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Innovative Ionic Process for Turning Cellulose Into Textile Fiber

The production volumes of cotton can't keep growing due to the volumes of water and cultivation area it demands, says researcher Michael Hummel of Finland's Aalto University. Hummel and his research team have developed a globally-significant process for working cellulose into a textile fiber. The new manufacturing process is more ecological than the process employed in traditional cotton and viscose production. Based on ionic solvents developed at the University of Helsinki, the new fiber is also stronger than viscose. In cooperation with the University's Department of Design, the cellulose fiber was worked into a textile sample.