Engineering attributes in textile fabrics

This project aims to study consumer aesthetic attributes and to specify them objectively as targets for new wool and/or wool mixture fabrics, which we can then try to engineer by working backwards from yarn supply to fabric weaving and finishing, through to garment making. Consequently we could produce innovative wool-based fabrics driven by market/consumer attributes. This can also provide know-how in engineering or re-engineering fabric using new technological principles and objective measurement and interpretation techniques. To that effect a cluster of companies together with the DTI-OSTEMS companies, will be collaborating between themselves and with the University in getting new innovative ranges of fabrics to the marketplace. They are willing to share the cost of the project which may be seen as a pilot for the rest of the industry. The Confederation of British Wool Textiles are supporting this project and will be involved in the steering of the project and the dissemination of its findings. The Wool Textile Export Corporation has agreed to promote actively the new materials at international textile fairs, and the media. The Scottish Textile Association is also participating in this project on behalf of the Scottish border companies. The scheme will be assisted for basic promotion through the Bradford Business Link.