The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Wuyi University (WYU) are working together on research and development of green and healthy textile materials over a span of three years. The collaboration marks an important milestone of joint research and development effort between Hong Kong and Jiangmen – two major cities in the Greater Bay Area. The two have signed a collaborative framework agreement.
As one of the world’s largest textile and garment production and consumption regions, the Mainland’s growing demand for “green and healthy” textile has created a huge market potential for antibacterial and mildew resistant textiles.
The collaboration aims to facilitate the experts from the two universities to innovate dyeing and finishing technologies for fabrics so as to address the health and environmental concerns associated with man-made fibres and their chemical processes. As textiles are good substrates for exponential bacterial growth and microbial proliferation under appropriate moisture, nutrients, and temperature conditions, the research will also study the ingredients and methodologies to enhance the antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal performances in textiles.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said “PolyU has proven records in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit the society and humankind. Leveraging our research strengths in textile technology for smart materials, textile-based wearable electronics and biomedical textiles, we believe the collaboration will bring further success in developing next generation “green and healthy” fabrics. We are very pleased to collaborate with universities in the Greater Bay Area such as WYU. Such cooperation platforms will accelerate innovation, new technology development and commercial applications of R and D in the region.”
Prof Zhang Kun, party committee secretary of WYU, thanked PolyU for kick-starting the collaboration in textile research. He hoped this is just the beginning and the co-operation could be extended to other disciplines between the two universities.
