From Lab to LabelTM
The ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres utilises the capabilities of Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials by connecting with Industry Partners to solve real world problems.
It harnesses the unique capabilities of the largest and most advanced fibre research group in the Southern Hemisphere, for research across the whole Fibre Value Chain.
Our focus is on sustainability, circular economics and extraordinary functionality.
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Fibres for a sustainable future
They’re in things we touch and use every day, from our clothing to furniture and even in our cars. Fibres can be made from a host of natural and synthetic polymers such as the cellulose that forms plant cell walls or wool from sheep, through to manufactured polyester and carbon fibres.
They are incredibly versatile and useful in a plethora of applications. Australia has a rich history in the fibre production and textile manufacturing industries.
Our goal is to provide high impact research that helps our industry partners gain and maintain their competitive advantage.
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Themes
Sustainability
Local & Global Impact
The use of fabrics, textiles and fibres derived from petroleum or petrochemicals dominate markets, but we have long known they are unsustainable. We simply can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing!
Hub researchers are looking at several ways to improve sustainability by:
- modifying and improving natural fibres
- developing processes that are carbon neutral or capture carbon
- finding applications for fibres that have less environmental impact
- assessing compostability of existing or new fibre types
Circular Economy
Back to Beginnings
Ultimate sustainability is when a raw material can be manufactured, used and returned to the start of the process to manufactured again into a new product. In the fibre industry, this is a particularly challenging problem.
Our teams are addressing this by:
- understanding the pathways of fibre degradation in existing processes
- examining new materials and blends that are more robust in the manufacturing process
- understanding the gaps in existing technologies for fibre and textile recycling
Extraordinary Functionality
What if
Your clothing could measure your heart rate, temperature and blood oxygen saturation. Or it could protect you from serious injury by what it is made from or the way it is designed.
Material scientists at the Hub are delving into these questions and more by:
- deep diving into Graphene and MXene materials
- developing new types of carbon fibre precursors, carbon fibres and composites with even better performance
- looking at all steps along the fibre value chain where changes yield novel outcomes in the end-product
Latest News
Research begins to reduce shed of microplastics during laundering
MEDIA RELEASE 28 November 2023 A new collaboration between Deakin University researchers and Australia’s largest commercial linen supplier Simba Global is tackling a critical global issue, the spread of harmful microplastics through our laundry. Clothing and textiles are estimated to generate up to 35 per cent of the microplastics found in the world’s oceans, makingTextile waste diverted from landfill, pulverised into powder to produce works of art
MEDIA RELEASE Pigments extracted from waste textiles have been turned into works of art by Indigenous artists for a free exhibition showing at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus. The ‘Perpetual Pigments’ exhibition is part of Geelong Design Week (running until 29 October) and also features screen printed fabric designs using the recycled pigments, including the test run
Successful Launch and Opening of the Future Fibres Facility
An awesome turn-out for the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres which was officially launched on Friday 25 August 2023. It was also a great opportunity to officially open Deakin University’s new Future Fibres Facility. Well done to Joe, Matt and the team! Thanks to all our attendees, both internal and external to Deakin. ProfessorJoin us
If you are interested in collaborating with the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres, or want to know more, get in touch.
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