Students of the Institute of Applied Chemistry and Ecology of Ƶ and the Institute of Textiles and Fashion of Ƶ presented the results of their research at the SMARTEX International Scientific and Practical Forum in Ivanovo, which was traditionally held with the support of the Russian Union of Textile and Light Industry Entrepreneurs (SOYUZLEGPROM). Among the developments discussed by students of the University of Industrial Technology and Design at the forum are microcapsulated materials for textiles with thermoregulation function, interference pigments based on hybrid oxides, thermochromic leuco dye, a new dyeing technology for self-cleaning fabrics, a formulation of printed compositions for thermochromic dyes.


Today SMARTEX is a well-known and reputable platform for meeting representatives of the scientific community, business and government to address key issues facing the Russian light industry and the industry training system.
Polina Gvadzabiya, a student of the Department of Chemical Technologies named after prof. A.A. Kharkharov of Ƶ, presented microcapsulated materials for textiles with the function of thermoregulation at the forum. Thermoregulation is carried out due to phase transition materials (MFPs) — these are materials that accumulate heat during the phase transition from a solid to a liquid state when the temperature around them rises, due to which the temperature on the other side of this material rises more slowly. However, it is quite difficult to keep the material in the liquid phase in the same state on the fiber, so the material is encapsulated by scientists. The MFP acts as the core of a microcapsule, the shell consists of a polymer material, and due to encapsulation, the diffusion of liquid material through the fiber disappears. This technology is used for the production of sports and special clothing.
Elizaveta Korobova, a student of the Department of Chemical Technologies named after prof. A.A. Kharkharov, Ƶ, made a report on the assessment of the photocatalytic properties of interference pigments based on hybrid oxides. Elizabeth's research contributes to solving the environmental problems of the textile industry, namely, it allows for the rational and efficient use of water resources in the process of fabric coloring. In addition, an important part of the work is to give textile materials a self-cleaning effect.
Another student of the department, Maria Bakaeva, presented the first Russian composition of a thermochromic leukocolor, in which non-toxic compounds are the color developer. Thermochromic or thermosensitive paints are called paints that have the ability to change their color when exposed to different temperatures. This is due to changes in the system of dye molecules, which can change from a colored form to a colorless one and back again. At the same time, the composition can change color at any temperature from -90 degrees Celsius and below, up to 100-120 degrees Celsius, based on a specific need. Such dyes are used for household, medical purposes, as well as as parts of military and rescue workers' clothing.

Valeria Honorina, a student of the Department of Materials Science and Commodity Expertise of Ƶ, presented a report on her technology, which allows combining standard dyeing processes of textile materials and the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on their surface, due to which photocatalytic self-cleaning is possible. The field of application of the technology is primarily textile materials of various fibrous composition, which can later be used for the manufacture of workwear, sportswear and upholstery fabrics.
Sofia Yerofeeva, a student of the same department, spoke about the results of her work on the selection of formulations of printed formulations using a new type of dyes, such as thermochromic dyes. Their peculiarity is the color change depending on changes in environmental conditions and temperature. The development is applicable to the creation of clothing, accessories, home textiles or in the manufacture of special purpose textiles.
