| Summary: |
In recent years, there has been a rise in the exposure to electromagnetic radiation (namely microwaves and radio waves) resulting from the use of electronic equipment. Although more evidence is needed to demonstrate the risk associated with exposure to these radiations, the topic is seen as a priority by public health entities, including the World Health Organization. Thus, it is necessary to adopt preventive measures that focus on reducing the amount of radiation that is absorbed by the human body. One of these measures involves the use of textiles specifically designed to confer attenuating characteristics to these radiations.
It is in this context that the RFProTex - Innovative Textiles for Radiofrequency Radiation Protection project arises, whose main objective is the research and development of clothing with attenuation properties of electromagnetic radiation through innovative finishing technologies, such as exhaustion, impregnation and coating. Radiation attenuation should be based on energy absorption for a wide range of microwave and radio wave radiations. The garments to be developed target high and medium-high end customers looking for sophisticated design pieces made from high-quality, comfortable, lightweight and breathable textiles.
The consortium has the necessary skills to develop the project: Cottonanswer is knowledgeable in the market requirements and the ability to design and produce full-scale garments; FEUP, FCUP and REQUIMTE have the know-how to study, develop and characterise (nano) multifunctional composite materials with properties optimised for the intended application; CITEVE has technologies for the application in textile substrates and for integration in fabrication processes. |