Researchers have been able to turn straw into environment-friendly fibres that can be used for everything from dental floss to workwear.
- The project at the University of Alberta (U of A) in Canada explores the most efficient way to process and manufacture specialised fibres from cellulose, a compound comprising linked sugar molecules found in all plants. The work, when fully developed, can benefit the environment, the economy and Canada’s textile manufacturing sector.
THE PROJECT: Experimenting with cellulose from Canadian-grown hemp, the team of researchers plan to determine the best parameters for producing lyocell, a man-made fibre that can then be turned into textiles for a wide range of products.
- The solvent used in producing lyocell is almost 100% recoverable, making it a sustainable way to manufacture textile fibres. The regenerated cellulose fibres also provide a use for agricultural straw that would otherwise be left in the field.
- Hemp, in particular, offers great opportunities as a local source of cellulose for the lyocell process. While traditional sources like eucalyptus trees and bamboo plants don’t grow in Canada, the country’s long daylight hours are good for growing hemp.
- The research began in 2023 in the U of A’s Biorefining and Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory and the Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility. The work is happening in two phases, first exploring how to enhance the process of manufacturing the cellulose filaments.
- When taking the cellulose and making a fibre out of it, the researchers want to see how they can optimise the selection of blending different types of hemp, to get the best performance in qualities such as strength. The researchers are then adding other ingredients to the cellulose to modify the fibre so it stands up under wet or dry conditions, and is resistant to fire, UV rays and shrinkage.
- In initial control experiments, the researchers have already been able to create a lyocell fibre using cellulose from wood pulp, laying the groundwork for experimenting with hemp.
- The team is still refining the process and learning new things, but since they have a proof of concept with existing wood pulp, they can proceed with experiments using hemp and other feedstocks, such as cellulose from used clothing. When it’s complete, the research will lead to patented technology that can feed Canada’s textile manufacturing sector.
The Findings: The paper titled 'Cellulose Textiles from Hemp Biomass: Opportunities and Challenges' has been published in Sustainability.
- The authors are Patricia I Dolez, Lauren M Degenstein, Bronwyn Bates, Wade Chute and Dan King.
The work, which also includes the expertise of U of A researchers Jane Batcheller and David Bressler, is funded by the Alberta Innovates Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada and PrairiesCan. - Industry partners include Davey Textile Solutions Inc funded through the National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, clothing retailer Mark’s, Techfibre Industries and Plantae Technologies.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Humans are starting to consume more cellulose-based textiles, mainly cotton, but that can only be grown in certain agricultural zones, so land is limited. Alternative forms of cellulose would help fill that gap, and hemp feedstock is a good opportunity because it can grow almost everywhere in the world. Once we are able to apply this technology, we could have quite a strong boom for potential end users, not just for textiles, but for anything from biofuels to food science.
— Patricia Dolez (Lead Researcher)
Textile scientist, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences
University of Alberta
