Australian Research Council Research Hub for Future Fibres
From lab to label
How our research fosters a sustainable fibre future
At Deakin’s Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Future Fibres, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable fibre technologies. Located within Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials, the Hub leverages top-tier research teams and facilities to drive innovation across the fibre value chain.
Our emphasis on sustainability, circular economy principles and extraordinary functionality enables us to create impactful solutions that redefine industry standards. We focus on modifying traditional materials, developing carbon-neutral processes and enhancing fibre performance, paving the way for a sustainable future across various industries.
Our research themes
Our research addresses key challenges in fibre technology, fostering innovation and sustainability throughout the industry.
Sustainability
We aim to reshape the fibre landscape by enhancing the sustainability of materials traditionally derived from petrochemicals. Our efforts include modifying natural fibres, developing carbon-neutral processes and assessing the compostability of both existing and new fibre types.
Circular economy
We are committed to establishing a circular economy within the fibre industry, ensuring materials are designed for reuse. Our teams investigate the degradation pathways of fibres, explore robust new materials and blends, and identify gaps in recycling technologies to facilitate a seamless transition from product to raw material.
Extraordinary functionality
Our researchers explore innovative applications that enhance fibre performance. From investigating advanced materials like Graphene and MXene to developing high-performance carbon fibre precursors, we focus on transformative changes along the fibre value chain, leading to groundbreaking end products.
Collaborate on the future of sustainable fibres
Join us in transforming the fibre industry. Contribute to innovative research, explore collaboration opportunities and help drive sustainability in textiles.
Work supported by our research hub and fibres facility will bring benefits to a range of industries – such as automotive, mining and fashion – through a wide array of partnership projects.
Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University
Our researchers
Our interdisciplinary team integrates sustainability throughout the supply chain, driving transformative projects that set new industry standards.
Professor Joselito Razal is the Director of the Hub, transforming the fibre industry by integrating sustainability throughout the supply chain. He also leads a team of over 100 researchers at Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials and has received multiple ARC Fellowships for his pioneering work.
Our facilities
Our state-of-the-art Future Fibres Facility is designed to translate cutting-edge research from lab to label. With advanced fibre production, yarn processing and specialised knitting and weaving equipment, we facilitate seamless innovation across industries. From prototyping to full-scale production, our facility empowers researchers to bring transformative ideas to fruition.
Featured projects
Our team is pioneering sustainable textile solutions to address critical environmental challenges.
Recycling textile waste into pigments
We are developing innovative processes to recycle textile waste into pigments. By converting discarded fabrics into vibrant pigments, our research promotes a circular economy and reduces landfill waste, in collaboration with industry leaders like Textile Recyclers Australia.
Tackling microplastics in laundry
In partnership with Simba Global, we are addressing microplastic pollution from textiles. Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating microplastic shedding during laundry processes, aiming to protect both the environment and human health.
Our partnerships
We collaborate with industry partners to tackle real-world challenges in sustainability and the circular economy. Key partnerships include Nanollose where we’re developing sustainable fabrics from waste; we’re working with Xefco on a water-free dyeing method; and Carbon Revolution to reduce waste in carbon fibre manufacturing.
The Hub serves as a vital link between Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials and long-term industry partners. Funding from the ARC, Deakin University and external partners enables us to leverage resources to develop new fibre technologies and explore commercialisation options.
Contact us
Have questions or want to learn more about our research? Reach out to our team to explore research opportunities and collaboration or visit the ARC Research Hub of Future Fibres website
Email the team
(+61) 3 5227 8580
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