NAAC-Accredited 'A++' - Grade 2(f) & 12(B) status (UGC) |ISO
9001:2015 Certified | FIST Funded (DST) SIRO(DSIR)
Centre for Technical Textile Testing and Consultancy
Introduction
The Centre for Technical Textile Testing and Consultancy under the Department of Fashion Technology at Sona College of Technology, Salem, is a dedicated infrastructure for advancing research, innovation, and quality assurance in the field of technical textiles. The centre supports academic training, industrial R&D, and third-party testing services by providing access to modern textile equipment and analytical instruments. It functions as a dynamic platform for students, researchers, and industry professionals to work collaboratively on product development and testing.
Our department pioneers research in smart textiles and wearable systems for real-time health monitoring—covering ECG, SpO₂, blood pressure, motion sickness, and stress detection through textile-integrated sensors and conductive yarns. Innovations include reflexology socks, therapy gloves, and bio-responsive garments developed by students and faculty using advanced labs and global collaborations for biomedical and assistive applications.
Vision
To establish a nationally recognized hub of excellence for testing, consultancy, and research in technical textiles, contributing to sustainable innovations and industrial competitiveness.
Mission
- To foster interdisciplinary research and innovation in technical and functional textiles.
- To deliver accurate, reliable, and standard-compliant testing and consultancy services.
- To provide hands-on training to students, enabling them to meet industry expectations.
- To collaborate with industries and research bodies to address technical challenges and promote indigenous product development.
Core Services Offered
- Testing Services:
- Functional and structural characterization using FTIR and SEM
- Mechanical property testing: tensile strength, crease recovery, and drape
- Yarn and fabric evaluation: count, strength, GSM, dimensional characteristics
- Fastener durability and button pull strength analysis
- Sample Preparation Facilities:
- Development of woven, flat knitted, and needle punched nonwoven technical fabrics
- Ultrasonic welding and coating trials for functional layers
- Nanofiber web formation using electrospinning
- Consultancy Services:
- Design and development support for technical textiles
- Industry-oriented student project mentorship and prototype incubation
Key Equipment and Instruments
A. Technical Textile Equipment
| S. No. | Equipment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) | Analyzes textile finishes and surface treatments by identifying chemical groups, aiding quality control and research in functional textiles. |
| 2 | Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) | Provides high-resolution images to analyze microstructure, surface morphology, coatings, and defects, aiding research, quality control, and development. |
| 3 | Computerized Flat Knitting Machine | Enables precise, efficient development of technical textiles for sportswear, medical, automotive, and smart applications. |
| 4 | Electrospinning Machine | Produces ultrafine nanofibers for functional textiles in filtration, biomedical, and drug delivery with precision control. |
| 5 | Ultrasonic Welding/Sewing Machine | Bonds synthetic fabrics without stitches, enabling clean, strong, eco-friendly seams for technical, hygienic, and performance textiles. |
| 6 | Lab Coater with Dryer | Applies functional finishes on textiles, enabling precise coating, drying, and testing for research and product development. |
| 7 | Needle Punch Nonwoven Machine | Nonwoven fabric formation from staple fibers. |
| 8 | Rapier Loom | Sample weaving of technical fabrics. |
| 9 | Needle Loom | Manufacturing of narrow woven fabrics and tapes. |
B. Textile and Apparel Quality Evaluation Instruments
| S. No. | Instrument | Test Performed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yarn Count Tester | Measurement of yarn linear density |
| 2 | Lea Strength Tester | Tensile testing of yarn in lea form |
| 3 | Fabric Particulars Tester | EPI, PPI, GSM, thickness measurement |
| 4 | Fabric Drape Meter | Drape coefficient and stiffness |
| 5 | Fabric Stiffness Tester | Fabric stiffness evaluation |
| 6 | Tensile Strength Tester | Fabric tensile performance analysis |
| 7 | Crease Recovery Tester | Wrinkle resistance evaluation |
| 8 | Button Pull Strength Tester | Safety evaluation of buttons and trims |
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy): FTIR analyzes textile finishes and surface treatments by identifying chemical groups, aiding quality control and research in functional textiles.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): SEM provides high-resolution images to analyze microstructure, surface morphology, coatings, and defects, aiding research, quality control, and development.
Computerized Flat Knitting Machine: Advanced computerized flat knitting machine enables precise, efficient development of technical textiles for sportswear, medical, automotive, and smart applications.
Ultrasonic Welding/Sewing Machine: Ultrasonic sewing machine bonds synthetic fabrics without stitches, enabling clean, strong, eco-friendly seams for technical, hygienic, and performance textiles.
Electrospinning Machine: Electrospinning machine produces ultrafine nanofibers for functional textiles in filtration, biomedical, and drug delivery with precision control.
Lab Coater with Dryer: Lab coater with dryer applies functional finishes on textiles, enabling precise coating, drying, and testing for research and product development.
Centre Officials
- Centre Head: Dr. Raja, Professor and Head, Department of Fashion Technology
- Coordinators:
- Dr. S. Priyalatha, Associate Professor
- Dr. K. Mani, Assistant Professor
- Mr. M. R. Karthikeyan, Assistant Professor
Contact Information
Technical Textiles Laboratory (NTTM)
Department of Fashion Technology, Sona College of Technology,
Junction Road, Salem – 636005, Tamil Nadu, India
💍 fttestinglab@sonatech.ac.in
📞 +91 97892 87085, +91 99427 39787
🌐 www.sonatech.ac.in/ft