Fibrenamics took part in the GuardianSocks Open Day, promoted by Barcelcom at Theatro Gil Vicente, in Barcelos, an event dedicated to presenting the results of a project that led to the development of a new multifunctional technical sock for professionals exposed to high-risk environments.

Developed in partnership by Barcelcom, Fibrenamics, Sciencentris and PixartIdea, GuardianSocks was designed to meet the needs of professionals such as firefighters, military personnel and security forces, combining protection against puncture, abrasion, cuts and flame in a single solution, alongside graduated compression, ventilation, thermal management and comfort.

The Open Day brought together partners, professionals and representatives from different organisations, providing an opportunity to share insights into the development process, the main technical challenges and the results achieved throughout the project.

During the event, Liliana Leite, presented Fibrenamic’s contribution to the research and development component of the project, namely the selection and characterisation of fibres and yarns, the definition of textile structures and the tests carried out to validate the final prototype.

One of the project’s main challenges was to combine, within a single sock, different protection and comfort properties that are usually provided by separate solutions. To achieve this, several combinations of materials and structures were studied, as well as their distribution throughout the product according to the specific requirements of each area of the foot and leg.

The work carried out by Fibrenamics made it possible to create different functional areas for protection, reinforcement, ventilation and comfort, combining the technical performance of the materials with the demands of real-world use.

Throughout the project, several characterisation and performance tests were also conducted, together with user trials, making it possible to assess parameters related to flame protection, compression, air and water vapour permeability, thermal comfort and sock fit under conditions close to real use.

The results presented during the Open Day highlighted the potential of the solution and the complementary contribution of each partner. Barcelcom was responsible for industrial development and production, Sciencentris worked on sustainability and life cycle assessment, while PixartIdea supported product development, market positioning and preparation for commercialisation.

GuardianSocks therefore demonstrates how collaboration between research, industry and an understanding of user needs can lead to new solutions for the workwear and personal protective equipment sectors.

For Fibrenamics, participation in this event was an opportunity to share the results of the work developed within the project and to reinforce the role of applied research and advanced textile materials in creating solutions with practical applications in demanding professional environments.

Learn more about the GuarGuardianSocks project and discover how innovation in textile materials and structures can contribute to new personal protection solutions.