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For the first time ever, we can link the entire R&D chain for wool and sheep production, from farm to finished product.
Great ideas dont happen in isolation and collaboration is the most efficient way to meld the best of textile science and smart technologies.
Imagine a natural wool fabric that both repels and absorbs water - all in an environmentally friendly process.
Arthurs Pass, Canterbury - wearing a concept windproof, waterproof, breathable jacket made of wool
In their creation of new, high performance natural wool breathable fabrics, these scientists have the simple yet complex lotus leaf to thank.
Fabric thats easy care, lightweight and 100% natural no wonder the fashion industry is excited!
Natural easy care fabric going through the crabbing process in which fabric is flat set by running it (under tension) over cylinders through hot and then cold water to prevent it from shrinking
technology. Grooved rollers split the wool strand into micro-yarns comprising tightly interlocked fibres to give the yarn its high abrasion resistance and clean look. The projects funder, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has already established commercial partnerships with companies to produce the fabric in countries including China, Japan, Korea and Mexico. Over the past 21 months, Surinder has been working with manufacturing mills in these countries to fit the specially designed rollers to existing spinning frames and to conduct fabric production trials. Its all part of the technology transfer process that will see the NEC fabrics produced internationally for the apparel industry. In addition to the shirting fabric, the NEC technology is being used for easy care wool trousering (with a slightly denser weave) and suiting products.
moisture vapour transport - it absorbs on one side and transports moisture vapour out to the atmosphere on the other, and it does it much faster than cotton. Its easy to illustrate how far the technology has come. The fabric weight of a traditional, heavy wool bush shirt is around 300 g/m2 the new easy care shirting fabric is around 145 g/m2. Three research innovations have made it all possible, according to Surinder. Firstly, theres the creation of a fine single yarn with strength and abrasion resistance high enough to take the stresses of weaving; secondly, innovations in the weaving process itself to achieve a tight and compact fabric structure; and thirdly, adaptations to the finishing process to create a softer, flat finish with exceptionally high dimensional stability and natural stretch. The singles worsted yarn is created by specially designed rollers that are easily retrofitted to an existing spinning frame, making it easy and cost effective for industry to adopt the new
The unique wool shirting fabric has caught the eye of top European fashionistas, including well-known Italian designer and manufacturer, Nino Cerutti.
These kinder-to-theenvironment solutions aim to reduce our use of landfills and ultimately make life on earth more sustainable.
The search is on for a wire that will behave like a fabric yarn, yet is strong enough not to break and can flex many times without becoming fatigued.
Prototype of the protective glove intended for use in the meat industry
The whole project is about blending the tangible benefits of textiles with the latest electronic advances.
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Levelling the playing field for wool manufacturers presently being left behind in the contract carpet and upholstery markets.
The product of the metal-free dyeing process - lightfast, environmentally friendly wool
AgResearchs innovative metal-free dyeing process uses a special class of dye that forms pigments inside the wool fibres.
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AgResearch is leading the way among those looking at how nano-technology can create better textile products.
A microscope photo of red dye trapped in a new coating material. The coating makes dye more resistant to sunlight fading, and could be used to attach vitamins, fragrances, or other functional materials to textiles.
Other potential nano-technology-based products include stabresistant fabrics, and clothing that releases vitamins into the skin.
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Its a whole new generation of softer, finer merino next to skin wear and its sure to break new boundaries in the apparel industry.
Intimate apparel is one intended use for the next to skin fabric
Creating a merino wool fabric that has superior fineness opens up many more options around how the fabric can be used.
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An innovative product with the potential to help keep some European carpet manufacturers internationally competitive.
Weve needed to find an environmentally acceptable wool treatment solution that the market is happy about.
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