On January 31 of this year, the research and development grant project No. RTU-PA-2024/1-0091, “Lightweight, Flexible Modified Hybrid Fabric with 3D Composite Coating and Enhanced Electromagnetic Protection in Field Conditions,” was successfully completed.
The aim of this project was to develop a new lightweight and flexible hybrid fabric with a protective upper 3D composite coating that enhances object protection against electromagnetic radiation under field conditions. Through laser processing of the material, a specific camouflage pattern was created.
The project involved researchers from the Engineering Research Center of RTU Rezekne Academy (Dr. A. Skromulis, student L. Liepiņlauska), the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering of Riga Technical University (Dr. I. Ļašenko, Eng. V. Prokofjevs, student P. Rombovskis, and PostDoc Jaymin Vrajlal Sanchaniya), as well as Dr. Maido Merisalu from the Laboratory of Thin Film Physics at the Institute of Physics, University of Tartu.
Interim project results were presented in April–May 2025 at the University of North Carolina and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (USA), where further cooperation opportunities were discussed, including participation in future U.S. research project calls.
Within the framework of the project, the research team delivered two presentations at the 16th International Scientific Practical Conference “Environment Technology Resources,” held on June 19–20, 2025, at RTU Rezekne Academy.
In January 2026, a remote meeting–masterclass was held within the project in cooperation with the Chinese company Qingdao Epic Powder Machinery Co., Ltd. During the online meeting, the main project results were briefly presented, future collaboration opportunities were discussed, and the team gained valuable experience from Chinese colleagues in operating mineral fine grinding equipment, which will be useful for further composite material development.
As a result of the project, two scientific publications have been published in Q1 journals and one publication in the Q2 journal Polymers. The publication titles are:
- “Advances in CO₂ Laser Treatment of Cotton-Based Textiles: Processing Science and Functional Applications”
- “The Effect of CO₂ Laser Treatment on the Composition of Cotton/Polyester/Metal Fabric”
- “Mechanical and Morphological Properties of PP/PE Composite Fishing Net Ropes”
Based on the project outcomes, one Latvian patent application has also been submitted: “Multilayer Smart Material with Thermal Elements for Regulation of Thermal Radiation in the Infrared Range.”
A new NATO SPS project proposal has also been developed within the framework of this project: “High-Performance Modified Hybrid Material for Military and Civil Surface Water Filtration.” The proposal has already been approved, and work on the new project is planned to begin in March of this year, bringing together an international team of specialists from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, RTU, and RTU Rezekne Academy.
The grant is funded under Latvia’s Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan, Reform and Investment Direction 5.2 “Ensuring Change in the Governance Model of Higher Education Institutions,” Reform 5.2.1 “Reform of Excellence and Governance in Higher Education and Science,” Investment 5.2.1.1.i “Research, Development and Consolidation Grants,” second call “Grants for the Implementation of Consolidation and Governance Changes,” within the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility funded project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/003 “Implementation of Consolidation and Governance Changes at Riga Technical University, Liepaja University, Rezekne Academy of Technologies and the Latvian Maritime Academy and Liepaja Maritime College for Advancement Towards Excellence in Higher Education, Science and Innovation.”
