Far Infrared Functional Textiles
Overview
Highly efficient far-infrared (FIR) functional textile has abandoned the use of chemicals in production. Instead, it employs physical alternation that produces eco-friendly and cost-competitive FIR fibres with better thermal protection.
Technical name of innovation
Highly Efficient Far Infrared Functional Textiles
Research completion
2020
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed
Far-infrared (FIR) fibres have long been used in making thermal protective garments, but they are traditionally processed with FIR ceramic powder made of chemicals. Chemical treatments degrade FIR yarn strength, making production difficult and expensive while weakening product durability that results in poor hand feel. Long-term skin contact with the powdered chemicals can be hazardous to human body.
Innovation
- Changing the cross-sectional shapes of fibre to increase the optical path difference of FIR by adjusting parameters of spinneret
- An optic simulation model on fibre brightness, finesse, linear shape, cross-section shape and drawing method to predict FIR effects and product quality at the same time
- Chemical-free FIR textiles that involves only physical alternation of fibre
Key impact
- More cost-competitive and eco-friendly with better thermal protection and promotion of blood circulation and metabolism
- Enriching technical textile industries and further extend them to wide applications in elderly healthcare service fields
- A high-technology, value-added and useful textile product to increase competitiveness of the Hong Kong textile and fashion industry and businesses
Award
- Thailand Award for the Best International Invention in the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2019)
- Gold Medal in the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2019)
Application
- Healthcare clothing production
Patent
17/046,488
18925522.7
46209130
18236090
88/918,015
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)
Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions.
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