Presentation

The Textile Engineering Laboratory (LGTex) is affiliated with the Higher Institute of Technological Studies (ISET) of Ksar Hellal, located in the Monastir region, which is considered the leading textile industrial hub in Tunisia, hosting nearly 40% of the country’s textile industry.

ISET Ksar Hellal is also the oldest institution providing education for both middle-level (Bachelor’s degree) and higher-level (Professional Master’s degree) professionals in the textile sector. At least one graduate from ISET Ksar Hellal is employed in almost every Tunisian textile company. The institute maintains strong cooperative relationships with textile industrial partners, particularly in the region, who actively contribute to curriculum development, training, supervision, and evaluation of final-year projects and academic programs.

Recognizing that collaboration with the socio-economic sector should extend beyond training to include industrial development, innovation, process management, and R&D, a Textile Research Unit was established in 1999 at ISET Ksar Hellal. At that time, it was the only research unit within the ISET network operating in this field, which is of major importance to the Tunisian economy.

In response to growing needs, the Textile Research Unit evolved in 2011 into a Research Laboratory, becoming the only research laboratory within the ISET network and in the country focused on textile innovation.

Since its creation, LGTex has continuously developed research activities in all textile-related fields, covering various sub-sectors through close collaboration with industrial partners and support structures. These activities are aligned with national strategic priorities.

HISTORY OF THE RESEARCH UNIT / LABORATORY

• Creation of the Textile Research Unit (URT) in 1999, the only research structure in this specialty in Tunisia.
• Transformation in 2012 into the Textile Engineering Research Laboratory (LGTex), LR11ES42.

MAIN RESEARCH THEMES

Project 1: Technical Textiles and Process Optimization for Sustainable Development
Project Leader: Prof. Mohamed Ben Hassen

Project 2: Products and Processes for an Innovative, Sustainable, and Resilient Apparel Industry
Project Leader: Prof. Amine Haj Taieb

Project 3: Innovative and Eco-friendly Functionalization Treatments of Textiles
Project Leader: Prof. Neji Ladhari

KEYWORDS

Fibrous materials, Technical textiles, Apparel, Finishing

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

In line with the research themes mentioned above, the laboratory’s activities include:

• Characterization and study of the textile potential of local natural fibers and their valorization in textile, para-textile, and high value-added technical applications.
• Optimization of technical and structural characteristics of textiles for artisanal applications.
• Design, analysis, and optimization of processes and performance of textiles based on chemical materials for technical applications.
• Control and optimization of textile processes.
• Optimization and prediction of textile product quality.
• Study and optimization of clothing comfort, including thermal, sensory, and aesthetic aspects.
• Identification, study, and optimization of innovative and eco-friendly finishing processes for textiles in all forms, as well as treatment of textile industry effluents.