Research projects

Examples of the School’s collaborative research with industry and other RMIT University schools are:

“Application of Wool in Ballistic Vests” Funded by Australian Wool Innovation

Following an initial two year Research Project funded by Australian Wool Innovation, a Patent was granted to the RMIT University School of Fashion and Textiles to cover uniquely new constructions for protective fabrics designed to defeat high velocity ballistic impacts. These innovative fabrics incorporated wool as part of a blended structure and were developed in the School to improve the performance of the protective panels that form the basis of the protection against high velocity impacts used in ballistic vests, especially in wet conditions. Panels constructed from these composite fabrics have been shown to pass the requisite dry and wet NIJ Ballistic tests at Level IIIA.

Ergonomic Performance Seam-Free Apparel for Active Wear. Funded by Australian Wool Innovation

The outcomes of this research included body-mapping and body-zoning for performance sportswear and development of seam-free apparel with specialised, specific body zones with differential performance parameters such as moisture management, air permeability, heat transfer, etc. These ergonomic seam-free garments were exhibited at ISPO (International Exhibition for Sports Equipment and Apparel) 2007 in Munich with very positive feedback from a number of European Outdoor Apparel Brands.

“Extended Research into Ballistic Protective Fabrics – Defence Materials Technical Centre” Funded by Australian Federal Government

It is intended that further improvements to the new RMIT ballistic protective fabrics, to try to develop defences against a broader range of threats, will take place over the next few years in new defence-related projects. The RMIT University School of Fashion and Textile has been accepted as a core research participant in the newly formed Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC). Project funding for the next stage of the research is expected to be approved by late 2008 and may include provision for Ph.D. student participation to augment the involvement of experienced research scientists.

A Study of a Novel & Environmental Sustainable Approach to Dyeing Cellulosic Fibres with Reactive Dyes

The proposed research aims to develop more environmental sustainable reactive dyeing techniques for cotton and other cellulosic fibres. The work involves the modification in dyeing recipes in order to minimize the use of all environmental hazardous chemicals in the conventional dyeing techniques.

The research will specifically focus on replacements for the common and environmental hazardous inorganic chlorides, sulphates and carbonates which are used in considerable quantity, and then discharged to effluent, in the coloration of cellulose fibres. The study program will involve the identification of suitable alternative organic salts, their effect on dye affinity for cellulose, their effect on the reactive moiety of the dye and their effect on the dye-fibre reaction.

A Study on Colour Stability of Digitally-Printed Colour Images

The proposed research work aimed to examine the colour stability of printed textiles in the presence and absence of light. The research also aims to investigate the interrelationship between light exposure and photo-yellowing on fabrics.

The study will also explores some possibilities to improve colour stability of inkjet prints and brightness of silk fabrics for print preparation.

Development of automotive textile fabrics with anti-odour/antimicrobial properties.

This research has investigated the application of anti-odour/anti-microbial finishes to automotive textile substrates. The study also evaluated the use of slow- or delayed-release finishes and their application to automotive interior textiles, resulting in an increase in the performance of anti-odour/anti-microbial action.

Formulation of Inks and processing of Fabric – Digital Printing

The proposed work involved formulation and development of inks for digital textile printing using pigments as a colorant and evaluation of the performance properties of the formulated inks. The research also focused on developing processes for binding the pigmented inks to the textile substrates. Findings of the proposed work may be used for converting the developed formulations and processes into industrial applications.

Fundamental studies on fabrication, morphology and performances of bi-layer electrospun nanofibre membrane

The research involves the extension of existing work being carried out as part of a Master project. The aims of the Master research project is to fabricate bi-layer nanofibre membranes comprised of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers as well as the characterisation of membrane properties such as level of adhesion between nanofibre layers, tensile strength, hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity and vapour permeability. In PhD project, this work will be expanded to include a more detailed study of bi-layer membrane properties including the effect of different fibre diameters on wettability, filtration and liquid or water penetration of the bi-layer membrane. Thus, the aim of the proposed work is to find out a correlation between fibre properties and membrane performance.

Mattress Pad Prevention Alarm System for Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcer is considered the most prevailing and serious complication seen in nursing practice. To development new technologies preventing pressure ulcer thus is the most challenging imperative for biomedical engineers and physical therapists. Improper supporting interfaces are the major cause of pressure ulcer. The pressure applied to the interface between the body and the bed/cushion should be subjected to frequent monitoring to maintain suitable temperatures, desiccation and ventilation to promote wound healing and prevent the development of pressure ulcer. Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment are now subjective practices administered by care providers upon their observation.

Expensive pressure-reducing beds/mattresses are used to alleviate the situation. However, no convenient and systematic methods are available to gauge the seriousness of pressure ulcer. In this study, we propose to combine development of scientific measurement technologies and appropriate textile design to establish a mattress pad prevention alarm system for pressure ulcers for better nursing outcomes. The present study designs a mattress pad prevention alarm system for pressure ulcers.

The main idea for the design is to combine the pad with medical devices, embedding Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) techniques in the fabrics. With the functional design of mattress pad, prevention of pressure ulcers and convenience of nursing case is hoped to be achieved, so the function of mattress pad can be maximized. It is also hoped that the quality of medical treatment can be improved; at the same time, more care would be taken on the mental experience of the patients, and so they would receive more respect, a sense of security and comfort.

Size Truth: An investigation into size identification for mass market apparel based on body dimensions

This research aims to provide insight into attitudes to women’s clothing sizing for mass produced apparel in Australia and explore the viability of coding clothing size by a descriptive system.

It seeks to explore if a sizing system that links garment size to body dimensions is a viable alternative to ad hoc sizing. This includes an investigation into if the Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used to identify garment size.

The research will be undertaken by a combination of thesis and a display/exhibition of constructed forms representing the size definitions identified.

Study of Comfort Properties of Natural and Synthetic Knitted Fabrics in Different Blend Ratios for Winter Active Sportswear

The proposed research aims to develop knitted fabrics which have good wear comfort for winter active sportswear. The fabrics will be made of blended natural and/or synthetic yarn. Thermophysiological and skin sensorial properties of the resulting fabrics will be measured and the relationship between natural and synthetic blend knitted fabrics and their wear comfort will be determined.

Techno-commercial Investigation on New Bi-shrinkage Yarns production and Applications

Bi-Shrinkage yarns filament yarns are mechanical combination of different boiling water shrinkage yarns with Air induced repeated continuous knots, melting welds, mixtures along the length of the yarns. Bi-shrinkage yarns are a method to get texture in Fabrics in-situ in processing instead of the older method where Yarn is textured first and then fabric with texture are made later from the same.

The research involves actual practical manufacture and evaluation of Bi-Shrinkage yarn fabrics in hitherto non investigated fabrics structures. Evaluation of commercial, aesthetic and technical aspects of these yarns and fabrics manufactured out of them.

Textile Applications for the Cooling of Motorcycle Helmets

This research will investigate the effectiveness of the use of advanced fabrics in the design of an interlayer between the scalp and the helmet lining to control the temperature inside the helmet. Fibre microstructure configurations and fibre treatments will be examined for ability to assist in the conduction of heat from the scalp. The application of this research is to be of considerable benefit to motorcycle riders in South East Asia and tropical regions.

Use of Coated textiles in knitted/ woven garments for curing minor pains in the vertebral column

Including the design of garments that restrict the flexion and extension of cervical and lumbar vertebrae.

This project resulted in the substitution of soft collars and/or splints (rib splints, back and abdominal splints) with knitted or woven garments. The garments were proposed for use in applications involving mild cervical / lumbar pain by using resinated coating on the fabric to create the required pressure on the pressure points of the vertebral column.