The
R. & D. activities is one of the firm focus of Rifinizione Santo
Stefano S.p.A.
In
the last years, very innovative processes, like ammonia treatment, finishing of
hollow fibres and the shrinkproofing treatment on wool fabrics, have being set
– up.
For
the improving of the modifications occurring within these processes as within
the usual processes, Santo Stefano has build a full optional chemical laboratory,
include fabrics analysis as finishing extraction, solving of precipitates and so
on.
The following techniques are actually available:
1)
Infrared Spectroscopy (Nexus spectrometer from NICOLET) with ATR
technique, for the study in reflection mode of fibres, dyestuff and coating fabrics.
2)
Infrared Spectroscopy with transmission technique for qualitative
analysis of chemicals and textile auxiliares.
3)
Infrared Microscopy (CONTINUUM spectrometer from NICOLET), for the
study of defects, soils on fabrics or yarns, precipitates with dimensions under
100x 100 micron. Moreover surface I.R. mapping
with reflection and transmission mode.
4)
Scanning Electron Microscopy with ESEM technology (QUANTA200
microscope from FEI) for the study of:
a)
surface morphology (e.g. determination of different fibres in mixture)
b)
analysis of surface modification during textile transformation (e.g.
cotton mercerising, wool shrinkproofing, resin treatments)
5)
Micro-analysis EDX, for the determination of chemical elements in
particles of nano dimension. (e.g. micro-precipitates on fibres).
With
this method we can deeply know products and processes and it is possible to
research and develop new techniques thanks of the best knowledge of the matter
behaviour.
Moreover,
these techniques can also be applied to other types of material (e.g. plastics,
powders, ceramics and so on).
The
very considerable efforts for the R. & D. laboratory building –up, born
with the goal of support to a very deeply knowledge of processes and products,
and to lead the company and customers toward the development of really
innovative products.
