Ian Briggs
A YORKSHIRE university spin-out firm has been launched to design complex fabrics for applications as diverse as household cleaning wipes and specialist protective clothing .
Experts at the Nonwovens Innovations and Research Institute (NIRI) will research new textile structures from their base at the University of Leeds.
The team of academics is working on projects ranging from designing an air filtration system for a tunnel which leads to Mecca to an incontinence pad for a leading company.
Chris Fowler and Mike Rogers have invested an undisclosed amount to help the firm, believed to be one of only a few of its type in the world, spin-out from the university's School of Textiles and Design.
Other work includes an investigation into how the structure and composition of nonwoven fabrics can be manufactured to prevent injury to surgeons caused by scalpel cuts to surgical gloves during operations.
The fabrics must be tough, thin and sufficiently flexible to safeguard the health of the surgeon.
Mr Fowler, who has previously worked in medical supplies, has become managing director of NIRI.
Dr Stephen Russell, a senior lecturer at the university and NIRI's research and technical director, said: "There are countless existing applications of nonwoven technology, including car interiors, battery separators, air filtration and medical dressings.
"But, because the fabrics are not always visible, it is easy to overlook their importance.
"Without nonwovens, everyday products we take for granted simply would not function."
Mr Fowler said: "This is an exciting opportunity to apply knowledge gained from research activities to commercial applications across a range of industries.
"I am looking forward to finding solutions to our clients' research and development challenges and we are very encouraged by the initial responses and enthusiastic support from our potential customers."
Mr Fowler said he invested in the firm after being impressed with the calibre of its academics and the variety of applications for non-woven technology.
"The university had a well-recognised and capable guy in Stephen Russell," he said.
"And I felt the final piece of the jigsaw was to have some commercial direction and professional structure to which I hope to contribute."
He said expansion of the group's proven track record in consultancy for commercial and government clients was the plan for the immediate future.
And he said its niche market position would help it succeed.
"There are not many other businesses out there offering the service we can," he said.
"There is one other organisation in the US I know of and I think we can offer a high level of expertise in the global market."
The university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for research, John Fisher, said: "I am very pleased to see the establishment of NIRI, another excellent example of how we can successfully develop beneficial links with industry.
"Creating commercial opportunities is a key part of our strategy and I am pleased to see this very positive development."
Nonwoven fabrics are porous materials produced mainly from polymeric fibres or filaments that are assembled into complex forms and bonded by thermal, mechanical or chemical means.
In some fabrics, ceramics or metals are used in place of polymers.
Unlike conventional textiles, nonwoven fabrics are directly formed without the need to produce yarns for knitting or weaving.
The majority of nonwoven fabrics are used in hygiene, medical and industrial applications rather than in everyday clothing.
ian.briggs@ypn.co.uk