Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) of Leeds, UK, has installed an FET-200LAB wet spinning system at the University of Manchester which will play a major part in an advanced materials research programme.

The programme will be conducted by The Henry Royce Institute, which operates as a hub model at The University of Manchester connecting with other leading research universities across the UK.

The institute identifies challenges and stimulates innovation in advanced UK materials research ranging from biomedical devices through to plastics sustainability and energy-efficient devices.

FET-200 series wet spinning systems complement the company’s range of melt spinning equipment. The FET-200LAB is a laboratory scale system which is especially suitable for the early stages of formulation and process development. It is used for processing new functional textile materials in a variety of solvent and polymer combinations.

“We are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious research organisation as the Henry Royce Institute,” said FET managing director Richard Slack. “This flagship research programme into future materials reflects FET’s wide experience and commitment to enabling client development of textile fibres made from renewable resources.”

Specifically, the FET-200LAB will be utilised in trials for a family of fibres made from wood pulp. Bio-based polymers are produced from biomass feedstocks such as cellulose and are commonly used in the manufacture of high end apparel. The key to cellulose and other materials like lyocell and viscose is that they can be recycled, treated and fed back into the wet spinning system for repeat manufacture.

Established in 1998, FET is a leading supplier of laboratory and pilot melt spinning systems with installations in over 35 countries and has now successfully processed more than 35 different polymer types in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats.

www.fetuk.co.uk