Annual Management Report

SIXTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

Research Infrastructures Action

1Introduction

A. Activity Report

Final Report

Project Acronym: RETEXRESALB

Project Full Title: Reinforcement of human and material capacities of the Textile TechnologyResearch Centre in Albania

implemented as

Specific Support Action

Proposal/Contract no.: 043614

Project Co-ordinator: Dr. Genti Guxho

Reporting period: from [01/01/2007] to [30/12/2008]

Project funded by the European Community

under the “Structuring the European Research Area” Specific Programme

Research Infrastructures action

1Introduction

A. Activity Report

1. PROGRESSREPORT......

1.1Summary of the activities and major achievements

1.2Consortium Management Activities

1.3Other specific activities (Design Study/Construction activities)......

1.3.1Task 1: [Title of the first task]......

1.3.2Task 2: [Title of the second task]......

…

1.4Update of the non-confidentialProject information......

2. LIST OF DELIVERABLES ......

3. USE AND DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE ......

ANNEXES

Annex 1 - Summaries and main conclusions of the General Meetings

Annex 2 - Updated non-confidentialProject information

Annex 3 - CD-ROM with the deliverables produced during the reporting period

1 Progress report

1.1Summary of the activities and major achievements

During the two years period of the project, January 2007 –December 2008, the following activities have taken place:

Project activities – 1st Year of the project / Time schedule (Month)
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
WP 1 : Visiting fellows / X / X / X
WP 2 : Training of PhD students and post-doctoral researcher
WP 3 : Maintenance, upgrading and renewal of laboratory
Equipment / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
WP 4 : International accreditation of the textile laboratory
WP 5 : Technology transfer workshops and seminars / X / X / X
WP 6 : Technology transfer conference on textile research
WP 7 : Networking with EU research centres / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
Project activities 2nd year of the project
13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24
SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
WP 1 : Visiting fellows / X / X / X
WP 2 : Training of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
WP 3 : Maintenance, upgrading and renewal of laboratory
Equipment / X / X / X / X / X
WP 4 : International accreditation of the textile laboratory / X / X / X / X / X / X
WP 5 : Technology transfer workshops and seminars / X / X / X
WP 6 : Technology transfer conference on textile research / X
WP 7 : Networking with EU research centres / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X

WP1. Work package title : Visiting fellows - The objective of this work package was to gain access to existing knowledge and expertise in the textile research centres in EU Member States. The training of the Albanian teaching staff and researchers by visiting lecturers from the Departments of Textiles of Ghent and Piraeus helped to reinforce the research potential of the Textile Department of UPT and contributed to sustainable research development.

During the two year period the following lecturers from UGent and TEIP visited Albania and gave 11 courses toour department members and researchers as per the following study areas and schedule:

1.Quality control of textile products: (UGent-Tex)

Standard test methods for fabrics
Standard test methods for yarns
Standard test methods for fibres

Johanna Louwagie April 2 – 6, 2007

2.Quality management for testing ISO 17025 (accreditation) (UGent-Tex)

Sybille Storme April 16 – 20, 2007

3.CE-EN14041: CE-labels for laminates, resilient floor coverings and textile floor coverings : (UGent-Tex)

Antistatic behaviour
Fire behaviour
Determination of PCP’s (PentaChloroPhenols)
Determination of formaldehyde
Slip behaviour
Thermal resistance
Determination of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Didier Van Daele April 30 – May 4, 2007

4.Quality management:Quality and product development (TEIP)

Efthymios Gravas May 6 – 10, 2007

5.Textile management:The quick response model (TEIP)

GiorgiosPriniotakis June 4 -8, 2007

6.CAD/CAM technology (TEIP)

Nikos Koklas June 11 – 15, 2007

7. International standardisation in testing (CEN/ISO) + EU rules (UGent-Tex)

Johanna Louwagie April 14 – 17, 2008

8. Floorcoverings from A to Z(UGent-Tex)

Didier Van Daele April 7 – 10, 2008

9. ISO 9001 (UGent-Tex)

Johanna Louwagie May6 – 9, 2008

10. Design & Fashion (TEIP)

Athanasia Tsatsarou, May 12 – 17, 2008

11.CAD/CAM and Lectra(TEIP)

Giorgios Priniotakis & Argiro Parasqevi May 19 – 22, 2008

Photo 1

The trainings took place at the Polytechnic University of Tirana in the seminar room and the list of participants who attended the sessions are part of the hard copy of the report that will be sent to the EC by mail. After every workshop and seminar all participants filled out evaluation forms (the evaluation forms will be part of the hard copy that we will posted to the EC).

Photo 2

At the end of every training course participants were required to complete an assessment form. A copy of the assessment forms is enclosed in the final report sent to the EC by post. The answers of the participants were evaluated and the statistical handling of the answers led to some important results : .

- About 95.1% of the respondentshave considered the courses very necessary and useful to them.

- 78% of the respondents strongly agree that the courses and the discussed topics were directly relevant to their job.

- 79% of the respondents think that they have no difficulty or only a little to understand the topics although they were presented in English.

- 90% of the resppondentsthink that they can apply what they learnt from the courses in their work.

- Also 90% of them think that the courses were conducted attheir level.

- 92.7% of the interviewed participants think that the lecturers gave them the opportunity to reassess and re-evaluate their needs.

- 96.4% of the participants answered positively to the question “If you were asked by your colleagues, would you describe this as a positive experience to you?”

Foto 3 Foto 4

The respective training and teaching materials are archived in our department and are already translated into Albanian for teaching purposes. (The translated materials are attached to the hard copy of the report that will be sent by mail).

WP 2 : Training of PhD students and post-doctoral researcher - The aim of this work package was to get access to the fully equipped testing and research laboratories and expertise in textile testing and research of the Departments of Textiles of GhentUniversity and TEI Piraeus.

During the two year period of the project 4 PhD students were sent to Ghent and two department staff members were sent to Piraeus. Ing. Silva Spahija, Ing. Majlinda Hylli,Ing. Blerina Kolgjini and Ing. Ilda Kazani all went to UGent for a period of 3 months. The first two PhD students went to Ghent during January – March 2008 and the other two during April – June 2008.

The four PhD students and at the same time staff members of the Textile and Fashion Department have worked on the following specific research fields:

Ing. Majlinda Hylli - Dyeing of fibres and cotton bundles, UV-VIS and FTIR analysis.
Ing. Silva Spahija –Textile Management (Marketing) including issues such as a Roadmap on Intelligent Textiles.
Ing. Blerina Kolgjini – Artificial Turf
Ing. Ilda Kazani – Conductive Cords

Ing. Ilda Kazani and Ing. Blerina Kolgjini could successfully perform their Master thesis during their stay in Belgium and upon their return they could defend their thesis with maximal score.

Two other PhDstudentswent to the Institute for Textile Technology in Piraeus, Greece for five weeks period of time fromNovember 2008.Their research and study area was:

1. Ing.Elmira Dumishllari –CAD/CAM system for textile and garment industry

2. Ing. Albana Leti –CAD/CAM system for textile and garment industry

WP 3 : Maintenance, upgrading and renewal of laboratory equipment- The aim of this work package was to support the improvement of the Materials Resources of the Textile Department of UPT.

The purpose of this work package was reinforcement of our internal scientific and technical capacities in the framework of quality control of textile materials and study of technological potential of domestic natural raw materials. The purchase of new equipment will help to reach our objective of international accreditation of the Physical – Mechanical and Chemical Laboratory of Textiles.

The following equipment was purchased during the period of the project. During 2007the specifications of the necessary equipment were written down and different suppliers were asked to quote prices.After the evaluation of the offers the following equipment was ordered, purchased and then installed.

List of Equipment

No / Description / Scope of work / Purchase date / Condition
1. / Apparatus for water resistance of textiles / Water resistance of Textiles / 8 May 2008 / New
2. / Martindale apparatus (friction resistance of textiles / Friction resistance / 8 May 2008 / New
3. / Apparatus for flammability tests of rugs/upholstery / Flammability test for upholstery/rugs / 8 May 2008 / New
4. / Apparatus for air resistance of textiles / Air resistance for textiles / 8 May 2008 / New
5. / Nine computers / Didactic and research purposes/capacity increase / June 2007 / New
6. / Laser printer / Didactic and research purposes/capacity increase / June 2007 / New
7. / Multimedia Projector / Didactic and research purposes/capacity increase / June 2007 / New

Forthe maintenance and upgrading of the existing equipment a regular plan for the equipment maintenance was prepared. Beginning of June 2007, a technician was contracted who on a monthly basis came to check and maintain the equipment. He worked closely with the department staff on testing the accuracy and reliabilityof the obtained results.

Many diploma theses, laboratory work and research topics have started using the new equipment purchased under the FP6 Project.

Diploma Theses:

Water resistance of textiles (2) – using the apparatus for Water resistance of Textiles
Friction resistance of textiles (1) - using the Martindale apparatus
Flammability tests of interior upholstery (2) - using the apparatus for the flammability test of rugs/upholstery

Research work:

Relationship between air permeability and structure of textiles – using the Air resistance apparatus.

Laboratory work:

Many tests that will be performed onthese four apparatus have been prepared using the equipment manuals, translating and adopting them and are alreadyincluded in the teaching courses such as:

Structure of the smooth textiles
Finishing and Dying of textiles

The consumables (CD ROMS, pens, note books, folders, paper, printer ink cartridges) that were purchased under the FP6 Project were distributed and used according to the needs of our Department for organising the seminars, workshops and courses during the two year period of the project and for the technology transfer conference.

The staff members of the Textile and Fashion Department were asked to assess the actual situation and specify the needs for updated materials for every course that each of them covers. Then a final list of books to order and purchase was drafted and approved.

List of books purchased:

1. Quality Assessment of Textiles: Damage detection by Microscopy

2. Textile Testing and Analysis

3. Advanced Fibre Spinning Technology

4. Apparel Manufacturing: Sewn product analysis Kunz, Grace 1

5. Fibre science

6. Formation of synthetic fibres

7. Fundamentals of staple yarns manufacturing

8. Cotton: Origin, History, Technology and Production

9. Fundamental of Spun Yarn Technology

10. Handbook of Fibre Finish Technology

11. Handbook of Textile Design: Principles, Processes and Practice List

12. Handbook of Textile Processing Chemicals

13. Physical Properties of Textile Fibres

14. Handloom Weaving Technology

15. Wool Science and Technology

16. Clothing Appearance and Fit: Science and technology

17. Fashion Design Drawing Course

WP4. Work package title : International accreditation of the textile laboratory- The objective of this work package was the preparation of the accreditation of the Physical – Mechanical and Chemical Laboratory of Textiles by an international accreditation body.

Photo 5

This is the accreditation certificate that the Albanian Accreditation and Certification Office has awarded to the Physical and Mechanical and Chemical Laboratory of the Textile and Fashion Department.

During the 2nd year of the projectthree members (Genti Guxho, Ermira Shehi and Artan Samara) of the Textile and Fashion Department of the UPT spent several months for the preparation and the translation of all the required documents for the accreditation of the laboratory by an international body.

The hard copies of these documents are attached to the hard copy of the report for reporting purposes and the procedures, documents including the quality manual of the Physical – Mechanical and Chemical Laboratory, can be found in both languages, English/Albanian and in both electronic version and hard copy at the Textile and Fashion Department.

Regarding the international accreditation many contacts have been made and also meetingswith international accreditation bodies have taken place.

Close contacts were set between the Project Coordinator and the Greek Accreditation System S.a. that is member of the EA Body. He ( Who?) was invited to visit our Department on 30 January 2007. The Managing Director of the Greek Accreditation System, Mr. Joanis C. Matsas came to visit Tirana and the Textile and Fashion Department, more specifically the Physical and Mechanical, Chemical Laboratory on 10 March 2007. The full package of the national accreditation documents and also the internal regulations and procedures of the laboratory and the manual translated into English were presented to Mr. Matsas.

During this meeting it was decided that UPT will complete and officially submit the application form to the Greek accreditation system in March 2009.

WP5 - Work package title : Technology transfer workshops and seminars- The objective of this work package was to enhance the industry-university collaboration through the organisation of technology transfer activities, such as workshops and seminars, for employees of the textile industry.

All the organized technology transfer activities such as seminars, workshops and conference helped to update and enhance the existing skills of the employees in the textile and clothing industry and also helped to meet the demand for well-qualified and well-specified workers in the textile and clothing sector in Albania.

During the two years period of the project thelecturers from UGent and TEI Piraeus gave 10 seminars and workshops on the following subjects and as per the following schedule:

1. Quality control of textile products: (UGent-Tex)

Standard test methods for fabrics
Standard test methods for yarns
Standard test methods for fibres

Johanna Louwagie April 2 – 6, 2007

2. International standardisation in testing (CEN/ISO) + EU rules (UGent-Tex)

Johanna Louwagie April 14 – 17, 2008

3. CE-EN14041 : CE-labels for laminates, resilient floor coverings and textile floor coverings : (UGent-Tex)

Antistatic behaviour
Fire behaviour
Determination of PCP’s (PentaChloroPhenols)
Determination of formaldehyde
Slip behaviour
Thermal resistance
Determination of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Didier Van Daele April 30 – May 4, 2007

4. Quality management: Quality and product development (TEIP)

Efthymios Gravas May 6 – 10, 2007

5. Quality management: ISO 9001 (including factory visits) (UGent-Tex)

Johanna Louwagie May 6 – 9, 2008

6. Textile management : The quick response model (TEIP)

GiorgiosPriniotakis June 4 -8, 2007

7.CAD/CAM technology (TEIP)

Nikos Koklas June 11 – 15, 2007

8. Design & Fashion

Athanasia Tsatsarou, May 12 – 17, 2008

9.CAD/CAM

Giorgios Priniotakis, May 19 – 22, 2008

10. Lectra -

Argiro ParasqeviMay 19 – 22, 2008

11. Carpets from A to Z (UGent-Tex)

Didier Van Daele April 7 – 10, 2008

Photo 6

A total of 48 employees from the industry of garment production and the Albanian Association of the garment production attended the courses as can be seen from the list of participants in the narrative report and list of deliverables enclosed to the hard copy of the report that will be sent by mail.

After every workshop UPT saved one hard copy of the lectures that were presented and also all the electronic materials so that we could use them later for the teaching and research needs of our department. (see enclosed report – List of deliverables)

The list of participants of the workshops and seminars is attached together with the evaluation report which was collected from the present participants at the end of the workshops.

All the teaching materials used for the lectures were translated into Albanian for future use for academic and research purposes in our Department. Already 5 books are published with the taught materials that the teachers from the research and scientific centres in Ghent and Piraeus brought here.

1. Multifunctional Intelligent Textiles – translated by Silva Spahija

2. Chemistry of Fibres – translated by Majinda Hylli, Spiro Drushku and Genti Guxho

3. Production, Testing and Maintenance of the upholstery – translated by Blerina Kolgjini

4. CAD/CAM Lectra system – translated by Ilda Kazani and Armand Agolli

5. Testing methods for textiles – translated by Genti Guxho and Enno Bozdo

Photo 7 Photo 8

WP 6 : Technology transfer conference on textile research- The aim of this work package was the organisation of a technology transfer conference in Albania to transfer the textile research results from the Textile Department of UPT and the textile research centres in Ghent and Piraeus to the Albanian textile industry and researchers.

During January- May 2008, a call for papers was published online on the department website of UPT ( and also on the AUTEX website. Many interested researchers submitted their interest to present a paper for the Technology Transfer Conference in Albania. First the abstracts of the papers were collected and after their careful selection the attached conference agenda was outlined. The full papers were later collected for the conference proceedings and for translating them into Albanian/English.

The conference was successfully organized on 20th of November 2008, in Tirana International Hotel, Balsha Room, from 9.30 till 15.30. The conference programme, invitation, poster, pictures and other documents are enclosed in the hard copy report.

Photo 9 Photo 10

Different speakers from Belgium, Greece, France, Germany and Albania held presentations while many other Albanian lecturers participated through posters because of the limited number of the presentations.

Photo 11 Photo 12

A total of 200 participants, including students and staff members from the textile and fashion department, part time lecturers coming from various organisations such as textile and garment production companies, fashion designers, lecturers from other departments of the Polytechnic University of Tirana (including Department of Materials, Department of Mechanics, Department of Production), representatives from NGOs working in the field of textiles and garment, business people, representatives of the Albanian Association of Garment Producers, representatives from Chamber of Textile and Fashion, attended the Technology Transfer Conference on November 20th 2008. Participants came from Tirana, Durres and Kavaja.