Intelligent textiles and clothing for ballistic and NBC protection: technology at the cutting edge

This Advanced Study Institute was organized to fill the need to bring together experts from several parts of the world to make a critical assessment of existing knowledge in the area of defense-related textiles and clothing for ballistic and NBC-protection and to identify the needs for future research into these materials and products. The Advanced Study Institute brought together eminent scientists and engineers and gave young researchers the opportunity to closely interact with the invited experts. A remarkable fact was the rather high participation of industry in the ASI. It is indicative of the interest in this fast developing field, expected to lead to interesting collaborative research opportunities. This book contains the papers of the most important speakers at the ASI. As can be seen, the variety of themes is interesting. It also shows the multidisciplinary nature of the ASI and areas in which future research will be performed. Protective clothing has appearance and performance characteristics which sharply contrast with those of about 10 years ago. For the next 10 years, cutting edge research will lead to even more changes that hardly anybody is able to foresee today. That change will be the result of the accelerated introduction of smart (electronic) technology in textiles and clothing, the application of nanotechnology including electrospinning and biotechnology, and the use of sophisticated testing by applying (physiological) mannequins and advanced modelling. As co-directors, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the ASI: to NATO for the generous grant, to the fellow members of the organizing committee, viz. Prof. H.A.M. Daanen (TNO, the Netherlands), Dr. T. McLellan (Defence R&D, Canada) and Dr. S. Ramkumar (Texas Tech University, USA). Many thanks goes to Mrs Els Van der Burght (Ghent University, Department of Textiles) for the general logistics of the whole ASI and to Mrs Noëlla Van Reepingen, the wife of Prof. Kiekens (co-director) for playing a magnificent role as a host lady contributing to the overall friendly and enjoyable atmosphere of the ASI. The organizers are very proud of having had the chance to welcome several distinguished guests during the opening session on Tuesday, April 6. The Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Defense of Croatia were present. The Universities of Zagreb and Split sent their highest delegates. Also, the city of Split and Split-Dalmatian County sent their Excellencies. A word of thanks is expressed for the presence of Prof. Darko Ujevic. Dean (University of Zagreb) and to Prof. Paul Van Cauwenberge, Rector (Ghent University. Belgium) who opened the ASI. Thanks to many others who contributed, but who are not mentioned here. Last but not least, we have to thank Prof. S. Jayaraman (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) for preparing this book for publication. Ghent University, Belgium Paul Kiekens EMPA, St. Gallen, Switzerland René M. Rossi University of Zagreb, Croatia Ana Marija Grancari