26 October 2005

Technical textile spin out
Burglar proof window blinds, peat-free growing media for plants and cut-resistant surgical gloves are just some of the design problems being tackled by a new University of Leeds spin out company, NIRI (Nonwovens Innovations and Research Institute Limited). The company will research revolutionary new fabric structures, drawing on the University's expertise in technical textiles.

NIRI is designing fabrics that could improve everything from household wipes and specialist protective clothing to high-tech blood filters. The company is investigating how the structure and composition of nonwoven fabrics can be designed to prevent injury to surgeons caused by scalpel cuts during operations. These fabrics must be tough, thin and sufficiently deformable to safeguard the dexterity of the surgeon.

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.”

School of design senior lecturer and NIRI director Dr Stephen Russell: “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.”

Managing director of NIRI Chris 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 tackling clients' research and development challenges and we are very encouraged by the initial responses and enthusiastic support from our potential customers."

For more information, contact:
Chris Fowler, managing director, NIRI, 07802 326 355, chris@fowlershq.fsnet.co.uk Hannah Love, press ofice, University of Leeds, 0113 343 4100, h.e.b.love@leeds.ac.uk

Notes for editors
1. Nonwoven fabrics are porous materials produced mainly from polymeric fibres or filaments that are assembled in to complex architectures and bonded by thermal, mechanical or chemical (adhesive) 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.