Department of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles and Management (SVPITM) has jointly organised a day Seminar on Technical Textiles and its Opportunities in Defense Sector at CODISSIA trade fair complex, Coimbatore. The seminar was part of the TEX TN, Textile product exhibition, organized by the Department of Handlooms and Textiles.
The existing and budding textile entrepreneurs in-and-around Tamil Nadu were the target audience. A total of 180 participants from textile as well as other industries were benefitted by the event. The welcome address was delivered by Anitha, Faculty – SVPITM. Mohanraj, Head-Textiles, SVPITM, deliberated the participants on the various outcomes of the programme. Dr. K Karnan, Additional Director, Department of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu presided over the programme. Kumar Jayant IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Handlooms and Textiles graced that occasion and interacted with resource persons on that recent development in defense sector.
The seminar was handled by two expert speakers namely, Neha Kapil, Sr. Scientific Officer, North Indian Textile Research Association (NITRA), Centre of Excellence for Protech, Ghaziabad and Dr. R Indu Shekar, Scientist F, Defense Bio Engineering and Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBL), Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bangalore.
Neha Kapil presented on the topic, ‘NITRA Initiative in Protective Textiles: Special Attention on Riot Control Body Protector’. She introduced various services offered by Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA). It is an organisation established by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. Neha deliberated about Riot Control body protectors. She briefed the participants on the various features that a garment should include so that it can be used as Riot Control body Protectors. She gave a complete overview of the various parts that are part of the riot control body protectors. During a riot, the control personnel are prone to come in contact with various attacks like mob pushing, stone pelting, stabbing using knife, acid and etc. So for that the personnel are required to wear a garment, which is protective for all the above said hazards. For developing such garments a series of processes are required. The first process is knowing the requirements. Then to identify suitable polymeric material which might be used for such uses.
It has been found that the major challenge is to enhance the stab and impact resistance. Polymers which exhibit maximum stab and impact resistance are suitable for composite fabric preparation. Composite materials with required characteristics will replace plastic and foam machines in riot control body protector.
Dr. R. Indu Shekar presented on the topic, ‘Design and development of personal protective clothing, Protective Systems and Life Saving equipment for Aerospace Applications.’ DRDO is an agency of the Government of India, charged with the military’s research and development. It was established in the year 1958.
During his speech Dr. Indu Sekar briefed the participants on the various areas of personal protective clothing/Life saving equipment. The areas are ECW (Extreme Cold Weather), Under water application, CBRN chambers (Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear), HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) and Backup Oxygen System.
ILSS (Integrated Life Support System) is a total protective package for aircrafts which includes modifying the on Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), ejection seat, bulk head and fuselage. He also explained the special features incorporated in the above mentioned system. The modified ejection seat has a Demand oxygen regulator, Anti-G valve, Personal Equipment Connector and Emergency Oxygen System. The modified bulk head has a Quick Disconnect Coupling. The modified OBOGS has an Oxygen Sensor, Breathing gas management Solenoid Valve and Electronic control units. The modified fuselage contains Backup oxygen system (BOS) and Pressure Regulating Valve.
Dr. R Indu Shekar mentioned the top 10 achievements of the 20th century which are Moon landing, Application of satellites for predicting weather and communication, Cat scans, Microprocessors, Lasers, Rapid prototype, Jumbo jets, Fiber optic communication and Genetically engineered products. He deliberated on the usage of Phase Change Materials to counter the fluctuating temperature changes. The PCM has the ability to change from one phase to another on application or removal of heat. It is an ideal choice for protective clothing and helmets.
He further listed on Focus-Induced Photo response (FIP) techniques used for selection of polymers. He further deliberated on a rapid ascent submarine escape suit were explained to the participants. The various protective apparels for Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) were also discussed. He also discussed the various opportunities present for entrepreneurs with reference to the new developments in textile defense sector. At the end, the Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Venkatalakshmi, Head-Management, SVPITM.
