New wire sheathed PTFE yarn applications developed in cooperation
German Groz-Beckert Technology and Development Centre (TEZ) operates under the slogan “Sharing the textile future together” partners with machine builders, users, textile producers and scientific institutions, academies and universities, in specifically designed projects. As an example serves the cooperation project between Lenzing Plastics GmbH and Pforzheim University
The PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) division of Lenzing Plastics GmbH (belonging to Lenzing AG, Austria) is – according to in-house information – a world’s leading manufacturer of products made from polyolefins and fluoropolymers and has developed a wire sheathed in PTFE for specific technological applications. The Fashion study course at Pforheim University (D) has organized a student competition to find new areas of application for this yarn and eight female students participated successfully.
Under the supervision of Kerstin Nägler-Bothner, lecturer in concept knitting, and study course director Professor Johann Stockhammer, the eight students were to find new applications in which the dimensional stability and strength and resistance to chemicals ultraviolet light and temperature, ultra low friction and clean surfaces, all characteristics of Lenzing POFILEN© PPW yarn developed by Lenzing Plastics combine the properties of wire with those of PTFE yarn.
The developed concepts are all based on knitted fabrics and there Groz-Beckert’s TEZ started to participate for the implementation of the concepts. The students were permitted to use the Technical Centre Knitting within TEZ as well as the services of experienced knitting specialists.
The resulting projects adopted different approaches. Maria Fernandes dos Santos developed a cape that acted as a protective cover, Damaris Moos created a multiple purpose beach mat. Stefanie Stohwassers produced a flowerpot made of the Lenzing product and Alexia Strohler was inspired by the trend of city gardening and developed a portable Lawn or Flower Mat. Heike Hilpeert contributed a folding origami tent and Verena Lehner modeled a fabric in plissé form and this generated a great deal of interest regarding its potential for architectural applications. Selina Friedmann invented a global raft concept and received positive marketing feedbacks and Konstanze Blickle impressed the Lenzing jury with her illuminated hanging seat and was pronounced the winner of the competition. The projects formed part of an exhibition at Pforzheim University and gained the interest of a broader public.