Conventional and Advanced Fibers – Origin, Production and Properties

Coordinator of the short-term learning experience

Prof. Dr. Simona Strnad

 is an expert in the field of textile and technical fibers. She specializes in researching the influence of structure on the interaction capacity and practical properties of fibers. She investigates the potential use of fibers from alternative sources and the impact of various advanced functionalization techniques on their properties and advanced applications. In the last 5 years, she has published scientific articles on the following topics based on her scientific research:

• Functionalization of polyethylene terephthalate fibers with cationized xylans to achieve antimicrobial properties and medical applications.
• Use of sulphated xylans for the production of antithrombogenic surfaces of polyester fibers.
• Production and characterization of fibreboards from poultry feather waste.
• Extraction of keratin from poultry feathers and improvement of its fiber-forming properties through the addition of glucomannan.
• Functional biocomposites from cellulose and chitosan.

Other instructors

Assist. Prof. Dr. Matej Bračič

He is an expert in the field of surface treatment of textile materials. He is engaged in research on the interactions of textile materials and other solid surfaces made of fiber-forming polymers with polymers, nanoparticles and biological molecules. He studies the effects of surface treatments on the ability to prevent the growth of microorganisms. In the last 5 years, based on his scientific research work, he has published scientific articles dealing with the following topics:

• Amoxicillin doped hyaluronic acid/fucoidan multifunctional coatings for medical grade stainless steel orthopedic implants 
• Deteriorating dispersibility of flushable wet wipes during storage: Role of fibre swelling and ionic shielding. 
• Protein repellent anti-coagulative mixed-charged cellulose derivative coatings. Celulozno hitozanski funkcionalni biokompoziti
• Comparison of trimethylsilyl cellulose-stabilized carbonate and hydroxide nanoparticles for deacidification and strengthening of cellulose-based cultural heritage.
• Surface modification of silicone with colloidal polysaccharides formulations for the development of antimicrobial urethral catheters.

Preliminary agenda