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Research builds stronger Australian fibre industry
DEAKIN University has launched a research hub to work with industry on the future of high-performance and high-value fibre products, including carbon- and nano-fibres.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for a World-class Future Fibre Industry will undertake research into developing novel fibre technologies for more sustainable, advanced manufacturing of fibre materials and products, according to acting ARC chief executive officer, Leanne Harvey. 
Researchers based at Deakin University will work with business partners including HEIQ Australia Pty Ltd, Carbon Revolution, Quickstep Automotive, Ear Science Institute Australia Inc, and Draggin Jeans.
Other organisations utilising the hub include Swinburne University of Technology, CSIRO, Tufts University USA, University of Oxford UK, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Ms Harvey said the ARC Research Hub for a World-class Future Fibre Industry would capitalise on the research team’s combined strength in fibre science and technology to come up with new innovative materials and techniques.
“Working directly with small and medium enterprises and international research leaders, this Hub will work to develop advanced carbon fibres, nanofibres and high-performance novel fibres, as well as value-added applications of fibre materials,” she said.
“Development of these new materials will be able help to reduce energy costs, minimise the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes, and improve public health and safety in the fibre industry, as well as also train the next generation of industry-savvy fibre research leaders.”
The ARC Research Hub Research Hub for a World-class Future Fibre Industry is receiving $4.7 million over five years through the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme, a key component of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Programme (ITRP).
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