Research & Development
A strange brew – genetically engineered polymeric fibers
Over the past century, man has truly harnessed the power of artificial polymer materials; polymeric fiber materials have allowed for applications not possible with the use of natural fibers. Driven by cost, ease of processing and variety of applications, the use of synthetic polymer fibers has expanded to all corners of life. However, these polymers …
Considering the digital transformation of the textile industry
Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 will increasingly impact the competitiveness and economic success of small and medium-sized enterprises in the future. Within this changing work environment, companies face several challenges. Besides the implementation of software and digital solutions, further competences of employees, as well as their motivation and confidence towards digitized processes, need to be …
Student Spotlight: Performance of carbon fiber nonwoven composites in crash tests
Sai Aditya Pradeep is pursuing a Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering in the Materials and Manufacturing Specialization at Clemson University where he is conducting research on the scalable production of thermoplastic nano-cellular foams via supercritical fluid assisted injection molding. Another important area of Pradeep’s research is the characterization of recycled nonwoven carbon fiber composites and development …
Student Spotlight: Morphological structure of wool from different breeds
Subhadeep Paul is pursuing his Ph.D. in Technical Textiles at the Technical Textiles Research Centre, University of Huddersfield. Paul came to Huddersfield after completing his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Textile Engineering and Textile Chemistry, respectively, in India. In his master’s project, Paul developed a multi-functional protective textile that could be used as a UV-resistant, …
Graphene offers significant promise for fiber applications of the future
Graphene is a wonder that I believe represents the next phase of nanoevolution. It is, in fact, my new favorite material. Graphene is one single atomic layer of carbon. Graphite is many layers of graphene stacked. Separating the layers in graphite by various processes (termed exfoliation) is the way most commercially available graphene is made. …