated with the increased release of fibrous microplastics from recycled textiles. Fibrous microplastics can also be vectors for the transport of dangerous substances such as antibiotics or perfluoroalkyl chemical substances (PFAS).

 

Advanced structures for thermal insulation in extreme conditions

Registration Number / Code	21-32510M
Provider	GAČR, JUNIOR STAR
Implementation Period	2021 - 2025
Principal Investigator	M. Venkataraman (TUL)
FT Team	D. Křemenáková, J. Novotná, S. Hu, A. Ali, M. Z. Khan, D. Wang, D. Coetzee

Annotation: The core of the project is to study the thermal behavior of high-performance textiles, describe the mechanism of heat transfer in fibrous structures under extreme conditions and develop a general, scientifically supported, methodology of constructing thermal insulation layers. In cold conditions, convection and radiation have to be considered. The project includes the development of the measuring tunnel, which can be used to measure the total heat loss of textiles below freezing temperatures. The materials which reduce heat transport by radiation will also be observed. A prediction system for thermal insulation properties of the textile layers will be created.

 

Eco-clothing collection

Registration Number / Code	TQ01000450
Provider	TAČR
Implementation Period	2023 2026
Principal Investigator	J. Drašarová (TUL)
FT Team	J. Wiener

Annotation: The project will implement a sustainable collection of clothing products. The clothes will connect psychological and aesthetic comfort with a minimal ecological footprint. The synthesis of the artistic and technological perspectives will result in a collection that will emphasize achieving the minimum impact of the product on the environment in terms of the entire life cycle. The outputs will be suitable for implementation both on an industrial scale and in start-up companies. Other impacts of the project will be educational activities among the professional and public.

 

Challenges for the 21st century

Registration Number / Code	CZ.02.02.XX/00/23_022/0008721
Provider	Operační program Jan Amos Komenský (OP JAK)
Implementation Period	2024 - 2028
Principal Investigator	Z. Plíva (TUL)
FT Team	J. Porkertová, J. Wiener, M. Kašparová, M. Vik

Annotation: The project aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of university education systems and to reduce study failure rates at the Technical University of Liberec. Another key objective is to support the development of teaching by introducing topics relevant to the labor market, particularly in the field of technical sciences. An integral part of the project includes strengthening the competencies of TUL staff, supporting internationalization processes, and providing systematic support for students with special needs.

 

Addressing Skills Gaps in the European Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear Industries, Emphasizing Equality, Innovation, and Resilience

Registration Number / Code	101139988
Provider	Projekty Erasmus+
Implementation Period	2024 - 2028
Principal Investigator	EURATEX
FT Team	V. Tunáková, J. Drašarová, R. Bílková, A. Samková

Annotation: The AEQUALIS4TCLF Blueprint project aims to address the skills gap in the Textile, Clothing, Leather, and Footwear (TCLF) sector in the European Union. The project involves relevant stakeholders such as industry representatives, employers’ associations, Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers from seven European countries: Czechia, Croatia, Lithuania, Finland, Netherlands, Slovenia, and Serbia.

 

New and Upcoming Projects

Multifunctional textiles using the heat radiated from the human body

Registration Number / Code	FW12010015
Provider	TAČR, TREND
Implementation Period	2025 - 2027
Principal Investigator	L. Vašková (SINTEX), L. Martinková (INOTEX), D. Křemenáková (TUL)
FT Team	J. Militký, J. Wiener, M. Venkataraman, A. Ali, M. Z. Khan, M. Průšová

Annotation: The aim of the project is the research of particle systems and the development of thin, light and vapor-permeable textiles ensuring maximum use of the thermal power of the human body through the back reflection of far infrared radiation (FIR). Targeted clothing will increase the temperature of the microclimate of the body by 2 - 4 °C and achieve optimal thermal comfort. They will be a more acceptable alternative to sandwich systems using a metal foil. Special final treatments containing formulations of particle systems mainly based on MgO and SiO2 nanoparticles will be implemented.

 

Textile Structures for High-Frequency Sound Absorption and Electromagnetic Shielding

Registration Number / Code	CZ.01.01.01./24_046/0005322
Provider	OP TAK
Implementation Period	2025 - 2027
Principal Investigator	L. Fouňová (CLUTEX)
FT Team	D. Křemenáková, J. Militký, M. Venkataraman, V. Tunáková, B. Tomková, A. Ali, M. Z. Khan

Annotation: The aim of the project is to develop a textile-based sandwich system consisting of a layer for absorbing high-frequency sound (10 kHz to 50 kHz) and a layer for electromagnetic shielding (150 MHz to 3.5 GHz). Theoretical and model foundations will be established. Simulation tools will be developed based on the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method, Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling. The layers will be based on woven, nonwoven, or spacer fabrics. The outer covering layers will be designed for specific functional properties, such as antistatic, stain-resistant, or hydrophobic behavior. The constructions will be combined into a multilayer, multifunctional shielding panel.

 

HempTuft - Sustainable, Recyclable Textile Floor Coverings Made from Natural Plant Fibres

Registration Number / Code	CZ.01.01.01/07/24_046/0004668
Provider	OP TAK
Implementation Period	2025 - 2026
Principal Investigator	L. Fouňová (CLUTEX)
FT Team	J. Wiener, J. Šašková, M. Průšová, M. Čimburová, M. Z. Khan

Annotation: The overall innovation goal of the HempTuft project is to develop a tufted textile floor covering based on the principles of “Design for Recycling”. It will use bast fibres, natural, and biodegradable polymers. The product aims for a lower environmental impact and high-quality fibre recycling. Great attention will be given to the prevention of hazardous microplastics formation. The project utilizes regionally available materials and will be achieved through close collaboration with German partners, fully in line with the Cornet projects.

 

Electrospun nanocomposites with improved conductivity using expanded graphite

Registration Number / Code	SGS-2025-6518
Provider	MŠMT
Implementation Period	2025 - 2026
Principal Investigator	D. Coetzee
FT Team	J. Wiener, T. Thekiso, E. Tören, L. Walker

Annotation: The goal of this project is to develop conductive nanofibrous nanocomposite systems using needleless electrospinning in an alternating electric field. Previous work using a single-needle process was limited by graphite sedimentation and high porosity. Both planar (layered) and longitudinal (yarn) materials will be created. Process parameters will be optimized for optimal conductivity. If the properties of the nanocomposites prove insufficient, the application of expanded graphite in a polymer coating will be tested.

 

Epoxy composites filled with mechanically decomposed waste textiles

Registration Number / Code	SGS-2025-6544
Provider	MŠMT
Implementation Period	2025 - 2026
Principal Investigator	W. Hou
FT Team	M. Tunák, V. Tunáková, J. Novotná

Annotation: The aim is to utilize mechanically disintegrated particles of waste polyester as fillers into epoxy composites, thereby reusing waste polyester and realizing the concept of recycling. The main objectives include investigating the influence of the particle size/segments of polyester from waste textiles and the filler content on the composite properties. Output parameters include mechanical properties such as strength, elongation, and flexural stiffness. The study provides technical support for the development of new lightweight, low-cost, and environmentally friendly composite materials.

 

Model for Predicting Spectral Properties of Textiles

Registration Number / Code	SGS-2025-6565
Provider	MŠMT
Implementation Period	2025 - 2026
Principal Investigator	M. Pechová
FT Team	U. B. Solanki

Annotation: The goal of the project is to create a model to predict the spectral properties of materials, which depend on material composition, fiber structure, and surface treatment. The model will predict spectral properties from image data captured by a camera using a controlled multispectral LED-based illumination. This approach is an alternative to expensive hyperspectral cameras. The model should predict the color appearance of materials depending on the spectral distribution of the illumination and the adaptation luminance (which affects how our eyes perceive colors). This would enable more accurate simulations in applications such as clothing design.

 

Optochemical sensor for monitoring persistent organic pollutant in the aquatic environment

Registration Number / Code	SQ01020272
Provider	TAČR
Implementation Period	2025 - 2027
Principal Investigator	M. Fijalkowski (TUL), J. Buček (BD SENSORS s.r.o.),  M. Váňa (VÚV TGM)
FT Team	M. Viková

Annotation: The goal of the project is to develop and commercialize a sensor for rapid, sensitive, and low-cost detection of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) in water. Sub-goals include developing a new generation of ultraporous sensor materials that will change their optoelectronic properties upon contact with the contaminant, and designing a sensor prototype for pilot verification.

 

Mastering Efficient Lighting In North Africa – MELINA

Registration Number / Code	101179276
Provider	Erasmus+
Implementation Period	2025 - 2027
Principal Investigator	University of Toulouse
FT Team	M. Vik, M. Viková, M. Pechová

Annotation: The MELINA project focuses on developing new training programs in response to the growing lighting market due to new LED technologies. The training aims to introduce best practices, reduce energy consumption, and limit its environmental impact. The project aims to open doors to a previously "virgin" professional sector and support employment development.

 

 Upcoming and Submitted Projects

Submitted Projects (01/2025 – 09/2025)

• IT4CH (Immersive Tube For Cultural Heritage): (HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01)
  • FT Team: M. Vik, M. Viková, M. Pechová
• CELQATIC: Sustainability of cellulosic textile materials in relation to the release of microplastics from textiles into the environment (GAČR Standard)
  • Principal Investigator: J. Novotná
• Bioactive flexible modified aerogel-based electrodes for electro stimulation (GAČR Standard)
  • Principal Investigator: A. Ali
• MICMEM: Effective removal of textile contaminants and microplastics from wastewater using activated nanofibrous membranes (GAČR, JUNIOR STAR)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Z. Khan
• SAFMO (Sustainable Advanced Functional Materials Using Obsidian) (GAČR, Standard project)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Venkataraman
• ADVGRAF: Advanced methods of functionalized expanded graphite preparation and applications for conductive flexible structures (GAČR, International project NCN/FNR/HRZZ)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Venkataraman
• Possibilities of recycling composite materials with textile reinforcement in the automotive industry (TAČR Transport 2030)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Pechočiaková
• Centre for Circular Transformation of the Textile Sector in Czechia (TAČR SIGMA)
  • Principal Investigator: J. Drašarová

Upcoming Projects

• Advanced lightweight composites and geocomposites containing wastes or sustainable fibrous materials for a sustainable society
  • Principal Investigator: M. Venkataraman
• LumConnect (Integrative Lighting Research and Research Training Network) (COST ACTION PROPOSAL)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Vik, M. Viková
• Experimenting with various hemp varieties and prototyping cellulose based viscose fibers (International Visegrad Fund, MŠMT)
  • Principal Investigator: M. Pechočiaková