Associate ProfessorMaryam Naebe

I lead research that transforms fibrous waste and renewable biomass into high-value, sustainable fibre-based materials, enabling circular manufacturing and reducing microplastic pollution.

My research centres on sustainable fibre science, with a focus on the design, processing, fibre formation, and structure–property relationships of bio-based and fibrous materials. This includes natural fibres (wool, cotton, hemp, ...) and novel regenerated fibres derived from lignocellulosic biomass. 

I investigate the extraction, modification, and utilisation of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and bacterial cellulose for advanced material applications.

My work encompasses textile recycling and waste valorisation, including the conversion of post-consumer textiles and agricultural residues into fibres, biopolymers, and composite materials. A key area of interest is fibre formation, alongside the development of bioplastics and fibre-based materials for sustainable packaging applications.

In parallel, I study the mechanisms of fibre fragmentation and microplastic generation from textiles and synthetic fibres, focusing on detection, characterisation, and mitigation strategies to reduce environmental release.

Overall, my research integrates material design, fibre processing and formation technologies, and environmental impact assessment to enable circular and sustainable fibre-based systems.