The Research Institute for Flexible Materials RIFleX, Heriot-Watt University

The Research Institute for Flexible Materials (RIFleX) is a research institute set up in 1999 under the direction of Prof. George Stylios. The institute consists of extensive dedicated laboratory space and a range of specialised research equipment located at Heriot-Watt University.

The diverse activities in RIFleX include: 3D digital reconstruction of humans, 3D modelling and visualisation of flexible materials, the engineering, re-engineering and prediction of materials aesthetics, particularly drape and handle, the man/machine/material interface for process optimisation, objective measurement technologies, intelligent flexible structures such as shape memory materials, conductive polymers and smart wearables.

Research at the institute is currently being funded by a number of bodies, including EPSRC, DTI, EU/ERDF, EU FP5 and the Worshipful Company of Weavers. The institute currently employs 10 staff, including 5 post-doctoral research fellows and has 8 PhD students.

Electrospun nanofibres (top) and micro/nanoporous membranes (bottom)

LATEST NEWS
For more information on any of the below, please contact Prof. George K. Stylios

April 2006
The TechniTex Core Research dissemination events will take place on the 4th and 10th May in Manchester and Edinburgh respectively. The event will highlight major research outcomes of the TechniTex Core Research Project, covering fabric geometrical modelling, fabric performance measurement and coating manufacturing optimisation. More information will be posted soon.

VIEW THE FINAL
REPORT OF THE CORE
RESEARCH PROJECT
- Integrated Final Report
- Appendix I Geometrical Modelling (University of Manchester)
- Appendix II Fabric Performance (University of Leeds)
- Appendix III Coating Optimisation (Heriot-Watt University)

March 2006
Electrospinning experiment leads to successful production of nanofibres from polymer solutions.

March 2006
RIFleX, represented by Prof. George K. Stylios, participates in the Smart Textiles EU group meeting in Brussels on the 30th.

March 2006
Electrospinning equipment set up in our laboratories. This will enable the production of nanofibres from polymer solutions.

January 2006
RIFleX develops novel nanoporous membranes for drug delivery. The porous material can be made as self-supported membranes, or coatings on fabrics.

The Research Institute for Flexible Materials

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LATEST NEWS For more information on any of the below, please contact Prof. George K. Stylios

VIEW THE FINAL REPORT OF THE CORE RESEARCH PROJECT - Integrated Final Report - Appendix I Geometrical Modelling (University of Manchester) - Appendix II Fabric Performance (University of Leeds) - Appendix III Coating Optimisation (Heriot-Watt University)

March 2006 Electrospinning experiment leads to successful production of nanofibres from polymer solutions.

March 2006 RIFleX, represented by Prof. George K. Stylios, participates in the Smart Textiles EU group meeting in Brussels on the 30th.

March 2006 Electrospinning equipment set up in our laboratories. This will enable the production of nanofibres from polymer solutions.

January 2006 RIFleX develops novel nanoporous membranes for drug delivery. The porous material can be made as self-supported membranes, or coatings on fabrics.