What is the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute?
The Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI) is equipped and staffed to conduct research and development activities ranging from small-scale testing through large-scale manufacturing. Activities revolve around researching, testing, and evaluating natural and man-made fibers; production and evaluation of yarns and fabrics; alternative textile processing systems; dyeing and finishing; and special yarn and fabric treatments. A fundamental objective is to foster greater use of the natural fibers and increase textile manufacturing in Texas.
As a facility of the Department of Plant and Soil Science within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, FBRI occupies 110,000 square feet of space allowing researchers to conduct testing and evaluation from the raw fiber stage through the finished textile product. The facilities include a multimedia classroom, conference room and library, Biopolymer Research Laboratory, Materials Evaluation Laboratory, Short Staple Spinning Laboratory, Weaving Laboratory, Chemical Finishing Laboratory, Chemical Properties and Microscopy Laboratory, Flammability Laboratory, and Fabric Care Laboratory.
The FBRI is an integral part of Texas Tech’s academic programs and is used by the Colleges of Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and Human Sciences for advanced degree programs and special problems courses as well as for augmenting select course curricula. In addition, scholars from throughout the world conduct post-graduate research at the center. More than 4,000 people visit the FBRI annually.
Several graduate-level courses are taught through the Department of Plant and Soil Science and the Department of Industrial Engineering. Professional education activities include the Texas International Cotton School as well as short courses, conferences, seminars, and special tours.
Where is the FBRI located?
The FBRI is located just outside the City of Lubbock on East Loop 289’s Access Road.For a map and directions to FBRI, click here.
What sort of research is performed at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute?
FBRI research capabilities include: the molecular analysis of fiber structures; the measurement of diverse fiber and fabric properties; the relationships of fiber properties to spinning performance and to yarn and fabric quality; the spinning performance of new cotton varieties; the development of new measurement technologies pertinent to fibers, yarns and fabrics; among others. For a list of testing options and fees, click here.
How can I get a job at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute?
All available employment listings at Texas Tech University are posted for the public at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/personnel/. Feel free to consult those listings.
What is the Texas International Cotton School?
Conducted in cooperation with the Lubbock Cotton Exchange, a collective of local cotton merchants, the Texas International Cotton School (TICS) has introduced more than 400 professional and academic students from 54 countries to the technical and marketing aspects of the cotton industry in a two-week intensive course of study. Each TICS session takes place in August. If you are an international student, it is suggested that you begin the registration process as quickly as possible. For more on the Texas International Cotton School or to register, click here or call 1.806.763.4646
Can I get a tour of the FBRI facilities?
The FBRI offers tours to all adults, high school students and ag educators. Contact us to schedule a tour,
How may I learn more about fiber quality research?
There are a variety of ways. One, feel free to subscribe to FBRI's quarterly electronic magazine, Textile Topics. There you'll find in-depth articles describing much of the research being conducted by FBRI researchers. Feel free to scroll through the archive or search for a keyword in the more than thirty years of FBRI investigation of fiber quality. In addition, see the FBRI Store for a list of recent publications from FBRI researchers. Finally, feel free to wander this website for more tours and news on the latest research in fiber quality or email a question to FBRI@ttu.eduPHP has encountered an Access Violation at 01CB73CD.
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Texas Tech University,
Department of Plant and Soil,
Campus Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409 
806. 742-2837 