NTTM aims to position India as Global Leader in Technical Textiles
India’s Technical Textiles market has a huge potential backed by a significant growth rate of 10%, according to Ministry of Textiles Secretary Rachna Shah, rating, based on growing demand, as the 5th largest technical textiles market in the world.
She also called for a collaborative approach among stakeholders including industry representatives, policymakers, researchers, and investors is imperative to address the cost implications in the field of composites and specialty fibres and work together in increasing awareness and education for wider adoption by the larger community for the growth of the sector conexpoconagg .
Shah highlighted these factors in support of the technical textile market at the National Symposium on Advancements in Composites, Speciality Fibres and Chemicals held in New Delhi on 9 May 2024. It was organized by the Ministry of Textiles texmin in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) cii and Ahmedabad Textiles Industries’ Research Associations (ATIRA) atira .
The Secretary further said that composites have distinct structural and physical features, which make them suitable for specific applications across various sectors – such as infrastructure development morth , aerospace, automotive sector, military and defence sector, medical devices, composite materials, among others.
She highlighted the significance and importance of institutional buyers, user ministries and industries in the adoption of technical textiles worldbex and products made out of specialty fibres and composites.
Also addressing the symposium, Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog niti , highlighted that the specialty fibres are the building blocks of the advanced composites and its choice is a strategic decision on a blend of performance requirements and cost consideration.
He pointed out that specialty fibres like aramids, carbon fibre, zylon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fibre, ceramic fibre can be tailored for diverse applications and strategic needs, such as fire-retardant fabrics ibef , Bullet Resistant Jackets, ropes and cables, windmills (renewable energy) and in gas and chemical filtration, respectively.
He highlighted the top trends in composite materials including but not limited to high performance resins and adhesives, carbon fibre-based materials light weighting advanced polymer composites, biomaterials, nanocomposites, intelligence design and manufacturing.
Dr Saraswat elucidated the advancements in material science are not just about creating stronger or lighter materials, but also about ensuring their sustainable use through material circularity.
He also stressed that the demand for bio-composites is increasing due to growth in its adoption by construction, furniture industry and increased compatibility in medical applications.
Dr Saraswat also said advanced composites and specialty fibres are continuously evolving with research, pushing the boundaries of fibre performance. Future developments will include fibres with even greater strength and stiffness, enhanced thermal properties and even self-healing capabilities.
He also emphasised that although composite materials have been around for many years, the industry is still amid innovation and evolution. There is a need to adopt sustainable practices which will be a key feature of the composites industry going forward.
Research Design and Standard Organization (RDSO) Director General Ajay Kumar Rana during his address talked about the use of geotextiles and geo-composites in the railways sector.
He highlighted the use of geotextiles, geogrids, pre-fabricated vertical drains (PVDs) for load bearing applications, slope erosion protection control application, drainage, separation, filtration etc.
He also informed that RDSO is actively working in developing new guidelines and standards for use of geo-composites in railways sector, in association with BIS.
Technical textile is one of the fastest growing segments of specific materials with a strong global demand, noted Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles.
The technical textiles industry holds immense potential to drive productivity, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovative solutions across engineering and general applications, he said.
He highlighted that National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) aims to position India as the Global Leader in Technical Textiles.
During his speech, Saxena elucidated various guidelines under the NTTM mission related to Research & Innovation, Start-up, machinery development, internship, education and skilling.
While deliberating on the importance of composites, he stated that textile composite materials are replacing the conventional materials in several fields.
Space and aerosector is going to be a major area for composites applications, due to its light weight and durable properties, added Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre (SAC/ISRO) .
As of now, the space and aerospace sector widely depend on Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics and Asto glass fibres for its projects, added Desai, pointing out that SAC is the second largest research centre of ISRO with a long association with ATIRA. Fiinews.com
