Performance Textiles: Assuring Product Quality

Performance Textiles: Technologies and Testing Seminar

November 8, 2012
IFAI Expo Americas 2012

Boston, MA

AATCC is sponsoring the Performance Textiles: Technologies and Testing seminar as part of the educational offerings at IFAI Expo Americas 2012. This session, moderated by Martin J.Bide, University of Rhode Island, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8. The program will focus on technologies which will enhance fabric performance and test methods used to evaluate these performance attributes as a means of assuring the quality of your product. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how standardized tests can be used to compare products and how testing can improve the reputation and bottom line of their business.

Presentations include:

Dual Sided Fabric Finishing via Plasma, Peter J. Hauser, North Carolina State University
Atmospheric pressure plasma can be a useful method to apply chemical finishes to fabric such that the fabric face and back exhibit radically different properties. A 50/50 nylon/cotton fabric was treated with both an antimicrobial (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and a repellent (non-PFOA) finish on a laboratory atmospheric pressure plasma unit. The final finished fabric exhibited excellent repellency on the face and was antimicrobial and absorbent on the back. The treatment process is well suited for scale up to continuous processing on a commercial scale. The resulting fabric is expected to find use in personal protective equipment for military and first responder applications.

Evaluating Moisture Management Properties Utilizing AATCC Test Methods, Chris Leonard, AATCC
This presentation will focus on the latest test method developments for evaluating moisture management. Test methodologies to be discussed include liquid moisture management properties, wicking, drying rate and drying time.

Water: Repellency, Resistance, Proof - What is the Difference? Steve Simonson, ITG/Burlington WorldWide
This presentation will discuss the definitions of water repellency, water resistance, and waterproof and how these properties are measured using established test methods and specifications. Test methods discussed will include AATCC, ASTM, and international methods.

Antimicrobial Test Methods: A Summary of Method Design and Selection, Dave Klein, Thomson Research Associates
For the uninitiated, selecting an antimicrobial test method or comparing antimicrobial test reports can be a confusing experience. This presentation reviews some of the different types of antibacterial and antifungal test methods available. A general summary of each type, with suggestions on selection and use, will be provided.

The session will conclude with a panel discussion giving attendees an opportunity to address questions to the speakers.

This seminar is being offered as a bonus session for individuals registering to attend IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Americas Conference. Additional details may be found on IFAI’s Expo Americas 2012 website,www.ifaiexpo.com.

While at the Expo please plan to visit the AATCC booth, # 2121, and chat with the staff about the Association’s test methods and quality control aids, educational offerings, membership benefits, and activities.