Joseph lejeune

During these three years, I started my own research themes in a scientific environment that I did not know. My research activity is focused on rheology and its impact on textile fibres. From a practical point of view, I approached the spinning of textile fibres through four subjects:

1. Melt spinning: the Photonitex project aims to produce photonic textiles that dynamically reflect infrared radiation from the human body. The reflection is obtained by organising particles or roughness in or on the fabrics. It is furthermore desired that the reflection only takes place when the wearer feels cold and fades in case of high heat and/or perspiration. The integration of these properties on fabrics requires studies of the rheological behaviour of the materials. This is a cross-border Interreg project (France Wallonia Vlaanderen) (two doctoral theses in progress, two Master’s degrees)
2. In the solvent track: the Electrospinning of spider and bombyx silk project aims to find a new application for these biomaterials using relatively environmentally friendly processes. Finally, a biomimetic design is desired. This project was financed from the GEMTEX laboratory’s own funds following an internal call for projects (a Master 2 in 2020 and a Master 2 in 2022).
3. Layer by layer: the POCOMA project aims at producing photonic textiles reflecting the infrared of the human body. The difference with the PHOTONITEX project lies in the deposition method for obtaining the reflection. Layer by layer is a new technique which also requires a detailed knowledge of the phenomena involved in the adhesion of textiles. This project has been accepted in 2021 and will start in 2022. (One doctoral thesis, two Master 2s)
4. In the solvent route: the REGENCELL project seeks to find an alternative to the viscose manufacturing process. Indeed, this process is very polluting, which is why most of the manufacturing plants are now in Asia. The existing alternatives to the viscose process are currently impractical or expensive. We propose to dissolve the cellulose from the wood and regenerate it after passing through a bath. The rheology during these different steps is of prime importance. This project is currently seeking ANR funding (a doctoral thesis is requested).