$100m high tech fibre research centre on track
Senator Evans … ‘international hub’
A new $100 million Australian fibres research centre now under construction at Deakin University in Victoria is set to transform Australia's manufacturing and fibre related industries.
The Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC) at Geelong, south west of Melbourne, is a collaboration between CSIRO, Deakin University and the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing.
Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans said the new centre would position the Geelong region as an international hub for research in advanced fibrous materials.
"The centre will see CSIRO and Deakin University researchers working together on a series of projects aimed at increasing the research capacity of both organisations to service the textile and fibre industry," Senator Evans said.
"Research and development partnerships already underway include Quiksilver for material for action sportswear, the Australian Defence Force to develop smart fibres for use in uniform fabrics and the Cotton R&D Corporation to develop low twist, fine count yarns and fabrics from cotton.
"The new centre will have a world-first, pilot scale research plant able to produce commercial quantities of carbon fibre which is at the core of a number of advanced materials used in aeronautical and other engineering applications.
"Its strength and light weight means carbon fibre will transform manufacturing."
The AFFRIC is expected to generate almost 500 indirect jobs in the region during the construction phase.