#Research & Development

2020-10-22

Compact solution with great effect

Modern sound absorbers optimize the sound experience. They provide valuable services in recording studios and concert halls, but can also be used in everyday life wherever the background noise is disturbing. Until now, these absorbers have been bulky and not very suitable for small rooms. Together with Kaiser Möbelwerkstätten GmbH, the DITF have developed a sound absorber with an effective technology that fits into the smallest of spaces. It absorbs not only high and medium, but also low frequencies. The research project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy.

Sound absorbers for optimal acoustics

A textile is responsible for the medium and high frequencies. The low frequencies are absorbed by a novel cavern structure. The cavities are arranged in such a way that they act like classic Helmholtz resonators despite their significantly smaller depth and volume. The scientists were able to demonstrate that these two principles not only complement, but also reinforce each other. The result is an optimal sound experience.

Since the compact component is available in various sizes and colors, it also fits well in open-plan offices or in living spaces located along busy roads. "It is the car traffic in particular that causes the deep tones that cannot be filtered out by many conventional sound absorbers", explains Karsten Neuwerk, research associate at the DITF.

Textile and cavity structure in the wooden body absorb disturbing frequencies (Photo: DITF)

Sound absorbers in the open-plan office (Photo: DITF)

The sound absorbers developed in the research project are sustainable, and not only because they are manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way. In its Agenda 2030, the United Nations has set 17 sustainability goals, including health and well-being. Noise protection plays an important role in so-called "psychoacoustics". "With our research work, we not only set technical standards, but also ensure a pleasant auditory experience that promotes well-being with optimal volume and sound modulation," summarizes Dr. Michael Haupt. He heads the e-textiles, automation and acoustics division at the DITF.

The results of the research project are several demonstrators of which effectiveness could be proved by measurement.

The absorbers will be available on the market before the end of this year for architects, sound engineers and private consumers.

CAD representation of a milled slush cavern with the resulting absorption spectrum (right) (Figure: DITF)

Absorption curve measured in the impedance measuring tube of the DITF (Figure: DITF).

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

DITF send a signal for climate protection

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have successfully implemented extensive investments in photovoltaic systems at their site in Denkendorf. The systems installed on the roofs of the buildings and covered parking lots have a total installed capacity of 840 kilowatt peak (kWp). The DITF invested 1.6 million euros in this with the support of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The system was ceremonially put into operation on September 17, 2025.

4.2 million Euros for research into textile recycling

Around the world, used textiles are still rarely recycled and pile up into huge mountains of waste. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) drew attention to this problem. However, the low recycling rate is also due to the fact that only a small percentage of used textiles are actually suitable for recycling into high-quality materials and for demanding applications. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are addressing this problem with their research.

Kick-off for the Textile Production of the Future: Establishment of a Textile Technology and Development Centre in Mönchengladbach, Germany

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University, together with its partners, is pleased to announce that it has received approval for its joint initiative, ‘Textile Factory 7.0’. The goal of the project is the establishment of a technology and development centre for the textile industry in Mönchengladbach.

Exchange data between textile companies openly, securely and cost-effectively without a central platform – ITA makes it possible

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has launched a new demonstrator for an open and secure data space in the textile industry at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). For the first time, the demonstrator shows directly and clearly how companies can share their data securely with each other without the need for a central platform. Data exchange is based on shared, freely usable technical foundations.

Sustainable athletic wear made from bio-based Polyethylene

Conventional sports textiles made from petroleum-based synthetic fibres are to be replaced in the future by sustainable, bio-based, cooling textiles. Polyethylene, previously used mainly in the packaging industry, is thus qualified for use in textiles and, as a bio-based drop-in solution, offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for the future.

Orthopac RVMC-20 plus: German Engineering for Smarter Weft Straightening

In times of rising cost pressure and growing quality demands, textile producers worldwide are searching for solutions that combine precision, efficiency, and sustainability. With its latest innovation, the Orthopac RVMC-20 plus, Mahlo once again demonstrates the strength of German engineering: improving proven technology to meet today’s challenges.

RUDOLF gets the exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies

With effect from today, RUDOLF officially assumes exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies from SANITIZED AG. This is the next milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in 2025, with the partnership between the two companies now fully implemented and expanded worldwide.