#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.

Stylish design made from sustainable materials – two DITF research projects receive Techtextil Innovation Awards

Materials made from domestic, renewable raw materials reduce CO₂ emissions, prevent microplastics from entering the environment, and close the material cycle. The German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing nature-based alternatives to synthetically produced and predominantly petroleum-based materials. Two research projects have received a prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award. NUO Flexholz and the lignin-coated material FormLig demonstrate that sustainable concepts can meet high standards of functionality and design. Both projects were carried out in close collaboration with industry.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Techtextil 2026 recognition for the UK’s FET

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24). The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Lower CO2, stronger bonds: Indorama Ventures enables customers’ performance at Techtextil

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Indorama Ventures presents its latest material innovations aimed at supporting customers in achieving both performance and sustainability targets. The company highlights solutions based on recycled and bio-based raw materials as well as advanced binder fibers, addressing current market demands for lower CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and reliable supply.