Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Fibre and Polymer Engineering

Polymers are to be found in a great variety of everyday and high performance applications ranging from medical to aerospace. Fibres and fibre-based materials, including wood, paper and composites are also extremely widely used, in areas as diverse as fashion textiles and construction products. Both fibres and polymers as well as the materials manufactured from them can be derived from renewable as well as non-renewable resources. Current research is, for example, leading to new developments in plastics and resins derived from plants, whilst stiff and strong fibres are being ‘regenerated’ from cellulose derived from wood. These bio-based polymers and fibers will become increasingly important in a sustainable future. In addition to the advances in bio-based materials, the use of fossil-based polymeric materials and fibres continues to evolve quickly in the face of the challenges of resource efficiency and sustainable development.