CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Capabilities CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology specialises in fibres and fibrous materials. The Division has evolved from wool and leather research to a broader advanced fibrous materials capability. Our research focuses on: · generating fibres from raw materials; · manipulating fibres into fibrous structures with specific properties; · developing products from fibrous structures. Fibre and Fibrous Materials Capabilities CTFT is building a research program designed to create new industries based on advanced materials. It includes: " " " " " " Biomedical materials for regenerative health; Nano-fibres, including carbon nanotubes and electrospun fibres; Electro-active fibres and textiles, including flexible electronics Fibre-based solutions for industry society and the environment. advanced materials, including nanocomposites, electroactive and bio fibres technical textiles, including nonwoven structures and bicomponent fibre development. Fibrous Biopolymer science CTFT has expertise in biopolymer fibre structures and relating biopolymer molecular structure to fibre properties. This expertise is crucial to the development of new proteinaceous fibres with commercially useful properties as well as for new dyeing, bleaching and shrinkproofing processes for natural fibres Instrumentation and machinery prototyping CTFT has expert designers and engineers with skills in the development and design of instruments and fibre manipulation machinery. Textile Treatments and polymer surface chemistry CTFT has core capabilities in the polymer treatment of fibres for: " " " shrink resistance stain blocking nanoparticle science expertise We also have expertise in the manipulation of surface energy of fibres within structures to impart moisture transport properties Environment CTFT has extensive environmental expertise in lifecycle analysis, environmental fate of chemicals, standards for Ecolabels and in consulting and testing. We have an Environmental Analysis Group who operate a fee-forservice specialist pesticide testing service Textile formation and Product development The CTFT division's core expertise in the manipulation of fibres and fibrous structures to produce new products in: " " " " Apparel Active sportswear Military applications Emergency services CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Islands in the sea, splittable microfibres illuminated with incident light. www.csiro.au Our Resources and facilities: " pilot-scale mill facility " dyeing and finishing facility " materials characterisation microscopy unit " spectroscopy facilities " textile testing laboratory " small scale and pilot scale nonwoven " equipment; " a bicomponent fibre extruder " fibre electrospinning facilities " carbon nanotube reactors " engineering workshop for making prototype instruments TFT capabilities in Advance Fibres. Advanced Fibrous Material Carbon nanotubes Electronic textiles Electrospinning barrier protection Textiles as templates for tissue growth Medical textiles to prevent injuries and promote healing Molecular templating Technical textiles Nonwoven textile research Pilot-scale textile mill Materials characterisation Advanced Fibrous Materials The development of advanced materials will underpin growth in many areas of industrial and economic activity in Australia' (National Research Priorities, 2005). CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology offers world-leading skills in the formation of complex fibrous structures for a range of product area. Our advanced fibrous materials capability now includes: " " " The production of nanofibres by electrospinning; Carbon nanotube yarn (CNT) and sheet manufacture; Bicomponent fibre extrusion; " " " The formation and characterization of structures manufactured from extruded fibres; Application of conductive polymers to textiles Integration of electronic functions into textiles Our focus Our focus is on the use of new nano-, bio- and electroactive materials in fibrous structures to create high-value products. We will channel our advanced fibrous materials research into: " " " " " " " " " " Biomaterials To develop tissue engineering scaffolds and diagnostic devices Electroactive fibres To exploit CNT synthesis methods and the fabrication of CNTs into yarns and fabrics To develop electrodes, batteries, sensors and interconnections for textile-based flexible electronics Ultra high throughput separation membranes To apply CNT membranes to separation and filtration High-performance clothing for sport, defence and workplace protection To use advanced technologies in clothing to monitor and improve performance, comfort and protection of sports, military and emergency services personnel. Fibre solutions -- To offer our unique fibre and fibrous materials expertise to find solutions to problems in the water, energy, health and defence sectors. Silver coated copper wire weave New Equipment The development of advanced composite materials is hampered by the cost of preparing woven and knitted samples from very expensive raw materials (titanium: several thousand dollars per spool). CCI small sample weaving loom We have installed the first CCI sample weaving machine in Australia which will massively reduce the quantity of raw material required for sample production. With the CCI, we can rapidly produce samples 38 to 76cm wide by three metres long, with low wastage of expensive yarns. What currently takes 20 to 40 kg of yarn to produce on a conventional loom now takes around half a kilogram to produce a sample. The loom can be customised to work with delicate fibres that are not made for weaving. We are currently weaving coated copper wire, manufactured for the internal mechanisms of watches to make electrically conductive fabrics. The CCI is specially adapted to handle these delicate and often brittle fibres. The machine operates slowly at 40 pics per minute, a tenth of the speed of a conventional loom and also has a slow beating action. A single rapier is used for yarn transfer and it is timed to pass through the shed opening at its widest point, thereby reducing friction on the yarn. Harry Lucas R-1s miniature circular knitting machine The Harry Lucas R-1s circular knitting machine adds to our advanced fibrous materials capability. This machine is equipped with 5 needles for the production of fine hollow tubes of between 2 to 5mm. These tubes are to be used for creating human tissue replacement devices for clinical applications. Harry Lucas R-Is minature circular knitting machine Chris Skourtis studing carbon nanotubes Carbon nanotubes CSIRO is looking at the industrialisation of the spinning process to utilise nanotubes which create textiles that can conduct heat and electricity. Carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising new materials in textile science. They are sub-microscopic, hollow fibres of pure carbon. To the naked eye, they look like black powder, but their true fibre nature becomes apparent under the electron microscope. Not only are carbon nanotube fibres are immensely strong but they also possess two unique characteristics: excellent electrical and heat conductivity. A research team at CSIRO is producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and investigating applications for them in textiles. To do this, they are utilising CSIRO's expertise in the following fields: " " " " " " " " " reactor design and construction physical organic chemistry chemical engineering and process development computerised process control and analysis fibre physics yarn structure and properties dispersal of nanotubes in polymers polymer-nanotube binding and functionalisation electron microscopy (scanning, transmission) and atomic force microscopy. How CSIRO uses it We have built two reactors for 'growing' carbon nanotubes. The team is exploring applications for carbon nanotubes. Encouraged by theoretical calculations based on knowledge of fibre physics, our researchers recently succeeded in spinning yarn from nanotubes ('dry spinning'). CSIRO is using its knowledge of chemistry and fibre physics to produce carbon nanotubes for production of yarns. The fundamental properties of these extremely fine yarns are being studied using techniques borrowed from CSIRO's multifibre R&D capability. We are also studying the production methods and properties of extruded fibres made from polymers blended with carbon nanotubes, with an emphasis on the uniform dispersal of the nanotubes in polymers, before extrusion into yarn. Our major collaborator is the NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, with which we hold a provisional patent on the spinning of CNTs into yarns. The University of Texas continues to investigate the basic science of the yarns, while CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology concentrates on industrialisation of the spinning process - dealing with issues such as efficiency, spinning head design, and productivity. We supply carbon nanotubes for research at Monash University and have also given samples to the University of Wollongong. Researchers at these organisations report back to us on the properties of the nanotubes, and suggest changes for the applications they are investigating. We also collaborate with Deakin University on the dispersal of nanotubes. Contact : Ken Atkinson Phone +61 3 5246 4803 Email [email protected] “We produce metres of pure nanotube yarn without the need for binding agents, which usually degrade the electrical properties of the nanotube”, Ken Atkinson, Project Leader at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology CSIRO builds an invisible guitar to showcase its expertise in designing and manufacturing electronic and intelligent textiles for people to effortlessly control computers. interpreting arm movements and relaying this to a computer for audio generation. Textile motion sensors embedded in the shirt sleeves detect motion when the arm bends in most cases the left arm chooses a note and the right arm plays it. Our expertise in this field includes: Other electronic textiles projects : Electronic textiles " " " " " design and manufacture of specialised textiles for entertainment, sports, rehabilitation and medical applications integration of conductive fibres into fabrics to form sensors integration of technology and know-how in electronics, conductive textile structures, and software to develop next generation textile technologies for personalised human computer interfaces surface modification of textiles to improve device functionality. knowledge of the physics and chemistry of designing and making fibres and fabrics Mobile computing As mobile computing spreads into more fields of human activity, the search is on for simpler non-traditional ways of interacting with computers. Intelligent textiles worn by users are strong contenders for this role. Mobile computer users will reap the benefits as researchers at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology create exciting human-computer interfaces, using their knowledge of advanced intelligent textiles, embedding power sources and sensors in everyday textiles. Air Guitar In a demonstration project intended to put their skills on the line, a team led by Research Engineer Dr Richard Helmer created invisible musical instruments, including an 'air guitar'. "Freedom of movement is a great feature of these textile-based interfaces," he says. "Our air guitar consists of a wearable sensor interface embedded in a conventional 'shirt', with custom software to map gestures with audio samples. It's an easy-to-use instrument that allows real-time music making, even by players without significant musical or computing skills. It allows you to jump around and the sound generated is just like an original mp3." How does it work? The air guitar works by recognising and " Physiological monitoring Textile sensors are being incorporated into garments to monitor vital signs or joint movements. One example is the Intelligent Knee Sleeve, a biofeedback device that monitors the wearer's knee joint motion during activity. Developed by CSIRO and the University of Wollongong, the knee sleeve can be used to teach people the correct way to perform movement skills to reduce their risk of injury " Integrating electronics into smart textiles Working with the University of Wollongong's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Dr Mark Looney and Mr Peter Waters at CSIRO have now found a way of 'seamlessly' integrating conducting polymers into the structure of textiles. " Exploring applications of carbon nanotubes A research team at CSIRO is producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and investigating applications for them in textiles. To do this, they are utilising CSIRO's expertise in reactor design and construction, physical organic chemistry, chemical engineering and process development, fibre physics, yarn structure and properties, dispersal of nanotubes in polymers, polymer-nanotube binding and functionalisation and electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Contact : Bill Humphries Phone +61 3 5246 4000 Email [email protected] Richard Helmer Electrospinning Barrier Protection Ultra-sheer Structures for Bioprotection. Ultra-sheer, micro-porous fibre membranes that provide protection against chemically or biologically active agents are 21st century realities. These materials are finding increasing use in fields as diverse as healthcare, biotechnology, aerospace, energy and cosmetics. CSIRO is actively researching the potential of electrospinning as a method of manufacturing high performance textile microfilters and surface altering characteristics required by these end uses. Textile Protection The aerosol and liquid barrier properties of electrospun membranes offer new possibilities in protective products for hazardous medical, industrial, military and emergency services applications. Electrospun fibre-based membranes are: " " " Very breathable Lightweight Multifunctional (The membranes are considered multifunctional because they protect physically against liquids and gases due to their small pore size and; chemically by easy inclusion of active components) The high surface area to volume of electrospun membranes imparts excellent filtration properties. Production Technology Electrospinning In the presence of an electric field an electrostatic charge is introduced to a stream of polymer solution. The electrically charged polymer jet solution accelerates and thins out in the electric field (usually with solvent evaporation along the way) before reaching a grounded collector plate, producing fine filaments Biological applications Smart Bio-responses The large surface area available in an electrospun membrane makes it ideal for the addition of reactive species such as enzymes, fungicides, bactericides, inorganic catalysts, flame-suppressing compounds or other reactive species of interest. These materials have the potential to stimulate the biological healing processes. “The high surface area to volume ratios of electrospun membranes imparts excellent filtration properties”, Dr Louis Kyratzis, Research Scientist, Textile and Fibre Technology. Contact : Dr Louis Kyratsis Phone +61 3 9545 2394 Email [email protected] Textiles as templates for tissue growth Scientists at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology are using textiles as supports for growing tissues to assist the function of damaged tissues and organs. Tissue engineering support structures or 'scaffolds' are artificial devices, designed to act as templates for attached cells and newly formed tissues. Their three-dimensional, porous structures encourage cell attachment, proliferation and migration through an interconnected network of pores. New tissue gradually forms, and can be implanted into the body. The team is testing a wide range of biocompatible, non-biodegradable and biodegradable polymers for scaffold fabrication. Current research projects include scaffolds for the regeneration of peripheral nerves, and high performance scaffolds for tissue engineering of spinal discs. Specialty fibres Project Leader Dr Louis Kyratzis says CSIRO can extrude bicomponent (sheath/core) fibres for drug delivery applications. "Advanced extrusion facilities allow incorporation of growth factors and other biological agents into biodegradable fibres, to promote cell growth and management," he says. Partners These multi-disciplinary projects are carried out in conjunction with a number of high profile organisations, such as St Vincent's Hospital and Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Centre. Our resources and facilities For tissue engineering and other advanced fibrous materials projects, CSIRO uses the following resources: Matching fibre to cell type For a tissue engineering scaffold to work effectively its structural and mechanical properties must be suitable for the type of tissue being grown. The CSIRO team is tailoring fibrous scaffolds for particular tissue types. Using knitting, weaving, nonwoven and electrospinning technologies, the researchers produce scaffolds of tubular or flat design. Image analysis and tensile testing reveal the structural and mechanical characteristics of the scaffolds produced. "We are able to control fibre assembly to form three-dimensional structures of known porosity, pore size distribution and fibre orientation," says researcher Dr Sharon Edwards. "This allows us to customise the structures for each cell type." " " " " " " " " pilot-scale mill small-scale and pilot-scale nonwoven equipment bicomponent fibre extruder fibre electrospinning facilities carbon nanotube reactors and spinning machines engineering workshop for making prototype instruments textile testing laboratory microscopy unit. In addition, we have recently installed two small sample machines (described above). " Harry Lucas R-1s miniature circular knitting machine " CCI small sample weaving loom (With the CCI loom, we can rapidly produce samples 38-76cm wide by three metres long, with low wastage of expensive yarns). About the scientists Dr Kyratzis leads projects on advanced fibrous materials, including: " " fabrication of textiles for biomedical applications, especially tissue growth integration of electronic circuitry, sensors and batteries into textiles, also for medical applications " nanofibre production and applications. Dr Edwards predominantly researches the design and production of textile structures, for use as biomedical devices, such as tissue engineering scaffolds. Her research includes: " " design of textile devices for peripheral nerve regeneration production and characterisation of textile scaffolds, for engineering various tissue types " assessing the biocompatibility of fibres (such as carbon nanotube yarns) with particular cells. Advanced extrusion facilities allow incorporation of growth factors and other biological agents into biodegradable fibres, to promote cell growth and management. Contact : Dr Louis Kyratsis Phone +61 3 9545 2394 Email [email protected] Dr Sharon Edwards Phone +61 3 5246 4000 Email [email protected] Medical textiles to prevent injuries and promote healing CSIRO is developing next generation medical textile products for injury prevention and wound management. Incorporation of sensors and response technologies in wound management should improve recovery from surgery, trauma and medical conditions. CSIRO is using its textile, biochemical and materials research expertise to design textiles that prevent wounds and promote healing. Our researchers are testing injury prevention limb covers to prevent or reduce skin tears and other injuries. We are also developing advanced textiles with integrated sensing and response technologies, to promote healing of burns, scars and ulcers. CSIRO capability CSIRO's Textile and Fibre Technology Division, together with other divisions, is using its extensive expertise in textile design, manufacture and testing to develop woolbased textiles for two kinds of novel medical applications: " " injury prevention limb covers to reduce skin tears and other skin injuries in the elderly advanced wound management products with integrated sensor and response technologies, to promote improved healing of burns, scars, ulcers, and other skin injuries. Specific areas of expertise in these fields include: " knowledge of how the physics and chemistry of fibres affect fabric properties " design and manufacture of specialised textiles for medical applications " surface modification of textiles to improve wound management " integration of electronics into textile structures, and the use of this know-how to develop sensor technologies for wound management textiles. How CSIRO uses it CSIRO works with clinicians and aged care facilities to assess injury and wound repair problems and possible solutions. Our researchers design prototype textile devices in collaboration with a commercial partner. These are manufactured at CSIRO's textile facilities for clinical assessment. “ Smart, interactive medical textiles will sense and respond to physical changes in wound environments to assist healing” Robin Cranston Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology. Who else is involved? With funding from Australian Wool Innovation, CSIRO is partnered with a leading international medical products supplier with extensive experience in conducting clinically approved trials and bringing new products to market. In addition, under an alliance with the University of Wollongong's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, CSIRO is developing yarn and textile production methods for a new generation of electronic textiles. These yarns and textiles will be based on 'inherently conductive polymers'. Electronic functionality will be seamlessly integrated into the materials. “ Smart, interactive medical textiles will sense and respond to physical changes in wound environments to assist healing” Robin Cranston Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology. Contact : Robin Cranston Phone +61 3 9545 2100 Email [email protected] electronic textiles possessing several advantages over other methods of producing these materials. Our patented Molecular Templating technology enables us to seamlessly integrate electronic functionality into textiles and could form the basis of next generation electronic textiles. For example, electronic textiles produced by our process: " " " are more robust and stable have better control over the level of conductivity, have the electronic functionality more seamlessly integrated into the textile structure. In addition, our Molecular Templating process: " " " is compatible with conventional textile processing systems and equipment, is useful for a wide range of ICP systems, Has the potential to also incorporate additional new functionality into textiles. Integrated Sensing Applications: Molecular templating Integrated Textiles Sensors based on Inherently Conductive Polymer Technologies. In the area of Emerging Science, CSIRO TFT has forged an alliance with the University of Wollongong's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute to develop enabling technologies based upon inherently conductive polymers (ICPs). These developments will make it possible for electronic functionality to be seamlessly integrated into textile materials to facilitate a new generation of electronic textiles. Our recently patented Molecular Templating technology provides a versatile method to develop a range of new integrated electronic functionality onto fibres. Advantages of Molecular Templating: Molecular Templating on textiles is a recentlydeveloped process that allows for ICPs to be applied in novel ways to fibres. This results in Our Molecular Templated textiles are ideally suited to sensing applications and have the potential to be used to sense: " " " " " temperature strain, pressure, humidity, chemical and biochemical sensors In addition to sensing applications, our Molecular Templated textiles are likely candidates for applications such as: " " " " shielding from electromagnetic radiation, anti-static treatments, communications, heating and cooling. Contact : Mark Looney Phone +61 3 9545 2325 Email [email protected] " " " " CSIRO's technical textile production capabilities include traditional knitting and weaving, 3D knitting, and modern machinery for nonwoven bonding by chemical, heat or mechanical processes. Technical Textiles CSIRO's modern research facilities for technical textile production and testing are available to industry for product design and development, and problem solving. Technical textiles are manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties. However, aesthetic values can be applied to technical textile design. Sportswear, for instance, can be technical and highly styled. Carpets and furnishing fabrics aren't usually considered technical textiles unless they are in a car, aircraft or boat. Expanding production Technical textiles make up about 40% of all textile industry output worldwide. Production is expected to continue to grow faster than any other segment of the textile industry. Technical textiles find application in many sectors, such as: " " " " " " " " aerospace, manufacturing, marine, safety netting conveyor belts geotextiles. Many uses in cars The automotive industry is one of the largest single markets for technical textiles. It is also one of the most diverse. Applications range from tyre cord, hose and drive belt reinforcements, to thermal and sound insulation, safety belts and airbags, filters, cable harnesses and textile-reinforced composites for body and suspension parts. Even the internal furnishings of a car headliners, seating, carpets, parcel shelf and boot liners - are regarded as technical textiles because of the extremely demanding specifications to which they are made and tested. Medical textiles Medical and hygiene textiles products range from high volume disposable products for babies' nappies, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence, to extremely specialised and high value textile products for use in blood filtration, surgical sutures, prostheses and, most recently, scaffolds supporting tissue growth. Bright future The promise of technical and performance textiles is an emerging generation of products combining the latest developments in advanced flexible materials with advances in computing and communications technology, biomaterials, nanotechnology and novel process technologies such as plasma treatment. military, safety, transportation, construction, and land management. Some examples of technical textiles are: " " " " car airbags filters bulletproof vests wound dressings curtain tapes These will eventually have a direct impact on all sorts of consumer textile markets, including clothing and furnishings. The field of 'wearable electronics' has already captured the imagination of many researchers and large corporations. Researchers at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology are working in this area, and on many aspects of technical textiles. Truly interactive textiles, with sensors, actuators and logic circuits built into the structure of the fibres, yarns and fabrics themselves, are beginning to appear. Diverse manufacturing methods Technical textiles are produced by a range of technologies: they can be woven, knitted, braided, or 'nonwoven'. In nonwovens, the fibres are not formed into yarns. Instead, individual fibres are arranged in a web or mat, and then bonded by a variety of techniques. Bypassing the yarn stage significantly reduces production costs. Our technical textile production capabilities include traditional knitting and weaving, and 3D knitting. Nonwoven production is supported by capabilities in: " " " " Nonwoven textile research assembly of fibres into a uniform web by carding and air laying bonding by chemical or heat treatment, needlepunch, or hydroentanglement spun-bond: continuous extrusion of bicomponent fibres, immediate assembly into a web, followed by hydroentanglement bonding Extrusion of splittable & bicomponent fibres. Projects CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology works on: " " " " " " " " " " " " " Nonwoven technical textiles bypass the yarn stage used in traditional textile production, significantly reducing production costs. sportswear electronic textiles advanced composites shade-cloth potable water-storage covers sewage treatment plant covers wool blend quilts fibre-reinforced composites wetsuits automotive trims (including hot pressed non-wovens) filtration products geotextiles protective apparel. Contact : Niall Finn Phone +61 3 5246 4000 Email : [email protected] CSIRO's modern, expanding research facilities for nonwoven textile production and testing are available to industry for product design and development, and problem solving. Nonwovens are not made from yarns. Instead, the fibres are arranged in a uniform web or mat, and then bonded by a variety of techniques for strength and functionality. Bypassing the yarn stage has the advantage of significantly reducing production costs, since the expense of spinning is avoided. Nonwoven products include: " " " " " " " " " " air filters automotive interior trims carpet underlay collar inserts for shirts food packaging (e.g. meat trays) formula 1 nose cones office dividers shoe insoles vertical blinds wind turbine blades Production of nonwovens requires three basic steps: " " " Fibre blending Web formation using extrusion, airlaid, wet laid or carded web Fibre bonding for greater strength and functionality, using thermal, chemical and/or mechanical techniques How CSIRO uses it We use the facilities for product development, processing and instrumentation research, prototyping, and low volume sample production. Technical textile projects at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology have included: CSIRO's modern nonwoven production mill produces small samples, and also allows product development on pilot scale equipment. Fibre bonding is achieved by chemical or heat treatment, needlepunch or hydroentanglement. The capability Nonwoven production and research at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology is supported by capabilities in: " " " " forming a fibre web by carding and air laying bonding by chemical or heat treatment, needlepunch, or hydroentanglement production of fibres, including bicomponent fibres that can be split into microfibres spun-bond processing, with extrusion of continuous fibre filaments for immediate assembly into a web, followed by hydroentanglement bonding. " wool blend quilts " fibre-reinforced composites " wetsuits " automotive trims (including hot pressed non-wovens) " air filters " geotextiles production " protective apparel. CSIRO's modern nonwoven production mill produces small samples, and also allows product development on pilot scale equipment. Fibre bonding is achieved by chemical or heat treatment, needlepunch or hydroentanglement. Contact : Niall Finn Phone +61 3 5246 4000 Email [email protected] Pilot-scale Textile Mill Our equipment is designed for small volume sample production and higher volume pilot scale production. CSIRO provides research and development, consulting, testing and commission processing services to the wool, cotton, advanced materials and technical textiles industries. Fibres We process natural and synthetic fibres from as fine as 1 denier. These include specialist fibres, bicomponent, soluble, Kevlar, Nomex etc. CSIRO has pilot-scale fibre and textile processing facilities that can be used for a variety of purposes. Products Filters, industrial felts, quilting, thermal insulation, sound insulation, automotive nonwoven components, medical textiles, specialised industrial composites, apparel, wipes. Extruder A bicomponent fibre extruder can form part of a spun-bond sample production line. The great value of these facilities is that they combine commercially realistic processing conditions with a controlled research laboratory setting. We have the flexibility to produce once-off samples or to do specialist runs at any time. Commercial mills often lack the flexibility to switch equipment from commercial production runs to one-off samples or special runs. Prototype production can disrupt long commercial runs, adding to the expense of product development. The capability Our pilot-scale facilities can be used for: " " " " " " Scouring: small to large lots, maximising scour yield Topmaking: we process fibre from ultrafine to coarse, producing natural, synthetic or exotic fibre blends Spinning: worsted or short-staple spinning for quality yarns Knitting: modern computer-assisted equipment for seamless garments in a range of yarns and blends Weaving: sample and sectional warping facilities with a range of looms Non-wovens: we have hydroentanglement and needle punch facilities. We also weave wool, cotton, synthetics and blends with a weaving width of 1620 mm (64 inches) and a wide range of reed densities on our conventional machines. Many new products are a blend of wool, cotton, and speciality or synthetic fibres. CSIRO's textile mill facilities offer commercially realistic processing conditions in a controlled research laboratory setting. Our technical staff can merge a selection of natural materials aimed at meeting growing consumer trends towards the use of natural, recyclable and renewable resources. Facilities and equipment Our facilities use equipment of modern commercial design, from recognised suppliers to the global textile industry. Our results transfer readily to commercial mills. Advanced fibrous materials: To develop new materials for emerging and high-tech industries, R&D specialists need to quickly produce small size samples at minimum expense. CSIRO has recently installed some new knitting and weaving machines to do this. Both of these machines will be used in the fabrication of advanced materials, such as scaffolds for biomaterials or in electronic textiles. CCI small sample weaving loom The CCI sample weaving loom can rapidly produce small samples, with low wastage of precious yarns. Samples measure between 38 to 76cm (15 to 30 inches) wide by three metres long. Harry Lucas R-1s miniature circular knitting machine Also adding to our advanced fibrous materials capability is the small diameter circular knitting machine from Harry Lucas (R-1s). At present this machine is equipped with five needles (18 guage) for the production of fine hollow tubes of between 2 to 5mm. We have also purchased two new 35 and 38 guage cylinders for the 3.5 inch FAK circular knitting machine to knit very fine structures, ideal for biomaterials research. These new resources will enable our biomedical research team to experiment with tissue engineering from textile structures. Contact : Andrew Jones Phone +61 3 5246 4000 Email [email protected] Materials Characterisation CSIRO's material characterisation expertise helps improve product performance and resilience across a range of product types and operating conditions. Materials characterisation is the detailed study of a material's structure and performance. It helps us to understand the nature or origins of a material and how to improve its performance and usability. CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology can examine the features, composition, structure, and defects of materials. This information can be used to identify new uses for existing materials, create new materials, and improve material processing and manufacturing techniques. We use modern electron and optical microscopy to study materials where the problem is invisible to the naked eye. Our highly skilled microscopy unit uses state of the art microscopes both electron and optical with imaging and analysis facilities to solve a vast range of problems. Our areas of expertise include: " " " " " " " " " " " " " structure and properties of textile fibres and hair optical microscopy SEM and TEM analytical microscopy fibre chemistry and fibre physics characterisation of fibre surface structure evaluation of surface treatments identification and analysis of surface coatings, plasticisers and similar additives chemical spectroscopy, chemical, thermal and mechanical analysis analysis applied to textile problems the bonding of polymers to the surface of natural fibres identification of materials and contaminants monitoring effects of chemical and physical treatments on fibre properties testing of physical fabric properties. Our facilities include: " " " " " Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Backscattered Electron Imaging (BSI) Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS) Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) Optical Microscopy (OM) Scanned Probe Microscopy (SPM) Microtomes and Ultramicrotomes We prepare and interpret: " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Low to high magnification images Elemental and compound analyses Chemical and mechanical treatments Wettability measurements Surface roughness and topographic profiles Surface friction maps Plasma-etched/modified surfaces Image analysis/particle size distributions Identification of contaminants Tensile properties under controlled conditions Polymer cross-link density and crystallinity Micro-mechanical properties Thermal properties Colloidal particle size and charge islands in the sea, splittable microfibres IHow we use electron microscopy for textile materials characterisation One of the critical aspects of materials characterisation is to be able to visualise the external and sometimes internal structure of the sample. Electron microscopes (EM) allow this visualisation to occur at very high resolution. EM is primarily divided into two separate techniques, Scanning EM (SEM) and Transmission EM (TEM). With both of these techniques, not only can the structure of the sample be imaged, compositional and crystallographic information can be determined as well. n the SEM the sample can be viewed with minimal preparation. With resolutions down to 1 nm even the smallest surface details can be discerned. By utilising the backscattered electrons it is possible to show differences in composition at small and large scale and by measuring the energy of x-rays emitted from the sample when electrons interact with it, it is possible to determine what elements are present and at what concentration. Observing samples in the TEM requires more preparation. As the samples have to be at least partially transparent to the electron beam they must be very thin (~100 nm) and may require staining (biological samples) to highlight features. For metallic or hard samples it may be necessary to thin the samples chemically or mechanically to get them thin enough, ensuring that the sample is not damaged in the process. With resolutions below 0.1 nm in some TEM's atomic resolution is possible. As well as imaging the structure of the sample it is possible, as in the SEM to look at the x-rays generated to determine the chemical composition. It is also possible to view the diffraction pattern generated by the beam and hence get crystallographic information about the sample. Contact : Colin Veitch Telephone : +61 3 52 464000 Email : [email protected] Christine Coombs preparing samples for analysis Contact Us Phone 1300 363 400 Email [email protected] Web www.csiro.au For further information about Textile and Fibre Technology Louis Kyratzis Phone +61 3 9545 2100 Email [email protected] www.csiro.au
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