Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1: Develop and evaluate new textiles and materials systems and processes " New York prepared TiO2/PAN fibers in less than 1 mm and used the photocatalytic properties of fibers containing TiO2 nanoparticles as a self decontaminating material in degradation of the pesticide aldicarb as the model toxin. " Biocidal halamine polypropylene fibers were developed at UCD by using a reactive extrusion process in a twin-extruder. The fibers demonstrated powerful and rechargeable antibacterial functions against bacteria, viruses, and most pathogens. " UCD has started a study on using photo-sensitizers as biocidal agents in textiles and polymers. Results have been published in several articles. This is a promising technology that can be applied in medical protective clothing and devices. " The results of the research at UCD have drawn additional funding from Defense Threat Reduction Agency on using these nanofibers in chemical/biological protective clothing. " Initiated research to develop thermostatic smart textile containing phase change materials (PCMs) using electrospinning as a new method for creating PCMs nanofibers. Objective 2. Design and evaluate garment systems and processes " Methodology and tools MN completed a study of the effects of scan attire on accuracy and reliability of anthropometric data. A second motion capture system dedicated to motion analysis of functional apparel was acquired with grant money for the Minnesota Human Dimensioning Lab. The HDL now has both a reflective marker system and a direct signal system for motion analysis. " Product Development: Coverall design A new coverall design for agricultural workers was developed collaboratively with input from IA, MN, MO, CA, and NY. An invention disclosure for this design (listing co-inventors from MN and NY) has been filed with the Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization. In collaboration with MO, a sizing system has been developed for the coverall based on data from the SizeUSA anthropometric survey. Sourcing is underway for production of a set of coveralls to be used in testing. " Methodology development: Use of scan data for fit assessment A comparative study of the fit of athletic shorts and t-shirts was conducted in NY on a participant group of 72 women using the 3D scanner in collaboration with Nike Apparel. Analysis of results showed some agreement between expert and participant judgment of fit, especially in the smaller and larger sizes. " User needs analysis I: Scan study of FF turnout gear design in active positions A scan study is underway in NY to test range of movement and fit issues in current firefighter's gear in collaboration with, and funded by, Globe Manufacturing. Scan tests were conducted with three firefighters in five sets of turnout gear, for 3 active poses and 2 range of movement poses. Analysis of the stress folds showed variations among the different uniform models, both in scale and location. MO received an internal grant to conduct focus groups with firefighters and body scan 103 fire fighters. Anthropometric data from the scans was compared to SizeUSA data and is currently being analyzed. MO attended two sessions of a structural fire training course and took over 200 photographs of fire fighters in working positions. A content analysis will be performed. IA collected 3D body scans of 10 firefighters with their gear in three positions to analyze pant fit. Through collaborations with Iowa State University's Kinesiology Department, internal funding was obtained to conduct body scans and physiological testing. Three-dimensional body scans were collected of firefighters with their gear on and without their gear, in form-fitting clothing. A total of 60 scans were obtained of ten firefighters in three positions (standing, squatting, and low squatting) to analyze pant fit. Analysis of body scan data is in progress. " User needs analysis II: Focus group study of firefighters In collaboration with Missouri, New York, and Hawaii, a total of nine focus groups were conducted in five different states, utilizing 55 career and volunteer firefighters from 11 different fire departments, both male and female. Information was collected regarding the fit, function, and design of current firefighter turnout gear. Focus group data was analyzed and the following common issues were identified: weight and breathability of coats and pants, poor fit of pants resulting in restricted mobility (e.g. crotch and waist), and pocket size and location. Firefighters also commented that their gloves and boots negatively impact their ability to accomplish certain tasks and movements. " User needs analysis III: Physiological impact testing of firefighter gear Physiological impact testing was also conducted in IA in an environmental chamber using ten firefighters in their gear to determine thermoregulatory and metabolic responses to the physical stress of wearing turnout gear. Data analysis is in progress. Baseline measures were also taken of the firefighters when wearing exercise shorts and T-shirts for comparison. " OSU conducted evaluation of cooling unit developed by NanoPore indicated significant differences for multiple measures for subjects wearing level A and B suits with cooling providing an improvement. However, the size and bulk of the cooler units are not suitable in practical applications. A human subject testing, evaluating 3 types of microclimate cooling systems under chemical protective level A and B suits was conducted with chamber temperature at 90°±1° F and relative humidity 25%±5%. All 5 subjects were able to function longer with cooling worn under Level A suits (ave of 9.4 min longer); there were significant differences in sweat rate and skin temperatures at chest and back. Lower heart rate and core temperatures were observed with cooling. Significant differences for skin temperature at both locations, core temperature and sweat rate were found for subjects wearing Level B suits with cooling providing improvement. Reduction in clarity of vision due to fogging of the face shield improved slightly with cooling, however, remained problematic for those wearing Level A suits. Six base line tests (no-cooling), 4 with subjects in Level A and 2 with subjects in Level B, had to be terminated due to elevated heart rate, core temperature or fatigue. " An extensive thermal study was conducted at OSU using a sweating thermal manikin, Walter, to study the relationship between microclimate temperature/humidity and body temperature/sweat rate. Temperature and humidity sensors were placed at 2 locations on the interior of a fire fighter coat, and an outside pocket. Environmental conditions were 20°C and 50% RH. Experiments were set up to incrementally increase Walters core temperature and collect microclimate data transmitted by wireless sensors. Microclimate temperature at chest and at back were found to be good predictors of core temperature with regression equations yielding R2=0.986 and R2=0.995, for the smart clothing research. Data analyses on the relationship between microclimate humidity and sweat rate are still being conducted. However, lessons learned from extensive manikin testing indicated human subject testing should provide more realistic regression. A human subject pilot study was conducted to collect microclimate data from wireless sensors and core temperature data from the internal capsule to investigate the correlation between the two. " Redesigned the smart glove; moved the sensor to the base of the pinky finger thus maintaining improved contact, strengthened sensor alignment by embedding the tip of the sensor in a semi rigid ring; separated the sensor mote and the power pack and designed 2 receptacles on the glove cuff to carry each part which streamlined the cuff and permitted greater flexibility. " Microencapsulated phase change material (HI &NY): In collaboration with the Department of Textile Engineering at Chinese Culture University, Taiwan, to explore new cool textiles and materials. " An Exploration of Dye Adsorption of Chitosan (HI): In collaboration with Department of Textile Engineering at Chinese Culture University (CCU), Taiwan, to explore new textiles for medical materials. Objective 3: Establish a communication and education system for personal protective technology: "Create a public online system for protective clothing communities All states contribute to the NC-170 website that is maintained by MD. The goals are 1) to inform users about the advantages/disadvantages of the materials, construction, and design features of hats, gloves, and body coverings found in standard turnout gear and 2) to encourage users to explore non-traditional designs that provide improved safety. NY obtained funding for a summer intern to develop turnout gear illustrations; information from ongoing NC-170 firefighter projects will be included. Once completed, the NY website that features a drag-and-drop "dress the firefighter" activity will be linked to the NC-170 website. "Facilitate research across university, government, and industry The establishment of performance specifications will facilitate industry collaborations and serve as the basis for the development of educational materials. Performance specification was approved by the ASTM F23 Committee and is now as an ASTM International Standard. The ISO document is currently balloted as a DIS draft. MD represents the NC-170 in this process. " Address user needs, collect user input, and provide user training and education PPE education for workers continues through certification trainings, exhibits, seminars, workshops, and telephone responses. MN collaborated with a plant pathologist to develop a new presentation on PPE for pesticide applicators. MD reviewed the materials for content. NY initiated a study group for orchard and vineyard staff that needs non-bulky warm clothing. Information on sun protective technologies was updated and disseminated to outdoor workers through the MN SunSmart program. PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: "Lab testing of coveralls will be done at NY and OK, possibly also MN; field tests will be conducted at MN, IA,CA, MO, and NY "MO will MO will conduct field test chemical protection suit in conjunction with NY, MN, IA, CA, conduct visual analysis of fire fighter photograph set, analyze firefighter body scan anthropometric data, investigate changes in size due to varying body positions, Work with extension colleagues in the University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute to create instructional brochure on wearing bunker gear, and work with industry to obtain funding to body scan firefighters at the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference. "NY will continue analysis of firefighter scans for range of movement and fit analysis, will conduct interviews with firefighters, and scan additional subjects in uniforms. "IA will continue analysis of firefighter scans for pants fit and function and physiological testing, and will complete a wearer acceptability questionnaire study and analysis utilizing firefighters enrolled in the 2010 Winter Fire School in Ames, IA. "IA, NY, OK, CA, MO, MN, and HI will experiment with online tools for interactive collaboration in preparation for design meetings to be held at a distance. "OK will test and improve the design of both smart glove and smart coat, integrate additional sensors to detect movement and location of the wearer, conduct a biomedical and sizing evaluation of the redesigned prototype smart glove (with additional Federal funding received), and continue with developing a method of creating thermostatic smart textile containing phase change materials (PCMs).

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS: 2008 Farzaneh Alihosseini and Gang Sun, Recent Progresses in Antibacterial Dyes, Household and Personal Care Today, 2008, No. 4, 17-21. 2009 Mohammad Reza Badrossamay and Gang Sun, Durable and Rechargeable Biocidal Polypropylene Polymers and Fibers Prepared by Using Reactive Extrusion, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B - Applied Biomaterials V. 89B: 93101. 2009 Kyung Hwa Hong and Gang Sun, Photoinduced Antimicrobial polymer blends with benzophenone as a functional additive, Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Volume 112, Issue 4, Date: 15 May 2009, Pages: 2019-2026. 2009 Mohammad Reza Badrossamay and Gang Sun, Graft Polymerization of N-tert-Butyl Acrylamide onto Polypropylene during Melt Extrusion and Biocidal Properties of Its Products, Polymer Engineering and Science. Volume 49, Issue 2, Date: February 2009, Pages: 359-368. 2009 Junshu Liu and Gang Sun, The Synthesis of Novel Cationic Anthraquinone Dyes with High Potent Antimicrobial Activity, Dyes and Pigments. V81, 231-234. 2009 Song Liu and Gang Sun, New N-Halamine Polymeric Biocides: N-Chlorination of Acyclic Amide Grafted Cellulose, Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research. V 48, No. 2, 613-618. 2009 Sabyassachi Gaan and Gang Sun, Effect of Nitrogen Additives on Thermal Decomposition of Cotton, Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, V 84, P108-115. 2009 Mohammad Reza Badrossamay and Gang Sun, Enhancing Hygiene/Antimicrobial Properties of Polyolefins, Chapter 8, Polyolefin Fibres, Ed. Samuel C. O. Ugbolue, Woodhead Publishing Ltd. Cambridge England. Pages 262-285. 2009 Mohammad Reza Badrossamay and Gang Sun, A Study on Melt Grafting of N-halamine Moieties onto Polyethylene and their Antibacterial Activities. Macromolecules, V42(6) 1948-1954. 2009 Margaret Rucker and Ning Pan, Evaluation of the Air Permeability, Total Heat Loss, and Radiant Protective Performance of Five Protective Clothing Systems. Report submitted to CAL FIRE 2008 Moran Wang, Qinjun Kang, Ning Pan, Thermal conductivity enhancement of carbon fiber composites, Applied Thermal Engineering, 29, 418-421. 2008 M. Wang, N. Pan. Predictions of Effective Physical Properties of Complex Multiphase Materials. Material Science and Engineering-R: Report (Invited Review), 63: 130. 2009 Lei Zuo, Sukang Zhu and Ning Pan, Determination of sample size for step-wise transient thermal tests, Polymer Testing, 28, 307-314. 2009 Weiping Du, Huifang Chen, Haifeng Xu, Ding Pan and Ning Pan, Viscoelastic Behavior of Polyacrylonitrile/Dimethyl Sulfoxide Concentrated Solution with Water, Journal of Polymer Science, B: Polymer Physics, 47, 14371442. 2009 Lianjiang Tan, Ding Pan, Ning Pan, Investigation into the gelation and crystallization of polyacrylonitrile, European Polymer Journal, 45, 1617-1624. 2009 Boorady, L.M., Rucker, M., Haise, C. and Ashdown, S.P., (2009) Protective Clothing for Pesticide Applicators: A Multimethod Needs Assessment, JTATM, 6(2), http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM/article/viewFile/646/455. 2009 Lin, S. (2009). Exploratory evaluation of potential and current consumers of organic cotton in Hawaii. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 21(4), 489-506. 2009 Coffman, C.W., Stone, J.F., Slocum, A., Landers, A.J., Schwab, C.V., Olsen, L, and Lee, S., Use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment by certified pesticide applicators, Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health 15(4), 311-326. 2008 Na, H. and Ashdown, S.P., Comparison of 3-D body scan data to quantify upper body postural variation in older and younger women, Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 26(4) pp. 292 - 307. 2009 Dixit, V., Tewari, J.C., and Obendorf, S.K., Identification of degraded products of aldicarb due the catalytic behavior of titanium dioxide/polyacrylnitrile nanofiber, J. Chromatogr. A, doi: 10.1016/jchroma.2009.07.031. 2009 Barker, J. & Black, C. Ballistic vests for police officers: Using clothing comfort theory to analyze personal protective clothing. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education. PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS: 2008 Peksoz, S. and Branson, D. (November 2008). A water cooled cooling garment: Pattern and tubing development . ITAA Annual Conference, Schaumburg, Illinois. 2008 An, S. K., Kamenidis, P., Starr, C., Cao, H. Peksoz S. and Branson, D. (November 2008). Evaluation of Evaporative Resistance of Multi-layer Kevlar Ballistic Fabrics: An implication to Protective Apparel Design. ITAA Annual Conference, Schaumburg, Illinois. 2008 An, S. K., Kamenidis, P., Cao, H. Peksoz S. Branson, D. and Starr, C. (November 2008). Evaluation of Evaporative Resistance of Multi-layer Ballistic Fabrics. ITAA Annual Conference, Schaumburg, Illinois. 2009 Margaret Rucker, Carrie Haise, and Joanne Brasch. Medical Textiles: Views of the Users, European Conference on Protective Clothing, Arnhem, The Netherlands, June 10-12. 2009 Lynn M. Boorady, Margaret H. Rucker, Carrie L. Haise and Susan P. Ashdown, Chemical Protective Coveralls for Pesticide Applicators, European Conference on Protective Clothing, Arnhem, The Netherlands, June 10-12. 2009 Shaw, A., K. Machera, S. Saxena, P. Schiffelbein. Validation of Pipette Methods for Quantifying Penetration of Liquid Pesticide Formulations through Textile Materials, Chemical Protective Coveralls for Pesticide Applicators, 4th European Conference on Protective Clothing, Arnhem, The Netherlands, June 10-12. (poster presentation. 2009 Chang, J. C., Lin, S. H., Lin, S. M., Hsieh, W.C., & Chang, C.P. Dye adsorptive properties of various shapes of chitosan, The 11th International Conference on Chitin and Chitosan & The 8th Asia-Pacific Chitin and Chitosan Symposium, Chemical aspects No.4, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, September, 2009. INVITED PRESENTATIONS: 2009 Ashdown, S.P., Introduction to Issues in Apparel Sizing. Lecture to the Vietnam Textile Institute, May. 2009 Ashdown, S.P., Apparel Fit; Custom Fit; 3D Body Scanning. Lecture to the Vietnam Textile Institute, May. 2009 Ashdown, S.P. 3D Body Scanning: Bringing New Dimensions to Research. Lecture given at the Tianjin Polytecnic University School of Textile and the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, May. 2009 Coffman, C.W. Cold Weather Apparel, Field Research Unit Seminar, Geneva, NY. February. 2009 Coffman, C.W. Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Pesticides, Pesticide Applicator Certification Orientation, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. January. 2009 Lee, Y. A. Current U.S. research trends: Application of emerging technologies into research on new product development. Invited lecture to the Department of Clothing and Textiles, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, May 28. INTERNET SITES: Personal Pesticide Protection http://www.human.cornell.edu/che/fsad/outreach/programs/personal-pesticide-protection/index.cfm/ Website for Personal Protective Technologies for current and Emerging Occupational Hazards http://www.umes.edu/nc170 Body Scanning for Apparel http://www.bodyscan.human.cornell.edu Sizing and Fit of Apparel http://sizingsystems.human.cornell.edu