The Australian Research Council (ARC) has launched the Research Hub for a World-class Future Fibre Industry at Deakin University in Geelong.
The centre will undertake research into developing novel fibre technologies for more sustainable, advanced manufacturing of fibre materials and products.
“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,” said ARC Acting CEO Leanne Harvey.
“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 train the next generation of industry-savvy fibre research leaders."
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the $13.2 million centre will help transition Geelong’s manufacturing past into a new era.
“The Future Fibres Hub will bring together world-leading fibre research and industry experts to create innovations in carbon fibres, nanofibres and high value fibre applications,” she said.
“It will allow us to continue to make important advances in medical procedures such as human tissue engineering, through to safer clothing for activities like motorcycle racing and better, lighter and cheaper carbon fibre materials for the automotive sector. This will help position Australia as a leader in fibres research and development and provide jobs in Geelong.”
It will be led by Deakin under the guidance of Professor Xungai Wang, Director of the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM). It will also involve Swinburne University of Technology and five industry partners: HeiQ, provider of short polymer fibre materials to the medical, textile and industrial sectors globally; Carbon Revolution, maker of one-piece carbon fibre automotive wheels; Quickstep Automotive, which designs and develops carbon composites for the automotive industry; Draggin Jeans, maker of protective denim apparel; and the Ear Science Institute Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the research and treatment of ear and hearing disorders.
[The launch of the Future Fibres Hub in Geelong. Photo: Future Fibres Hub]