Fibre Science and Engineering is one of four research programs within CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering.
Research focus
Our fibre science research program investigates the structure, properties and behaviours of fibres and fibrous materials for new industrial materials.
Fibre Science and engineering research aims to:
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create innovative fibre, textile and timber product solutions across a broad spectrum of Australia’s needs
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stimulate international demand for Australia’s natural fibres, including wool, cotton and wood products
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create new commercial products based on advanced fibrous structures and materials.
Creating fibre solutions
By building an advanced fibres sector, we are positioning Australian enterprises as:
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producers of sustainable natural fibres for global markets
“Our skills are multi-disciplinary and supported by globally recognised multi-fibre facilities.”
Dr Geoff Naylor, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering
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manufacturers of bio-derived fibres
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niche manufacturers of nano-fibres and nano-composites, creating high-value material for export
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developers of technologies that solve national challenges, such as water resource management, energy, climate adaptation, transport and sustainable agriculture.
We contribute our expertise to national research priorities through the following CSIRO National Research Flagships:
Our capabilities
Fibre Science and Engineering research focuses on fibre and fibrous structures.
Our skills are multi-disciplinary and supported by a globally recognised multi-fibre facility in Geelong and a medium-density fibreboard (MDF) pilot plant in Clayton, Victoria. Our capabilities are widely applicable and are already being exploited across a broad range of scientific domains.
Our capabilities include:
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fibre assessment: we asses the quality of fibres, particles and veneers to aid in process improvement for composite products
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fibre formation: for example, carbon nanotubes, regenerated protein fibres, electrospinning, melt extrusion, particle- and fibreboards
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fibre manipulation: we manipulate fibres to form structures with specific architectures and properties
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biopolymer and polymer science: combines expertise in relating biopolymer molecular structure to fibre properties and the photochemistry and coloration of polymers
- fibre measurement and process modelling: includes capability in metrology and instrument design, and the modelling of fibrous structures and fibre processing
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biomedical: using our knowledge of nanofibres and bio-compatible polymers to build fibrous scaffolds for the purpose of growing cell cultures to regenerate human tissues
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nanomaterials: expertise in the production and manipulation of nanoscale fibres including the synthesis of carbon nanotubes, electrospinning and processing of polymer nanofibres and the extrusion of nanocomposite fibres
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surface, fibre and protein chemistry: combining advanced biopolymer chemistry with expertise in fibre surface science and applying this knowledge to the textile, food futures, forestry and health domains
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instrumentation: physicists and engineers with skills in the design of sensors, instruments and fibre manipulation machinery and commercial prototyping. We make instruments for managing and improving the quality of textile and forest products
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flexible electronics: skills in embedding electronics into flexible structures with wireless interfacing to remote computers
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wood protection: expertise into termite management systems for the protection of wood-based buildings and structures
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resin and adhesive development: skills in the development of high-quality adhesives for medium density fibreboard and timber laminates
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testing: we provide a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited facility for environmental and textile testing. Our modern biological and chemical laboratories include world-leading termite testing facilities and our Fibre Resource Assessment Service provides testing for pulping and papermaking.
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consultancy: We act as consultants in environmental sustainability for the textile and forestry industries
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recycling: expertise in the recycling of wood product residues and wastes into composites
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materials characterisation: with specialist instrumentation including state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopy, we help improve material properties and product performance across a range of product types and operating conditions.
Research partners
We collaborate with a range of partners from universities, such as Deakin and Wollongong and Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) to deliver research.
We are members of the following CRCs:
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CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology
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CRC for Advanced Composite Structures
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CRC for the Australian Sheep Industry
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CRC for Forestry
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Cotton Catchment Communities’ CRC.
Research areas
Fibre Science and Engineering is one of four research programs within CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, along with:
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metals and ceramics
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surfaces, thin films and interfaces
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devices, engineering and systems.
Fibre science research is being conducted through the research groups:
- fibre physics and engineering
- fibre chemistry
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Projects examining fibre physics and engineering include:
Easy breathe industrial filters Respirator filters containing blends of wool and synthetic fibres are now on sale in hardware stores, signalling the successful application of manufacturing technology developed by CSIRO.
CSIRO online dark speck contamination detector The CSIRO online dark speck contamination detector provides accurate quality assurance in the production of nonwoven textiles and improves manufacturing efficiency.
Textiles as templates for tissue growth CSIRO scientists are using textile support structures as templates for the growth of new tissues for use in maintaining, restoring or improving the function of damaged tissues and organs.
Exploring applications for carbon nanotubes CSIRO is researching applications of carbon nanotube yarns in textiles to improve their electrical and thermal conductivity.
SiroLock™ doffer and worker wire is a significant breakthrough in fibre processing efficiency and is generating large sales globally.
CSIRO adapts Murata Vortex Spinning, developed for cotton to produce wool and cotton blend yarns that are lighter, softer, easy care and do not pill.
Projects examining fibre chemistry include:
QuickDry Merino: a new quick drying wool fabric This project is developing quick-drying Merino garments through a once-only polymer treatment. Treated wool garments will cost less to care for because they will retain less water after washing.
In search of whiter, brighter woollens New fabric bleaching technology promises to overcome the problem of wool yellowing in sunlight. It allows manufacturers to match the whites of cotton and synthetics, and to produce brighter pastel colours.
Projects examining forest fibre science include:
CSIRO is providing a better picture of the quantities and types of wood waste disposed of to landfills throughout Australia.
CSIRO’s Wood Protection group provides a comprehensive range of research and advisory services to manufacturing and forest product industries to assist in improving the durability of their products.
CSIRO can design and test wood composites for use in construction and wood products.
Find out more about CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering overview.
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