A platform for new materials
Grouse Fibre develops sustainable advanced fibres for technical applications
Grouse Fibre develops sustainable advanced fibres for technical applications
With funding from Innovate UK we are developing protein feedstocks from abundant sources. Our research into casein from waste milk led to our first breakthrough.
We know that the secret to success in fibre production is attention to detail in the preparation of the dope which is another term for the polymer solutions.
Fibres are useful. How they form and the macrostructures created is as important as what they formed from. Our know-how in novel materials is helping us make breakthroughs in difficult to process materials.
Our interest also extends into the downsteam processing of materials. How we cool, heat and dry our fibres affects the crystal formation and final properties of the fibre.
We can learn from how nature uses fibres to build structures and enable life. The keratin in wool and hair, fibroin in spider silk and the spring-like triple-helix collagen in skin and muscle tissue can signpost materials of the future. We can also look to see how nature creates fibres to inform our wet-spinning and fibre forming process. Polymeric self-assembly and rapid phase-change can show inspire us to create the equipment of the future to form filaments from unique and useful materials.
Our protein fibres posses unique properties not found in other synthetics or natural polymers. Tunable hygroscopy and moisture retention, high nitrogen content, biodegradability. This can bring significant value add for horticulture, industrials and consumer applications.
Welcome to Grouse Fibre. We create fibres and filaments from proteins.
We add these fibres to growing media to create advanced substrates for horticulture growers. We extend the technical capability of peat-free substrate and can improve the yield and growing time across horticultural environments.