Inteltex European project (Intelligent multi-reactive textiles integrating nano-filler based CPC-fibres) aims at "developing smart, multifunctional materials that can be used in "protective clothing" (measuring skin temperature, exterior temperature, mechanical stress, presence of toxic substances...), "medical applications and buildings" (detecting "cracks and temperature changes in the walls and leakages on the floor"). The Inteltex is working in particular on how to integrate carbon nanotubes into yarns, giving them electrical conductivity properties, which change with temperature and pressure. Thus, it is possible to detect a danger and "send a signal to the fireman's team leader, for example".
"Over €4,5 million of the project's €7 million budget comes from the EU" (FP6). Inteltex has begun in September 2006 and should last 4 years. Leader: Nanocyl (Belgium). Partners: France (CNRS, ENSAIT, Université de Bretagne Sud, Rhodia, Alma Consulting Group), Portugal (Université de Minho, Design e Arte em Confecçao - Dacon), d'Italie (Minerva), Germany, Romania, the United Kingdom, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium.

Source: Cordis Dec. 28th 2007