This is a unique Czech SunFibre technology. Threads sewn into the fabric and powered by batteries can be easily attached to clothing, which makes a person unmissable with these safety features even in fog, rain or snow. “We will use the fibers for our clothing during research work on the glacier. We will attach them to our boats and quad bikes that we use at the station," Pavel Kapler, manager of the Czech Antarctic Research Program, he said. He reminded that scientists have been testing Czech products for years. So far, 11 products have received the prestigious certificate. These include, for example, footwear, jackets, thermal insulation clothing, but also waterproofing films or nano-impregnation of textiles and leather.

A smart idea from the Czech Republic that is conquering the world

Light fibers began to be developed in 2014 in cooperation between researchers from the Technical University of Liberec and experts from Scilif. It now exports SunFibre fibers to basically the entire world. In addition to some municipal police in the Czech Republic, they are used by police officers in Germany or firefighters or soldiers in Great Britain. They find use not only in the army or rescue services, but also in mines and during outdoor activities. Obtaining the certificate could help the unique technology succeed even more in foreign markets.

"Light pipes are easy to control, waterproof and easy to integrate. Of course, we are proud of the fact that it is a technology from the Czech Republic. Yellow, green, orange or red light is usually used, but we are able to change the color according to the client's wishes," said Tereza Budská from Sciliff. Kapler emphasized that optical fiber cables are used in Antarctica, especially in case of a sudden change in weather or when moving between the station and the nearby Antarctic Peninsula, where scientists sail in a boat for their research.

"Tested in Antarctica"

Mendel's scientific polar station was built in 2006 by Masaryk University in Brno. It is always used in the first three months of the year, when the Antarctic summer prevails in the South Pole area and the conditions for field research are most favorable. Thanks to the station, it was possible to carry out dozens of research projects focused not only on climate change, the retreat of glaciers in connection with warming, but also on the effect of extreme conditions on human health.

The expedition will leave for the south in January. Shortly before the end of this year, a second expedition will also travel to Antarctica, namely to Nelson Island. In time, another science station will be built there. "We want to help our companies succeed with their products. The Tested in Antarctica certificate helps many of them succeed in foreign markets. In practice, it looks like we will take over the product, we will be trained in how to work with it properly, and after weeks in Antarctica we will look at its condition," added Kapler, who also works at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University.

Although 11 products have received the certificate so far, 23 have been tested so far. Some tests have not yet finished. An example is research on the durability of a special cover for automatic weather stations, which are often located in extremely demanding climatic conditions.

 

Created by CzechTrade team Scandinavia

Source: https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/veda-skoly-svitici-vlakna-z-ceska-vyuzivaji-zachranari-nyni-je-ceka-test-v-antarktide-40451329