Manufacturing of short-fibre yarn

Print 25 Jun June 2015

Our research centre FSCN has received research funding to test the production of a short-fibre yarn from paper. Vinnova is funding the research project that will start in July 2015 and involve many new partnerships for the Mid Sweden University.

"The goal is to test whether it is possible to spin thin yarn from narrow strips of paper treated and stretched during manufacture. It is an exciting project where we also get to develop cooperation with, among others, the Högskolan Borås, Smart Textiles, Svenskt Konstsilke and Svenska pappersbruket," says Magnus Norgren, professor at FSCN, Mid Sweden University.

The hypothesis is that a thin paper yarn can be manufactured from plain paper by spinning and stretching strips of paper. The paper yarn is based on wood pulp from softwood that is sufficiently thin, strong and stretchable. The product development takes place in the laboratory and if the project will be a success would paper yarn  be able to take market share from synthetic fibers composed of fossil-based raw materials.

"The aim is to offer an environmentally friendly option because our paper yarn is manufactured from a renewable resource," says Bo Westerlind, professor at FSCN, Mid Sweden University. "Paper yarn can be recycled biologically and no hazardous chemicals are required during manufacturing. Today the production of synthetic fibers is greater than cotton fibers and the market for "green" textiles is growing. If the spin-drawing of paper strips turns out well, there is a great development in order to produce yarn of paper."

The participating companies and universities in the project has expertise within the whole chain from fiber to yarn. Two paper manufacturers; one of them are Svenska Pappersbruket, a company that spins yarn, Svenskt Konstsilke and one company developing machinery, Swema Industrial. Research experience comes from Högskolan i Borås, Smart Textiles and Mid Sweden University who researches fibre chemistry and fibre mechanics.

"If our project succeeds there is good potential to quickly reach the market with a new product through Åkroken Science Park, BioBusiness Arena and IUC Sjuhärad", says Magnus Norgren.

The project is implemented within the national research program Bio Innovation.

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