From cellulose to a new textile fibreFriday 13 Dec 2013 Aalto University has developed an internationally significant new process for working wood cellulose into a textile fibre. The process created in the research programme and the resulting textile fibre will open up new markets for the Finnish forest and garment industries.‘We are still studying the properties of cellulose in order to begin pilot projects that utilise the new process. The projects will be carried out in cooperation with companies. There is a growing market for environmentally friendly textile fibre,’ Aalto University researcher Michael Hummel says. With the new manufacturing process cellulose can be made into a high quality textile fibre in a more environmentally friendly way than with traditional viscose production methods. The textile fibre is produced using a processing method based on ionic solvents developed at the research group of Professor Ilkka Kilpeläinen, University of Helsinki. “The Ioncell fibre is ecological and an excellent alternative to cotton and viscose,’ says Hummel. The research was carried out as part of the Finnish Bioeconomy Cluster FIBIC's FuBio Cellulose research programme. The new textile fibre developed at Aalto University can be processed into a high-quality end product. A textile sample was produced from the cellulose fibre in collaboration with Aalto University's Department of Design. ‘I designed and produced a scarf which showcases the material. The new material has an excellent capacity for reproducing shades and it is surprisingly easy to work with,’ says Marjaana Tanttu, who is studying in the Master's Degree Programme in Textile Art and Design. See how the scarf is made by clicking here.
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