Since the founding of the Baumwolllabor (Cotton Laboratory) in 1955, a central topic for Faserinstitut Bremen has been the testing of fibers and the further development of test methods. This is still the focal point in the competency of Test Method Development. Based on the classical work areas of fiber characterization, development of test methods and harmonization, new focal points have been set in online measurement and quality assurance in the production of composite fiber materials.

The testing of fibers and fiber products is an essential part of the entire value chain from fiber cultivation to the final product. Fiber testing is the basis for optimized fiber production, trade and processing.

• Application, testing and improvement of current fiber testing appliances (Premier aQura)
• Use of new technical possibilities for the development of new test methods (Electronic Nose, noise emission analysis, image analysis)

The worldwide usage of fiber parameters, however, is only possible with an adequate reliability of measured values at an internationally recognized level.

• Carrying out appropriate harmonization measures like the Cotton Round Trial [Details] or conduction of the Interwoollab IH Round Trials [Details] for the certification of wool laboratories.
• International cooperation for harmonization
  • Development and implementation of international measures for the worldwide examination of cotton laboratories based on the ICAC (Task Force on Commercial Standardisation of Instrument Testing of Cotton - CSITC) [Round Test Details]
  • Support of African regions to ensure and improve the reliability of their measured values (Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), European Union (EU)) [more]
  • Evaluation and recommendation of cotton testing methods (ITMF International Committee on Cotton Testing Methods)
    

By transferring the testing competency to the fiber processing, a consistent quality assurance takes place during the processing of fiber. A significant focal point here is online measurements

• Determination of semi-finished material properties (draping ability) relevant to processing
• Online determination of the fiber orientation distribution during the manufacture of nonwovens
• Quality assurance during the manufacture of CFRP components made of non-crimped fabrics

In the process, competencies developed in the area of natural fibers are ideally transferred to the requirements for the manufacture of high-performance materials.