AATCC’s Materials & Chemical Applications Interest Groups have teamed up to sponsor a program on Advances in Colorants, Chemicals, Finishes, and Fibrous Materials.  The program co-chaired by Fred L. Cook with Georgia Institute of Technology and Stephen B. Brooks with Hanesbrands Inc. will be held June 3-4, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency located at 220 N. Main St. in Greenville, South Carolina.  The Annual National Textile Center (NTC) Forum will be held in conjunction with the symposium.

Mary Czerwinski, Research Area Manager for the Visualization and Interaction Research group at Microsoft Research, will be the keynote speaker.  Ms. Czerwinski’s presentation titled, From Scatterbrained to Focused: User Interface Support for Today's Crazed Information Worker, will discuss her research group’s approach to the user-centered design of advanced user interfaces and describe some of their more recent research projects.

Presentations to include:

Reactive Dyes with Enhanced Cellulose Affinity - Harold Freeman, North Carolina State University

Laboratory dyeing studies conducted using new homobifunctional reactive dyes and their commercial prototypes indicate that higher affinities and fixation levels were observed with the new dyes, along with lower ADMI color values in wastewater arising from the dyeing process.  Details pertaining to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of these dyes will be presented.

Synthesis of Novel Polymeric Colorants - Max A. Weaver, Eastman Chemical Co./Consultant

Novel polymeric/oligomeric colorants have been synthesized utilizing three unique synthetic methods.  These polymeric colorants or "polydyes" have been shown to be useful for coloring thermoplastics by melt blending followed by extrusion.  The "polydyes" are soluble in the thermoplastics, performing as dyes as opposed to pigments and are not sublimable or extractable and do not migrate.

Permanent Colorants and Fiber Finishes via Ionic Self Assembly-Covalent Fixation Fred L. Cook, Georgia Institute of Technology

Ionic self-assembly followed by thermal covalent fixation utilizes electrostatic interactions to pre-assemble species with complementary charges.  Strained cyclic ammonium cations substituted with a dye or finish molecule are coordinated with weak nucleophiles such as carboxylate groups on bleached cellulosic and nylon fibers, and the assembly is then heated to open the strained ammonium ring and form the covalently-bonded product.   

Recent Advances in Electroactive and Photonic Polymeric Fibers for Smart Material and Color

Applications Richard V. Gregory, Old Dominion University

Recent advances in applications of organic electroactive polymers to organic electronics and photonic materials is providing the basis for tomorrows smart fibers  We will review current applications of these materials and discuss their anticipated future application to “smart textiles” as sensors, electronic colorants, and optical communication fiber based devices including organic fiber based laser systems. 

Aromatic Diimides Fluorescent Dyes for Use in Smart Polymeric Films and Fibers – Michael A. Meador, NASA

A new family of highly fluorescent aromatic diimide dyes have been developed with the potential for use in the detection of chemical and biological species, mechanical strain, or temperature.  Synthesis of these compounds and evaluation of their sensory behavior in polymer films will be discussed.

Novel Light Emissive and Diffractive Fibers - John Ballato, Clemson University

This paper will discuss novel the synthesis, properties, and applications of a new class of optically active polymeric fibers that exhibit strong light emission and diffraction that is enabled by nano- and micro-scale microstructural engineering.

NanoColorant Inks Tim McCraw, Yuhan Kimberly

The digital printing of textiles has emerged as a potentially disruptive technology, however progress to date has been retarded because the available printing solutions are not environmentally or user friendly. A new aqueous based NanoColorant ink requiring no pretreatment and only dry thermal post-treatment has been developed. Properties of printed fabrics, including color gamut and durability, are presented.

Inkjet Deposition of Complex Mixtures to Textiles - Wallace Carr, Georgia Institute of Technology

Using a high-speed imaging setup with a cold pulse laser, drop-on-demand inkjet printing processes were “frozen” temporally and spacially at the micro-scale.  The two critical processes, drop formation and impaction, have been studied using pure Newtonian and particle-laden liquids and substrates including smooth surfaces, patterned rough surfaces and textiles.

4 E's (ecology, economy,environment,efficiency) - John Stewart, Clariant Corp.

"Green" is a much used catch word. It is not just about a single special chemical with a "green" rating, but it is about "intelligent chemistry" used  to achieve a "green" result. The 4 E's (ecology, environment, efficiency, economy).

A Glimpse into Sustainable Processes and Green Chemistries for Textile Processing Michael Cheek,

Huntsman Corp.

Considerable efforts are being undertaken to find more "sustainable" methods for textile processing to both reduce the carbon footprint of these processes as well as lessen the overall environmental impact of textile manufacturing.  At the same time, efforts are underway to develop chemical processing aids that are "bio-based", that are derived from renewable resources - to lessen the dependence on petroleum as a starting raw material.  This paper explores an example of a "Sustainable Bleaching Process", and also takes a look at recent developments in "Green" Biodiesel-Based surfactants that are being explored for use in Textiles.

Leading the Way to Sustainable Textile Bleaching Anna-Liisa Auterinen, Genencor Danisco

Today water is getting scarce and energy saving is a must. This is placing textile processing under scrutiny, and improvements in sustainability are required. Enzymes work in mild conditions, are specific and conserve water and energy. This presentation focuses on a new, sustainable enzymatic textile bleaching process with improvements over classical system.

Silver:  Natural, Precious and a Great Antimicrobial – Robert Curtis, Eastman Kodak Co.

There are numerous historical applications of silver as an antimicrobial agent.  Applications in textile markets are rapidly expanding as the traditional barriers to use have disappeared.  Kodak has applied its expertise with silver to create novel silver antimicrobial products.  This talk will detail the sustainability aspects of these silver products for textile applications, including environmental friendliness and safety.

   

Novel Polymer-Nano/microparticle Composites - Varun Sambhy, Penn State University

Abstract unavailable

Surface Functionalization of Polymeric Substrates with Reactive Polymers - Igor Luzinov, Clemson

University

The surface characteristics of polymer films and fibers may often be decisive to their suitability for applications, since friction, abrasion, wetting, adhesion, adsorption, and penetration phenomena are involved.  In order to obtain polymer materials with the desired surface performance, their boundary is often modified before use.  To this end, the present communication focuses on synthesis and characterization of the nanothick, chemically grafted polymer layers on polymeric substrates including polymer fibers, membranes, and films. 

Development of a Disperse Dyeable Polypropylene Fiber - Prashant Desai, FiberVisions

Abstract unavailable

Latest Innovations in Dyeing Flame Resistance Fibers – Bob Neal, Organic Dyestuffs Corp.

The biggest development recently is the new fibers made from plastic that are being offered by Sabic Innovative Plastics.  This paper covers the recommended dye method, including colorants, chemical and optimum time and temperatures.  In addition, the latest updates in dye methods are given for various aramid fibers.

Structure Property Relationships in PLA FilamentsEunkyoung Shim , North Carolina State University

Abstract unavailable

High Modulus Synthetic Fibers - Richard Kotek, North Carolina State University

Abstract unavailable

Chemical Protective Suit Liners with Mustard Chemical Warfare Agent Countermeasures Capabilities –

S. S. Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

There is an immediate need for developing new decontamination systems for personal and sensitive equipment. More importantly, military and law enforcement are in need of non-particulate and non-aqueous decontamination systems. With this need in mind, a collaborative endeavor at Texas Tech University has resulted in a flexible dry decontamination wipe. The dry wipe has been found to adsorb mustard (HD) vapor and hold it better than the currently fielded particulate M291 system. In addition, the wipe was compatible with alkalis and acids. Based on the adsorption characteristics of the wipe, it is evident that the nonwoven composite wipe can be used as an important component in developing next generation low-cost decontamination wipe.

Development of Anti-Counterfeit Textile Substrates Using Covert Taggants - Renzo Shamey,

North Carolina State University

In today's rapidly changing market and due to increasing demands to authenticate substrates and protect production methods, it may be necessary to employ overt or covert tagging measures. Authentication of products can protect the manufacturer and improve revenue, ensure quality, and increase consumer confidence.  Such measures, however, need to be practical, cost effective and capable of resisting the production conditions during various processes.  This presentation will examine some of the current tagging techniques and provide a brief review of a method jointly developed at North Carolina State University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Real or Fake: Brand Protection in Today’s Global Economy – Andy Butenhoff, Anovotek LLC

This presentation will provide an overview of the multi-billion dollar global problem of counterfeiting and discuss various technologies that brand owners can deploy to help protect their brand equity, retail customers, and profits.

Polymerization of Fluorocarbon Monomers onto Cotton with Atmospheric Pressure Plasma- 

Peter Hauser, North Carolina State University

A mixture of fluoro and nonfluoro acrylates were polymerized on cotton fabric using nonthermal high density atmospheric pressure plasma.  The treated fabric was characterized with FT-IR (ATR), XPS , SEM and TEM techniques.  The repellency of the treated fabric was evaluated with AATCC Test Methods.

The NTC Forum will include a poster session on the afternoon and evening of June 3, as well as opportunities to interact with NTC faculty and students on both days.  The poster session will include all currently funded NTC projects (click here for a list of the NTC posters) which will cover a variety of topics.  Project participants will staff each poster, to provide opportunities for discussion and for development of technology transfer possibilities.

Attendees may opt to participate in a tour of Clemson University's Advanced Materials Research Laboratory (AMRL) after the conclusion of the program on Wednesday afternoon. This lab is internationally recognized for its work in advanced fibers, films, ceramics, plastics, optics, composites and nanomaterials. The instrumentation labs include an electron microscopy facility that houses the nation's highest-resolution university electron microscope. Clemson is the only university in the Americas with the complete capability to make optical fiber. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to this facility. Directions will be provided. Please indicate on the registration form if you plan to participate in the tour. You must sign up in advance.

The registration fee for this program is US$710 (US$475 for individual and corporate AATCC members) and will include luncheons, breaks and a copy of all available papers. NTC poster presenters pay US$400.  A student registration fee of US$125 is available to AATCC student members and student poster presenters. Refunds will be made if cancellations are received on or before May 23, 2008.

Overnight accommodations are available at the Holiday Inn Express (within walking distance of the Hyatt), 407 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 USA , +1 864 678 8000.  Reservations should be made directly with the hotel and attendance at the AATCC symposium should be specified to receive the group rate of US$119 single/double. 

For additional information please contact Kim Nicholson, AATCC, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709-2215 USA; telephone +1 919 549 3535; fax +1 919 549 8933; or email nicholk@aatcc.org.

Click here to download the registration brochure (including program timetable).

Click here to register online.

Click here to register offline by downloading an AATCC Registration Form and submitting by fax to +1 919 549 8933.*


*If your company is a corporate member of AATCC you will need to register offline.