The graphene specialist Directa Plus Plc (LON:DCTA) has been awarded €1mln European grant by the regional government in Lombardy, Italy, to help fund its research into smart fabrics.
Directa will be project leader of a team that includes local firms Novaresin and Soliani along with the Politecnico of Milan University.
The project will focus on the development of G+ membranes to enhance the thermal and electrical performance of textiles for fashion applications, the AIM-listed company said.
“Over the last six months we have made tremendous progress in the textiles segment, which has seen the launch of several customers’ end-products as well as an increasing pipeline of near- and medium-term commercial opportunities,” said chief executive Giulio Cesareo.
“With the award of this grant, we have a great opportunity to further develop our range of textile products to meet the demands of the textile industry for technological innovation in smart fabrics.”
Directa is one of the largest producers and suppliers of graphene-based products for use in consumer and industrial markets.