Dr Tony Pierlot uses his knowledge of fibre chemistry to enhance natural fibre's competitive edge in the marketplace.
Dr Tony Pierlot is a Project Leader for CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering's Fibre Science and Engineering Program.
Fibre Science and Engineering Research Program
The Research Program explores:
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fibre science to understand the structure, properties and behaviour of natural fibres, such as wool, cotton and wood
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modification of fibre properties
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fibre processing efficiencies
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environmentally sustainable fibre production and processing
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high performance composites for innovative wood products
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advanced fibrous materials and composites of products for high-performance clothing, medical, military, building, automotive and aeronautics markets.
Background
Growing up on a sheep farm, Dr Pierlot has first-hand experience of the business of wool growing. This experience has driven his interest in applying chemistry and materials science to the wool industry.
For many years, Dr Pierlot has worked to develop chemical processes for use during the manufacture of wool textiles.
He has explored the chemical and physical structure of wool fibres and how these properties may be manipulated to improve the performance and desirability of wool products.
Past projects
Two of Dr Pierlot’s past project areas were:
'Researchers who have explored the structure of the wool fibre have experienced one form of nature’s own nanotechnology,’ explains Dr Pierlot. ‘The wool fibre contains nanofibres with diameters of ten nanometres which are assembled into a complex hierarchical structure that gives wool its unique properties.’
Dr Pierlot applied developments in nanotechnology to modify the functional attributes of wool, for example water and stain repellence, and wrinkle recovery.
Dr Tony Pierlot applies knowledge of chemistry to improve the usability of wool garments.
His team was also involved in developing technology for producing wool easy-care suits and other garments which can be machine washed and tumble dried, yet require only minimal ironing before wear.
This research followed Dr Pierlot’s work on the problem of ‘dry’ wrinkles - the wrinkles that occur as a garment is worn, not as a result of washing.
The future
Due to our multidisciplinary capability, we are uniquely placed to create new opportunities for Australia through:
Read more about Fibre Science and Engineering Research Program overview.
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