NIRI is advancing polymer science to support textile and material innovation. With a unique combination of expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-focused processes, our polymer capabilities enable partners to confidently go from molecular design to next-generation textile product.
Expertise that Drives Innovation: Dr Bryan Kaushiva
Central to NIRI’s polymer innovation capability is Dr Bryan Kaushiva, an Innovation Scientist with expertise across polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, and emerging biopolymers. His background includes technical leadership roles in papermaking, polyurethane processing, and polyamide manufacturing, where he led the development and scale-up of new polymeric materials.
Much of Dr Kaushiva’s work has focused on sustainability, including the commercialisation of polymers made from renewable or recycled inputs and bio-derived intermediates. His depth of experience supports NIRI’s mission to accelerate innovation through a detailed understanding of polymer structure and function.
Advanced Facilities for Rapid End-to-End Polymer Development
NIRI’s laboratory and pilot facilities support polymer research and development from gram-scale synthesis through to fibre production and performance testing.
At the synthesis stage, our high-pressure polymerisation reactor allows for precise control of reaction conditions, whilst our micro-reactor with capacities as small as 5 grams is ideal for exploratory chemistry and screening when material availability is limited. These unique tools also enable rapid formulation adjustments and facilitate early decision-making.
Our solid-phase polymerisation system allows for the controlled increase of molecular weight after initial polymerisation. Compounding then enables masterbatch production and the incorporation of any functional additives. Our pelletising capabilities help to prepare feedstock for spinning, while desiccant drying ensures resin conditioning prior to melt processing allowing us to evaluate fibre performance and application viability quickly and efficiently.
Our fully equipped textile and polymer chemistry lab includes analytical tools which are essential for understanding thermal and chemical properties, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Our extensive testing facilities also enable us to evaluate the performance of polymers, fibres, nonwovens, and finished products.
Driving the Future of Polymer Innovation
With growing regulatory and consumer pressure to reduce dependency on fossil-based inputs, industries are increasingly focused on developing bio-based and biodegradable polymers. NIRI has been utilising its polymerisation capabilities to advance innovation in areas including using renewable intermediates and fermentation-derived monomers.
Furthermore, fibre-to-fibre recycling is becoming essential to circularity in the textile sector. Our ability to analyse, reprocess and restore recycled polymers is increasingly important to advancing circular textile systems.
Meanwhile, sectors requiring enhanced performance can benefit from tailoring polymer blends to meet functional demands, whether it’s temperature resistance, bio-inertness, or flame retardancy.
By coupling material science with practical application development, and fostering collaborative innovation, NIRI de-risks and accelerates innovation through tailored consultancy to complement business growth.
Get in Touch
Need support with polymer development? NIRI’s experts and facilities are here to help.
Contact us to discuss your polymer technologies and project goals.
