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Re:flector

Transforming a regular craft into a remarkable revolution.

Research at NTU is rewriting the perception of textile fabrics and yarns. Here, researchers knit space satellite antennae, and create electronically active yarns that can “light up”, “hear” and “harvest solar energy”.

Researchers Tilak Dias and William Hurley from the Advanced Textiles Research Group (ATRG) are knitting antenna reflectors from ultra-fine metal wire to help send and receive radio signals in orbit.

The project – in collaboration with space technology business Oxford Space Systems – is focused on creating lightweight antennas knitted from gold wire to withstand solar radiation.

NTU is paving the way in applying novel knitting techniques and its work will facilitate the UK in becoming a manufacturing centre for high-performance space materials.

Our work is transforming a regular craft into a remarkable revolution.

This research was submitted to the Art & Design Unit of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, where 83% of the research impact was assessed to be of world-leading or internationally excellent quality.

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Medical Technologies and Advanced Materials

Our Advanced Textiles research is drawn from the strategic research theme of Medical Technologies and Advanced Materials.

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Advanced Textiles Research Group

The Advanced Textiles Research Group, formed by Professor Tilak Dias in 2010, is a thriving research group at Nottingham Trent University. NTU is a leading institution for advanced textiles research with a global reputation for designing electronically active wearable technology.

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