Die Forschung am DTNW ist fokussiert auf innovative Technologien zu Funktionalisierung textiler Materialien. Dabei stehen die Bedürfnisse der deutschen Textilindustrie im Vordergrund. Diese sind neue Materialien und neue ökologische Konzepte. Research & Development Functionalized fibers or fabrics are essential for Technical Textiles used for aircrafts, cars, building industries, filter materials, and in medical products. The principal objective of Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH (DTNW) is to perform fundamental and applied research aiming at new and innovative technologies for future developments in technical and functional textiles. In this context, DTNW is a competent partner in the fields of functionality, finishing, ecology and testing. Our main research is focused on the surface modification of fiber materials by chemical and physical methods - distinguished specialties are photochemistry, supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. DTNW acts as mediator between basic research and industry through its close co-operation with companies from the whole textile chain, chemical industry, as well as manufacturers and users of products made from functional textiles. In addition, DTNW works in close contact to the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science and the University Duisburg-Essen, and is active in the education of engineers and scientists. Die Forschungstätigkeit des DTNW ist organisiert in vier Arbeitsgruppen: Grenzflächenphänomene & Physikalische Technologie Umwelttechnologie & Katalyse Green Chemistry & Nanotechnologie Polymere & Carbonmaterialien