On Dec 11, NANOTEC hosted the visit of Dr. Rudolf Hufenus, R&D Manager Polymers and Processing at EMPA in Switzerland. Dr. Rudolf gave a technical presentation at a NANO Talk session on “Innovation through bicomponent melt spinning and fiber nanomodification”. Attending the talk were representatives from academia and research agencies.

Dr. Rudolf informed that his Empa laboratory for Advanced Fibers develops synthetic fibers with distinct functionalities in new combinations. The custom-made pilot melt-spinning plant enables the prototype production of mono-, bi- and tri-component fibers with various cross-sections and material combinations with a throughput of up to several kg/h. Ongoing projects include photocatalytic, reinforcing, flame retardant and rheological core fibers. Novel methods to modify synthetic fibers enable us to develop complex fiber surfaces. Techniques like vacuum plasma treatment, continuous dip coating and overjacketing extrusion are applied to create micro- and nanosurfaces with given properties such as water repellency, biocompatibility, conductivity or isolation.

NANO Talk is a monthly public forum organized by NANOTEC for researchers and visiting professors to exchange knowledge and be updated on technology trends. Visiting professors to Thailand are encouraged to participate. To review past NANO Talk sessions, please log on: https://www.nanotec.or.th/en/?cat=11