Research that becomes product
Skilpack’s fibre processes come from peer-reviewed research in textile science, carried out with university partners in China and Uganda.
Areas of research
Our work focuses on turning agricultural residues into high-value fibres and materials.
Degumming and softening
Alkali, ultrasonic and activated-water methods that remove natural gums from banana fibre while preserving strength.
Cottonisation and spinning
Refining banana fibre into a cotton-like staple that can be spun alone or blended with cotton.
Biomaterials
Nanocellulose aerogels from banana pseudo-stem, including applications as wound dressings.
Pineapple leaf fibre
Extraction and preparation of pineapple leaf fibre for textiles, crafts and composites.
Natural-fibre hair
The softening and finishing processes behind Banafine banana-fibre hair extensions.
Student research
Professional guidance for students researching banana fibre and natural textiles.
Publications
Peer-reviewed research by the Skilpack founder, Collins Bagiritima Twebaze, and collaborators at Tiangong University.
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2023
Nanocellulose aerogels from banana pseudo-stem as a wound dressing
Industrial Crops and Products
- 2023
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2022
Banana fibre degumming by alkali and ultrasonic methods
Journal of Natural Fibers
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2021
Banana fibre degumming methods
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2019
Investigation on the poor computer graphic design skills among art and design students at university
International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education
Research collaboration
Our research partnership with Tiangong University, one of China’s leading textile universities, has produced published work on banana-fibre processing and banana-based biomaterials.
We welcome collaboration with universities, research institutes and industry on natural-fibre processing, product development and testing.
In the laboratory
Working on natural fibres?
Talk to us about joint research, testing, student supervision or technology transfer.