Ongoing projects

1) To develop a pollution-free and Eco-friendly dry scouring process for raw wool.

                  Sponsor:  MOT

Project Duration: Two Years (Oct- 2011-OCT 2013)

Project Status: Running

Amount sanctioned by MOT, Govt. of India: Rs. 30,30,000/-

Contact Person: V.S.Goud (Scientist-B)

Scientist

Wool Research Association Thane                              

Email: - vsgoud@wraindia.com

 

Area of Research: Wool Technology

Place of Research: Wool Research Association Thane

Abstract and Highlight:

Development of a method and pilot scale machine for scouring of wool in dry medium

 

2) To develop a multifunctional finish with anti bacterial deodorant, shrink resistant and improved dyeing properties by grafting wool with chitosan biopolymer for apparel grade woolen products.

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Duration: 24 Month (Oct- 2011-OCT 2013)

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: Rs. 36,36,000/-

Contact Person: - Smita Honade

                             Scientist,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                              (sphonade@wraindia.com

Area of Research: -Wool Processing

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Would result in improving dyeing properties of wool and developing antibacterial, deodorant and machine washable garments / apparel.

 

3) Negative ion finishing for woolen carpets based on Nanoparticles of piezoelectric, pyroelectric and triboelectric series materials and FIR radiating ceramics to generate healthy environment for the users.

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2011-13

Project Duration: 24 Month (Oct- 2011-OCT 2013)

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: Rs. 31,65,000.00/-

Contact Person: - Jayant Udakhe,

                             Scientist,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                             (jsudakhe@wraindia.com

Area of Research: -Wool Technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Woolen carpets with value added finishing which will generate negative ions and will have positive effect on user’s health.

 

4) Surface topographical finishing of Indian wools and their products (like carpets, woven & knitted fabrics) for imparting multiple functional properties by utilizing nano-clay and ceramic inorganic powders with ultrasonic and plasma technology

Sponsor:  MOT

Project Duration: Dec 2010-Nov2012

Project Status: Running

Amount sanctioned by MOT, Govt. of India: Rs. 19,00664/-

Contact Person: V.S.Goud (Scientist-B)

Scientist

Wool Research Association Thane                              

Email: - vsgoud@wraindia.com

 

Area of Research: Wool Technology

Place of Research: Wool Research Association Thane

Abstract and Highlight:

The project is aimed at development of a method for imparting multiple functional properties such as hydrophilicity, shrink resist, softening, etc. in an eco-friendly manner with the help of inorganic nano materials, power ultrasound and plasma technology.

 

5) Enhancement of flame retardancy & soil repellency of wool  through plasma technology

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2011-12

Project start Date: - December 2011

Project Duration: 24 Month

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 20.82 Lakhs

Contact Person: - Shishir Tyagi,

                             Scientist,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                              (styagi@wraindia.com

Area of Research: -Wool Technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

Aim of the project is to develop flame retardant wool by using plasma polymerization of flame retardant and soil repellent chemicals onto wool surface.

6) To impart Antimicrobial & feel-fresh/ odour-less finish to woollen carpets

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2011-12

Project start Date: - December 2011

Project Duration: 24 Month

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 18.48 Lakhs

Contact Person: - Jayant Udakhe,

                             Scientist,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                             (jsudakhe@wraindia.com

Area of Research: -Wool Technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

Aim of the project is to develop mechanism that will trap odour and will give antimicrobial properties to the carpets.        

D    7) Development of Internet Based Color Matching Facility for Small and Medium Dye Houses in the decentralized sector of the country

Sponsored by: -MOT

Project Year: - 2011-2012

Project Start Date: - Nov 2010

Project Duration: - 24 months

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. of India: - Rs. 66,61,000/-

Contact Person: - Dr. C.W. Acharya,

                             Scientist-E1

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                             wra@wraindia.com

Area of Research: - Color technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight:-

High cost, imported Computer Color Matching Systems (CCM) are used in the organized sector of the Indian textile industry. However, the cost of CCM System is very prohibitive as main components such as spectrophotometer and color matching software are very expensive for small and medium dye houses. Preparation of database requires a very good Lab facility. Most of the dyeing units in India are not equipped with good laboratory facilities and color technology experts are not available to handle the color technology problems. Taking this into consideration, WRA has taken this project which offers an online colour matching facility affordable to medium and small scale dye houses. Under this project WRA will be developing exhaustive database of wool dyestuff from selected dyestuff manufacturer. And users will use this database through internet for Quality control and Formulation.

8) To design a cost effective Effluent Treatment Plant for the decentralized woolen and carpet sector.

Sponsor:  MOT

Project Duration: Dec 2010-Nov2012

Project Status: Running

Amount sanctioned by MOT, Govt. of India : Rs. 33.61 lakhs

Contact Person: Neeraj Shrivastava

Scientist

Wool Research Association, Thane

nshrivastava@wraindia.com

 

Area of Research: Environmental Science

Place of Research: Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract and Highlight:

An effluent treatment plant design exclusively for woolen sector is becoming crucial due to the amount and characteristics of effluent it generates are so varied and different from cotton and other textile industry. The most vital aspect while designing such plant will be its lower cost of manufacturing and lower cost of treatment resulting in a very minimal increase in the product cost which is crucial as far as the small, decentralized plants are concerned.

 

9) Blind dyeing of polyester and wool and their blends for Right First Time (RFT) and Right Every Time (RET) vis-à-vis Finishing of woollen from Indian wool

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2010-2011

Project Start Date: - December 2009

Project Duration: - 24 months

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. of India: - Rs 27,95,000/ -

Contact Person: - Dr. C.W. Acharya,

                             Scientist- E-1

                             Wool Research Association, Thane.

                             wra@wraindia.com

Area of Research: - Textile Chemistry

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight:-

ü Identification of factors that influence shade of wool and polyester after dyeing and finishing in our decentralised sector

ü  Setting up of quality assurance in the process houses in the decentralised sector to pre- check shades before taking up for bulk production (RFT)

ü  Scope of introducing controls to ensure RET from batch to batch even after a gap of several months to facilitate mix and match

 Taking trials for blind dyeing on exact shade within DEcmc of 0.7

 

10) Softening of coarse Indian wools for better utilization in value added products with pliable feel & handle

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2010-11

Project start Date: - January 2010

Project Duration: 24 Month

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 18.97 Lakhs

Contact Person: - T. R. Rao,

                             Scientist-E1,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                              (wra@wraindia.com

Area of Research: -Wool Technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

Indian coarse wool has been softened by using optimized enzyme treatment. Enzyme treatment has reduced critical buckling force and flexural rigidity of these fibres, thus will help to spin these coarse fibres on woollen process line for making value added products like blankets and rugs.

 

Important R & D Projects Completed During Last 10 Years

 

1) Development of composites from coarse Indian wool for better utilization

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2009-2011

Project Start Date: - October 2009

Project Duration: - 24 month

Project Status: - Running

Amount Sanctioned by MOT, Govt. of India (Rs. in Lakhs): - 24.2760

Contact Person: - M. K. Bardhan

Director,

Wool Research Association, Thane

wra@wraindia.com

 

Area of Research: - Technical Textile

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Abstract & Highlight:-

For making the composites different resins and Indian wool were used. Different products that are fabricated are false ceiling, door panel, electric board, thermal and electrical insulation mats. These products are under testing and analysis.

2) Improvement of preloom processes like scouring, spinning, etc. for decentralised wool sector

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2009-2011

Project start Date: - Oct-2009

Project Completion Date: - Sept- 2011

Project Duration: - 24 Month

Project Status: - Ongoing

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India:- Rs, 24.56 Lakh

Contact Person: - T.R. Rao,

                             Scientist E-1,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                              (wra@wraindia.com)

Area of Research: - Wool Textile Technology

Place of Research: -Wool Research Association, Thane.

Abstract & Highlight: -

This project deals with the improvement and standardize the early stage processing small scale units including the common facility centres set up by CWDB in cluster areas of wool producing states in the hilly regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, etc. for early stage processing of wool such as scouring, carding dyeing ,spinning etc.

 

3) To evolve a feasible alternative herbal carpet washing treatment            

Sponsor: - MOT

Project Year: - 2009-2011

Project start Date: - Oct-2009

Project Completion Date: - Sept- 2011

Project Duration: - 24 Month

Project Status: - Ongoing

Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India:- Rs, 21.56 Lakh

Contact Person: - T.R. Rao,

                             Scientist E-1,

                             Wool Research Association, Thane

                             (wra@wraindia.com)

 Area of Research: - Chemical Processing

 Place of Research: -Wool Research Association, Thane.

 Abstract & Highlight: -

The main objective of this project is to work out an eco-friendly, cost effective carpet washing treatment for carpets made with natural dyes. Second objective is to improve the conventionally followed chemical washing treatment for carpets by reducing the consumption of corrosive chemicals such as sulphuric acid, bleaching powder, caustic soda, acetic acid etc.

 

4) To develop itch-free woollens to be worn next to the skin by improvement of surface  topography of wool fibres with the help of  mechanical /chemical processing and plasma.

         

         Sponsor: - MOT

          Project Year: - 2008-10

             Project start Date: - October 2008

             Project Duration: 24 Month

          Project Status: - Running

          Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 34.68 Lakhs

                   Contact Person: - M.K. Bardhan,

                                        Director,

                                       Wool Research Association, Thane

                                      (wra@vsnl.com) 

          Area of Research: -Wool Technology

          Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

          Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Lab Model Plasma Reactor has been designed and under fabrication at Institute of Plasma Research

 

5) Ultra sound assisted scouring and smooth finishing of wool and other specialty animal  fibers and their products

          Sponsor: - MOT

          Project Year: - 2008-10

             Project start Date: - January 2009

             Project Duration: - 24 Month

          Project Status: - Running

             Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 19.31 Lakhs

          Contact Person: -   T.R. Rao,

                                      Scientist E-1,

                                      Wool Research Association, Thane

                                      (wra@vsnl.com)

          Area of Research: - Eco processing

          Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

          Abstract & Highlight: -

                   A method of scouring to be worked out with very little or no detergent but inorganic catalysts in aqueous system which is expected to remove all impurities.

 

6) Design and Development of Interior Textiles with special emphasis on heat resistance and flame retardancy.

          Sponsor: - MOT

          Project Year: -2008-10

          Project Duration: - 24 Month

          Project start Date: - October 2008

          Project Status: - Running

          Amount Sanctioned By MOT, Govt. Of India: 13.65 Lakhs

          Contact Person: -   Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                      Senior Scientist,

                                      Wool Research Association, Thane

                                      (wra@vsnl.com)

          Area of Research: - Technical Textiles 

          Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

          Abstract & Highlight: -

                   The proposed project is aimed at design and development of heat resistant and flame retardant interior textiles specially for industries who utilize and need these kind of technical textiles with special emphasis on automobiles.

 

7) To assess Quality Norms of Worsted Yarns being made by Indian Industry

Sponsor: MOT

Project Year: 2009– 2010

Project start Date: October 2009.

Project Duration: 12 month

Project Status: Completed

Amount sanctioned by MOT: Rs. 56.00 Lakhs.

Contact Person: V.C. Panse

                         Scientist-C

                         Wool Research Association, Thane.

                          E-mail: vcpanse@wraindia.com

 

Area of Research: Wool Technology

Place of Research: Wool Research Association, Thane.

Abstract & Highlight:

Norms, Super norms and Benchmark for worsted yarn quality has been established for Indian worsted industries

 

8) To improve processing performance of finer Indian wools and their product range with incorporation of Enzyme technology for better value addition.

             Sponsor: - MOT

             Project Year: - 2007-2009

             Project start Date: - February 2007

             Project Completion Date: - January 2009

             Project Duration: - 24 Month

             Project Status: - Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 20.64 Lakh

          Contact Person: -   T.R. Rao,

                                      Scientist E-1,

                                      Wool Research Association, Thane

                                      (wra@vsnl.com)

          Area of Research: - Chemical processing

             Place of Research: -Wool Research Association, Thane.

             Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry

Abstract & Highlight: -

                             Enzyme oriented scouring of raw wool, carbonization, bleaching, dyeing & finishing trials have been done successfully at shop floor level.

              

 9) To synthesize wool dyes with moth proofing properties.

              Sponsor: - MOT

              Project Year: - 2007-2009

              Project start Date: - February 2008

              Project Completion Date: - July 2009

              Project Duration: - 18 Month

              Project Status: - Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 29.50 Lakh

          Contact Person: -   Dr. C.W.Acharya,

                                      Scientist E-1,

                                      Wool Research Association, Thane

                                       (wra@vsnl.com) 

          Area of Research: - Textile Chemistry

             Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

              Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry

          Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Dyes have been synthesized for assessing moth proof activity.

            

     10) Setting up of process line for decentralized sector for wool/erisilk blend

              Sponsor: - MOT

              Project Year: - 2004-2006

Project start Date: - June 2004

              Project completion Date: - May 2006

              Project Duration: -24 Month

              Project Status: - Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 57.81 Lakh

              Contact Person: -   Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                            Senior Scientist,

                                           Wool Research Association, Thane

                                           (wra@vsnl.com)

             Area of Research: - Decentralized Sector

             Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry and spun silk industry

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   For the first time, spinning of eri silk/wool blended yarn and various value added products were developed in the country.  A range of spinning machineries were developed, designed, fabricated and installed at WRA.  A new avenue for utilization of indigenous wild eri silk was opened. The silk producers to make high priced products like suiting’s, knitted garments, etc Negotiation for commercialization is in progress with woollen suiting manufacturers.

            

11) Optimization of process parameters for wool /silk blends spinning.

              Sponsor: - MOT

              Project Year: - 2004-2006

              Project start Date: - June 2004

              Project Completion Date: - May 2006

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: - Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 29.38 Lakh

              Contact Person: - Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                           Senior Scientist,

                                           Wool Research Association, Thane

                                           (wra@vsnl.com)

Area of Research: - Woollen Technology

Place of Research: - Wool Research Association Thane

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   For the first time, spinning of eri silk/wool blended yarn and various value added products were developed in the country.  A range of spinning machineries were developed, designed, fabricated and installed at WRA.  A new avenue for utilization of indigenous wild eri silk was opened. The silk producers to make high priced products like suiting’s, knitted garments, etc Negotiation for commercialization is in progress with woollen suiting manufacturers.

            

 

12) Investigation of herbs, belladona, need and custard apple seeds as effective moth proofing.

             Sponsor: - MOT

             Project Year: -2001-03

             Project Start Date: - October 2001

             Project Completion Date: - September 2003

             Project Duration: - 24 Month

             Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs. 29.00 Lakhs

          Contact Person: - Dr. C.W.Acharya,

                                      Scientist E-1,

                                      Wool Research Association, Thane

                                       (wra@vsnl.com) 

             Area of Research: - - Technology development

             Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane 

             Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Extracts from neem, Belladona & Custard applie was applied on woollen fabric with various proportions and evaluated against moth attack.  However, the efficacy was poor and impregnation was temporary.

                      

13) To develop woollen carding machine of 40" width to process coarser Indian wool for cottage industry.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: - 2001-03

             Project Start Date: - October, 2001

              Project Completion Date: - September 2003

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: -- Rs. 26.71 Lakhs

             Contact Person: - Mr. V.C. Panse

             Area of Research: - Co-operative Spinning/Weaving Societies for

                                           Kambals from Decanni Wool

             Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

             Abstract & Highlight: -

                   New types of shorter width woollen card for smaller spinners having limited requirements of production was specifically designed, fabricated and installed, integrated with hand spinners.

            

14) Dyeing of wool, Angora and Pashmina at low temperature.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: - 2001-03

             Project Start Date: - October 2001

              Project Completion Date: - September 2003

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: - Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs. 21.47 Lakhs                      

             Contact Person: - Mrs. G.P. Rane

             Area of Research: -Dyeing 

             Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

             Abstract & Highlight: -

                   R&D findings helped dyeing of wool, Angora and Pashmina by after chrome method eco-friendly and at sub-boil temperature without increasing the dyeing duration and cost.

 

15) To develop cotton core and wrapped woollen yarns on woollen spinning system and to study its suitability for products like dress material, furnishing and knitwear.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: -2001-03

             Project Start Date: - July 98

              Project Completion Date: - June 2001

              Project Duration: - 24 Months

              Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: - : - Rs. 18.16 Lakhs

              Contact Person: -  Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                           Senior Scientist,

                                           Wool Research Association, Thane

                                           (wra@vsnl.com)

               Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane

              Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry

              Abstract & Highlight: -

                   It was possible to develop fine woollen yarns out of woollen noils, short fine wool and wool rich synthetic waste blends.  Technology of combining cotton and woollen system was developed to produce strong and fine yarn from waste fibres various products were also developed.

 

16) Development of innovative yarns and fabrics from elastomers (Lycra, natural rubber, nylon) blended with wool, cotton, acrylic for designing comfortable & fashion oriented garments.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: - 2001-03

             Project Start Date: - July 1998

              Project Completion Date: - June 2001

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs 26.94 Lakhs

              Contact Person: - Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                           Senior Scientist,

                                           Wool Research Association, Thane

                                           (wra@vsnl.com)

              Area of Research: - Technology Development

              Place of Research: - Wool Research Association, Thane.

              Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Use of innovative process and new technologies in spinning, weaving, knitting were developed to design fashion oriented elastomeric comfortable garments.  Unique combination of homo and hetero elastomeric yarn were developed for weaving and knitting.

             

17) To improve aesthetic value of worsted fabric by enzyme treatment.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: - 2001-03

             Project Start Date: - October 1999

              Project Completion Date: - September 2001

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 15.25 Lakhs

              Contact Person: - Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                          Senior Scientist,

                                         Wool Research Association, Thane

                                          (wra@vsnl.com)

              Area of Research: - Technology Development

              Place of Research: -Wool Research Association, Thane.

             Target Beneficiary: - Woollen Industry

             Abstract & Highlight: -

                   The project involved study and optimization of different types of enzymes to ensure desired properties like pilling, shrinkage, feel and handle. Besides treatment conditions like pH, temp., concentration, pre-treatment, etc were optimized predict performance of garments.

 

18) Development of different types of knitwear’s, outerwear’s, pullovers, knitted shawls from Repco spun self twist yarn by using wool and other fibres in suitable blends.

              Sponsor: -MOT

              Project Year: - 2001-03

             Project Start Date: - July 2001

              Project Completion Date: - June 2001

              Project Duration: - 24 Month

              Project Status: -Completed

             Project Cost: - Rs, 25.19 Lakhs

              Contact Person: - Mr. P.R.Kulkarni,

                                          Senior Scientist,

                                          Wool Research Association, Thane

                                          (wra@vsnl.com)

              Area of Research: - Technology Development

              Place of Research: -Wool Research Association, Thane.

             Target Beneficiary: - Knitwear Industry

Abstract & Highlight: -

                   Using a new yarn making technique, self twist yarn, high bulk acrylic yarn, self twist yarns with different types of continuous filaments, ST wrapped core spun yarn on Repco Spinning m/c by using different types of wooll and blended with synthetic fibres were developed.  Member mills used the technology.  Various products were developed.