Alternative Environmentally Friendly Processes & Methods of Cellulose Modification

Title:                   Alternative Environmentally Friendly Processes
& Methods of Cellulose Modification
Project funding:   Ministry of Science, Education and Sports
Code:                  117-1171419-1407
Project Leader:     Prof. Drago Katović, Ph.D.

Project Summary:

According to the strategical goals of the Republic of Croatia the project emphasizes the use of highly sophisticated production processes and treatments of cellulose materials i.e. obtaining additional and improved characteristics of textile, wooden and paper materials which can be achieved by using high-tech processes and by introduction of nano- micro- and bio-technologies. One of the alternative methods for replacing the conventional reactants containing formaldehyde which were used in textile and wood treatments so far would be the modification with eco-friendly agents, such as polycarboxylic acids. Efficiency of these treatments is quantitatively determined by analytical methods; HPLC and FTIR method. Standard methods of textile, wood and paper material testing were used for examining their protective performance and resistance to weathering conditions.

Part of the project consists of development of alternative multifunctional treatments and methods which provide better protection of cellulose materials (textile, wood, paper) against flame, water/oil or microorganisms and to improve its dimensional stability. Optimization of alternative processing and methods, such as the microwave treatment, is providing ecologically and economically favourable characteristics of treated materials. Other project activities are dedicated more to the development of strategy for textiles & clothing in Croatia by following the good practice of European Textile Technology Platform for the future of Textiles and clothing.