The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has received a series of international awards at two recent innovation competitions: the Edison Award 2024 and five accolades at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.
A Customised Comfort Bra to Aid Recovery from Mastectomy developed by HKRITA won the Gold Award in the “Social & Cultural Impact (Health & Wellness)”category of the Edison Award 2024 on 19 April. The project developed novel mastectomy bras with ergonomic design, and 3D printing structure design and engineering, offering better comfort and improved balance for breast cancer survivors.
The project underwent a thorough judging process based on four essential criteria: concept, value, delivery and impact, showcasing the power of innovation in improving our lives.
HKRITA won a total of five medals in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. These awards include two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal. Distinguished among a multitude of innovative entries from across the globe, HKRITA has shown its commitment to innovation excellence and addressing critical global challenges, such as the pressing issue of climate change.
Mr Edwin Keh, Chief Executive Officer of HKRITA said, “as an applied research centre, we are dedicated to conducting impactful research on a wide range of topics with societal relevance. Our participation in these two events showcased our expertise in advanced textile products, material science, textile recycling, wastewater treatment and regenerative agriculture, highlighting our commitment to making a positive difference in the world.”
A Customised Comfort Bra to Aid Recovery from Mastectomy
This project has developed a novel mastectomy bra which addresses the needs of patients recovering from mastectomy and accommodates requirements related to age, BMI and body shape.
The invention employs ergonomic design, and 3D printing structure design and engineering. The materials used offer a better thermal comfort experience and the design improves body balance for recovering patients at a lower cost, relieving potential health problems and psychological pressures during recovery. [watch the video ]
Dye Removal from Denim Textile Wastewater by a Combinative Adsorption and Regeneration System
Denim textile wastewater contains dyes and chemicals that pose health and environmental risks. This project has developed an in-situ physiochemical system for dye adsorption and adsorbent regeneration.
Metal-doped alumina is used as an adsorbent, trapping dye molecules on its surface through electrostatic force and van der Waals force, leading to a clean and colourless solution of the dye wastewater. Once the adsorbents become saturated, they are regenerated by ozonated water, converting the dye molecules on the adsorbent into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.
When the adsorbent returns to resembling its original brown colour, it is ready for another adsorption cycle. This approach minimises the disposal of used adsorbent.
The treated water meets the reuse standard in denim production. The estimated cost of removing one ton of dye wastewater and regenerate the relevant adsorbent is about USD1.6. This is lower compared to the conventional activated carbon adsorption process, which cost USD 2.4. [ watch the video]
Fluorine-free and Bio-based Material for Durable Water and Oil Repellent fabrics
This project has developed a surface modification method that achieves long-lasting water and oil repellency on textiles without the use of fluorinated compounds. By utilizing sea by- products and biopolymers from renewable source, a multi-layered composite barrier has been created, effectively providing durable water and oil repellent properties to the fabric. These functions can withstand washing, ensuring the longevity of the treatment. This approach is environmentally friendly and fluorine-free, making it a sustainable choice for outdoor apparel and working uniforms.
A Lightweight Fabric-based Breathable Metamaterial for Low Frequency Noise Insulation
This project has made use of acoustic metamaterial technology combined with energy adsorption coating to develop a sound insulation material at frequencies below 500Hz. A fabric-based metamaterial prototype is further developed for low frequency noise insulation in industrial environments. The innovative use of breathable fabric metamaterial for low frequency noise control results in a simple and lightweight setup. Besides, the material provides excellent air permeability for thermal control and heat dissipation of machines, achieving a rate of 1.5m3/cm2 per second. These features make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Denim Fabric Cotton Recovery by Mechanical Warp Weft Separation
This project has developed an AI driven mechanical recycling system to extract the reusable indigo-dyed warp yarns from denim fabrics. Since warp yarn is typically made with dyed cotton of higher fibre quality, the separated warp yarn can be recycled into denim yarn without the need for dyeing. The mechanism relies on direct mechanical extraction, without the use of chemicals. Additionally, an AI system identifies fabric structures and measures warp yarn density and denim orientation, resulting in a separation efficiency of over 90% for warp yarns. [watch the video]
