Specialists of Vitebsk Technological University have developed fabric and yarn with special effects

November 23, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA/. Specialists of the Vitebsk State Technological University (VSTU) have developed a technology for producing combined electrically conductive threads, the use of which in fabrics and yarns allows achieving a number of specific effects. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by one of the technology developers, senior lecturer at the Department of Spinning of Natural and Chemical Fibers, Candidate of Technical Sciences Yevgeny Zamostotsky. The research work was carried out by order of the concern "Bellegprom", and now the technology is being implemented at OJSC "Vitebsk Silk Fabric Combine", RUP "Baranovichi Cotton Production Association" and OJSC "Vitebsk Carpets". Fabrics using electrically conductive threads have antistatic properties and electromagnetic radiation shielding effect. Such material characteristics can be used in the production of workwear for employees in industries where the occurrence of static electricity must be excluded. This applies, for example, to specialists in gas and oil refining, as well as a number of other industries where safety regulations do not allow for the possibility of an electrostatic spark. One of the advantages of the technology is the preservation of the antistatic and shielding properties of the fabric throughout the entire service life of the product made from it. This can be achieved by introducing electrically conductive threads directly into the fabric structure, explained Yevgeny Zamostotsky. This is what distinguishes it from the technology of applying special coatings to fabrics, which lose their specific properties during washing. In addition to the antistatic effect, carpet products made using electrically conductive yarn do not accumulate dust. OJSC "Vitebsk Carpets" has already produced a trial batch of products using electrically conductive yarn for Belarusian Railways, and carpet runners are used in passenger cars. Currently, the university, together with enterprises, is developing a range of fabrics and carpet products using electrically conductive threads and yarns. Representatives of Russian airlines are also showing interest in the development of Vitebsk specialists. The shielding effect of fabric made from electrically conductive threads can be used to neutralize the possible negative impact of electromagnetic waves, which are generated, for example, by household appliances. When using microwave ovens, it will be possible to cover the appliance with a special fabric cover that can shield radiation (while the almost transparent product will not cover the timer on the microwave). Special-purpose fabric can also be used in clothing items and accessories designed for carrying mobile phones. Products made from it can shield up to 99.9% of electromagnetic radiation, noted Yevgeny Zamostotsky. Vitebsk scientists have protected the development with six patents. The implementation of the technology does not require significant modernization of existing equipment from the manufacturer, and in terms of cost, products made from such fabric are competitive in the market, not inferior to foreign counterparts, he added. -0-