Research Institute of Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics

Name:            Research Institute for Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics

http://www.uibk.ac.at/textilchemie/

 General information: The Institute, founded in 1982 as a research institute of the University of Innsbruck, cumulates fundamental research and applied research activities in the field of textile chemistry and textile physics. The Institute is located in Vorarlberg, close to main parts of the Austrian textile industry in the building of the HTL-Textile where an area of 500m² is dedicated and equipped especially for the requirements of scientific work. In the period 2010 – 2015 research activities were strategically extended towards the field of technical textiles and fibre research. The activities also can be characterised by intensive interdisciplinary and intersectoral research. The research activities build on formation of research co-operations with complementary academic institutions as well as companies e.g. in the sectors health, construction, mobility. Particular contribution has been brought to research in the field of Materials- and Nano-sciences. Research activities include studies on embroidered electrodes for batteries, sports textiles, textile products and sensors in care of elderly and hospitals, textile reinforced material for construction, lightweight composites for mobility applications, electro-osmotic separation in dialysis and heart valve manufacturing.

Mission statement: The Research Institute for Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics (TCTP) covers basic research and applied research in the field of Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics, polymer chemistry and material sciences. Lectures and courses for these specialised fields are offered. The Institute undertakes a bridge function ranging from fundamental research, applied research to technology transfer and information supply for industrial partners.

In the development plan of the LFU the Institute has been designed as a research institute for the field of textile chemistry and textile physics which contributes expertise to the research area “Advanced Materials” and offers lectures to special fields of textile chemistry and chemical technology as well as to the Master study Material- and Nanosciences.

The TCTP covers basic research and applied research in the field of textile chemistry and textile Physics, polymer chemistry and material sciences. During the last 5 – 10 year research in the field of smart textiles and lightweight composites gained substantial momentum, which is also reflected in the focus of the research work undertaken. Scientific activities of the period 2010 to 2015 based on already existing scientific expertise in the field of fibre and textile chemistry and physics, and were extended to cover the field of textile material research in composites and smart textiles.

The Research Institute for Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics already covers this particular field of expertise in Austria. On the long term extension on material sciences with particular focus on flexible materials, native and synthetic polymers, composites and smart textiles will bring potential for further growth. The institute is partner in the research platform for Material and Nano-Sciences and through its specialisation the institute holds a unique position within the Austrian research structure in chemistry, polymer and material research.