The NIFT-TEA College of Knitwear Fashion here has signed an agreement with Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), a wing of Central Silk Board under Union Ministry of Textiles, for research to develop new composition of fibres and fabrics as well as testing facilities.
According to the agreement, which was signed by NIFT-TEA Institute chairman C.M.N. Muruganandan, and CSTRI Director Arindam Basu, in Bangalore on Monday, a Centre for Research and Development would be set up on NIFT-TEA Institute premises at Mudalipalayam, near here.
Mr. Muruganandan told The Hindu that the centre would have gadgets for knitting, processing, finishing, and garment making so as to develop multi-range composition of fibres and evolve new methods for the production of fabrics.
The centre would be a hub for standardisation of yarn qualities and product development apart from having facilities to test the fabrics.
K.J. Sivagnanam, vice-principal of the NIFT-TEA Institute, said that the research activities would be primarily centred around the development of fabrics using both mulberry and Vanya silks and then create innovative designs on it.
“Producing fabrics by blending silk with other natural fibres too will be tried out extensively in the centre,” he added.
The blending of raw materials, according to Mr. Sivagnanam, will help the textile entrepreneurs to develop functional fabrics meant for the production of winter garments, among few other value-added garments.
The NIFT-TEA Institute would be disseminating the techniques developed at the research centre to the textile fraternity in Tirupur knitwear cluster and help them enhance their share in the global market.
