Our current research highlights

With the use of special bioindicators, dental practices can independently verify whether pathogens are successfully removed from professional clothing in the household washing machine.

New types of textile finishings are intended to absorb or reflect the long wave spectrum of the body's own IR radiation, protecting e.g. employees in chilled warehouses from getting too cold.

Head protection has become mandatory or at least strongly recommended for many work and leisure activities. Scientists are now working on the prerequisites for helmets offering better fit and more wearing comfort.

Energy-efficient washing procedures shorten the life cycle of white mixed cotton-polyester fabrics through premature greying. As part of a research project, scientists investigate washing detergents and methods to secure both a long value retention and cost stability.

Within the framework of a research project, scientists at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim are aiming to optimise functionality and comfort of sportswear for wheelchair users.It is expected that the results of the project will be available for interested manufacturers from early 2014.

In addition to modern sportswear, the market is increasingly demanding functional undergarments for the fashion and business sectors. These gaps in the market have now been closed by a current research project entitled (ZIM-Project KF2136724CJ2) which is investigating first-layer textiles.

According to a study from 2003, 49% of fatalities amongst fire-fighters in the USA were attributable to heat stress.* Based on this study and within the framework of the research project (AiF-Nr. 16676 N) scientists at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim, in conjunction with several industry partners, have developed special functional underwear for fire-fighting deployment teams.

Modern functional textiles for sport, leisure and professional wear are true high-tech products. Such textiles are also increasingly furnished with properties designed to prevent unpleasant sweat odours, but this is where there are big differences in quality. It is no surprise therefore that, in addition to the fibre type (e.g. polyester, cotton), the design and the finish of the textiles are very important.

Women with plus-size figures made a start two years ago – now it is time for men with large standard clothing sizes to have extensive measurements taken so the data can be scientifically evaluated in the framework of a research project (AiF no. 17460 N) at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim.

Textile cooling pads are to be used in future to prevent neurological damage after successful resuscitation. The newly developed system requires no electric power, making it ideal especially for first aid in cases of cardiac arrest.

Researchers from the Hohenstein Institute developed a special brassiere for breast cancer patients. The new brassiere can be worn during and directly after radiation therapy and takes into account the high sensitivity of the skin which often occurs during treatments as well as changes in breast volume.

A special insulating fleece reduces the weight of cold protection suits by 25% without affecting their thermal insulation properties. The high breathability of the new clothing makes it much more comfortable and means that the wearer sweats less than in any rival product.

A new and portable textile harness enables patients at risk of heart attack to be constantly monitored and treated. Thanks to its optimised fit, and the integral defibrillator system which can be triggered in emergencies, the harness is suitable for everyday use and can be worn next to the body all day long with no problem.

Fleece material based on innovative regenerated cellulose fibres offers good thermal insulation properties and is extremely absorbent. This makes it of interest not only for use in protective clothing but also in the medical, cosmetics and cleaning industries.

Because of the innovative construction of the hybrid yarn HP2G, knitwear made using it has particularly good thermal insulation properties while it also transports sweat away efficiently and dries quickly. This newly developed textile is also less prone to pilling. Fashion knitwear made from HP2G does not suffer from felting and looks as good as new even after being worn for a long time.

Innovative workwear made from regenerated cellulose fibres combines various properties such as antimicrobial effect, high mechanical strength, a long service life, ease of care and good physiological functionality. As colour changes after washing and other external influences are excluded, it is also suitable for leasing.

Protective clothing for hot working environments should protect the wearer against damage to their health. By improving the thermophysiological properties and taking into consideration the underwear, wear comfort should also be improved in future.

By combining various materials, a high level of UV protection can be achieved for new types of workwear, while at the same time ensuring good wear comfort and considerable mechanical strength.