#Research & Development

2024-08-22

Wood wool instead of crude oil: Scientists at TU Dresden develop sustainable biocomposites

In the "Lignowool_2" project, TUD researchers are developing a composite material made of wood wool and biodegradable, textile plastic fibers. The so-called lignowool composites represent a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. In future, they are to be used in the automotive industry for door panels and trunk floors, for example. This is a technical application of wood wool and promotes the use of natural materials.

Process chain for processing technical wood wool (lignowool composites) at TU Dresden, © Sebastian Siwek

Wood wool is used in everyday areas, for example as a cushioning filling and padding material in packaging, as an ignition aid, but also in horticulture and animal husbandry. It also has a load-bearing function in lightweight panels.

Due to its lack of malleability and low strength, conventional wood wool is currently not used beyond the areas mentioned. With the production of lignowool composites, the TUD scientists at the Chair of Wood Machinery and High Performance Materials Technology, together with the Institute of Textile Machinery and Fiber Materials Technology (ITM) and various practice partners, want to open up a new field of application for wood wool. In the first phase of the project, the technological feasibility of the composite materials was demonstrated. Now the knowledge gained is being implemented. Technical wood wool with previously unattained properties is created from solid wood by means of incisions made in a targeted manner and precise cutting. This is then combed with biopolymer fibers in a carding machine and thus structured. Further textile-technical process steps lead to pressable blanks, the so-called wood wool thermoplastic tapes. In the project, these are processed into prototypes for the above-mentioned automotive applications.

"The technical wood wool we process retains its typical wood properties. It is more stable than the previously established wood wool and has a high formability. It is also reproducible and can be processed using textile technology," explains project manager Sebastian Siwek. "By developing composites, we are closing a gap in the field of wood-based materials and increasing resource efficiency through a more holistic utilization of wood."

The project team is planning an industry-oriented pilot plant to test the process for broad application, further develop the wood wool manufacturing process and improve the combination of the various processing steps.

"Lignowool_2" will run for two and a half years and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The project sponsor is the Agency for Renewable Resources (Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V.).

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

Teaching Award for the Day Of The Faculty of mechanical science and engineering 2025

On June 28, 2025, almost 300 guests celebrated the Day of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Boulevardtheater Dresden. At this year's ceremony, over 60 graduates from the Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology and Material Science degree programs were given a ceremonial send-off into professional life, 9 doctoral graduates were congratulated on the successful completion of their dissertations and prizes worth a total of 13,500 euros were awarded.

Commissioning of the FRS 1800 high-temperature rheometer at the ITM

In March 2025, the new Furnace System 1800 (FRS 1800) high-temperature rheometer from Anton Paar was put into operation at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden. The installation was carried out by Fabian Barth and Peter Brandes from Anton Paar in collaboration with Florian Pötzsch and Dr. Dilbar Aibibu from the ITM.

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

European Flax-Linen & Hemp step into advanced manufacturing: Enabling filament winding, 3D printing and high-performance composite processes

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp announces a new wave of technological advancements demonstrating how flax-linen and hemp fibres are now being successfully integrated into advanced composite manufacturing processes. These developments mark a transition beyond traditional hand lay-up techniques, positioning natural fibres as credible, scalable solutions for high-performance industrial applications.