#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).

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

Smart textiles reversibly change shape in an energy-efficient manner in response to ambient temperature

Self-actuating textile structures are used in a wide range of applications, such as medical technology, automation, architecture, agriculture, and the apparel industry. An example is the use of shading nets in greenhouses, which can be deployed and retracted depending on the sunlight intensity. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing textiles based on shape-memory polymers with reversibly controllable geometry.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

Outdoor Industry Association completes Clean Heat CoLab initiative

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has completed its multi-year Clean Heat CoLab initiative, bringing together outdoor brands and technology experts to accelerate the adoption of electrified process heating in textile manufacturing. The collaboration focused on reducing emissions from thermal processes such as dyeing, washing and finishing, which remain among the most carbon-intensive stages of textile production.

ADD-ITC 2026 publishes preliminary conference program

The organizers of the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) 2026 have released the preliminary program for this year's event, which will take place on November 26–27, 2026, at the International Congress Center Dresden. The conference is expected to attract between 500 and 700 participants from industry, research, and academia.

Networking Day 2026: Industry stakeholders unite around textile recycling

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).