The aim of the research project is to develop innovative textile floor coverings that have a service life comparable to that of resilient floor coverings and can be cleaned just as efficiently by means of a specially developed acousto-mechanical process.

For this purpose, new types of helix yarns are being developed that serve as pile yarns and consist of a metallic core that is wound with a polyamide yarn. The metallic core yarn enables acousto-mechanical cleaning of the floor covering, as the pile yarns cannot avoid the strong mechanical forces when radial shock waves are applied, so that dirt is removed efficiently.

For the development of the helix yarns, e.g. material of core yarn (e.g. stainless steel) and sheath yarn (polyamide), titre and filament numbers have to be determined experimentally as well as parameters for the processing of the helix yarns in the tufting process have to be researched.

The development of the acousto-mechanical cleaning process includes research into suitable process parameters (e.g. pressure, frequency) as well as the conception of the functional model of an acousto-mechanical brush vacuum cleaner integrating shock wave technology as well as a spraying and suction device for the cleaning liquor.

Manufacturers of textile floor coverings and building cleaners (mainly SMEs) benefit from the results. Due to the comparable service life of resilient floor coverings and the efficient acousto-mechanical cleaning, a high acceptance on the part of building operators can be assumed. Manufacturers of textile floor coverings can not only expand their market share in the contract sector (e.g. in offices) but also stabilise existing markets (e.g. in hotels).

Since the acousto-mechanical method can achieve higher performance per area compared to conventional methods, the economic situation of building cleaners is significantly improved, as cleaning work is usually charged at a flat rate per area.