Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The S-1026 Technical Committee Annual Meeting, held in the Azalea Room at the Days Inn in Atlanta, GA, was called to order by chair person, Dr. Ramkumar, at 2:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Introductions by the attendees were acknowledged. Dr. Shulstad was commended for his support during the past year. Amendments were made to the agenda with changes in presentation times for Drs. Leonas and Sarmadi; removal of report by Dr. Cloud, due to her absence; and addition of election of officers for 2010-2011. A motion to accept the printed agenda was made by Dr. Sarmadi and seconded by Dr. Wadsworth. Motion passed. General discussion involved the following topics: Focus for new research project Interdisciplinary work on a new research project to be submitted to a granting agency. Human health is a national topic. Industry participation should be included. Dr. Sarmadi suggested that fibrous materials and polymers be included. Dr. Ramkumar volunteered to spearhead this activity. Housekeeping chores Continental breakfast available before 8:00 a.m. Cost for the Azalea Room and refreshments is $500.00. Cost is to be divided between the attendees. Several restaurants are within walking distance for lunch and dinner. S-1026 ends September 30, 2011. Funding for a planning meeting may be available through the respective Agricultural Experiment Stations (AES). A draft of the new project proposal must be prepared with a possible submission date of April 2011 and a start date of October 1, 2011. Comments by Dr. Shulstad The process for the review of proposals was presented. The new project proposal will need to include more details with the objectives being clearly identified and very specific in content. Methodology must be specific and clearly linked to the objectives. How the researchers will be working together  sharing of fabrics, laboratories, etc.  must be explained in detail. Previous research efforts and their relationship to the new project must be stated. Accomplishments that are being built upon and previous collaborations depicting working together as a team should be identified. If previous objectives are to be used, justifications as to why they should be continued on a collaborative basis needs to be stated. The expertise to be brought by the individual committee members to the objectives should be highlighted. Evidence must be shown as to how the research efforts have been and will be together for joint authorship. AES directors want more interdisciplinary work and would like for the regional groups to apply for AFRI grants. Members were encouraged to go to the AFRI website for information concerning funding for future projects; earmarks; USDA initiatives. Human health, national security and bio-fuel energy are hot topics. According to Dr. Sarmadi, a USDA spokesperson said that small projects will not be considered. Budgets for these projects need to be for $1 million or more. Dr. Shulstad agreed with these statements. Competitive grants should be the objective and not just another regional project. The committee should not lock itself into one funding source. Dr. Leonas mentioned applying for a planning grant to support a meeting for the purpose of discussing and preparing the new project/grant. The following oral reports were shared: Dr. Larry Wadsworth (University of Tennessee-Knoxville) The topic was Development of the Next Generation of Renewable Nonwovens for Agricultural and Disposable Hygiene Applications. He has established a partnership with NatureWorks and U.S. Pacific. U.S. Pacific Nonwovens is the exclusive agent for NatureWorks PLA meltspun products. Biax meltblown has been rediscovered as the ideal technology to produce elastomerics. A Biodegradation Test Protocol is being developed in China. Principle investigator with the project titled Biodegradable Mulches for Specialty Crops Produced Under Protective Cover. This project is grant funded. The interdisciplinary team is studying the biodegradable characteristics of already existing plastics. Three different field studies are being conducted simultaneously  University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Washington State University, Texas A & M. Team members will be documenting the effects of biodegradable mulches on soil ecosystems and plant health to aid in ensuring a safe, healthy, sustainable and productive food system. Greenhouse trays were used for fabric/soil burial purposes. Tap water was the wetting agent. Textile tests performed included weight, thickness, breaking load and elongation and tearing strength. Microscopy work showed the fiber breaks. Dr. Mary Warnock (University of Arkansas-Fayetteville) Collaborations with Dr. Parikh, SRRC-New Orleans, concerning flammability testing of nonwovens having different flame retardant finishes have been completed. Efforts have resulted in a publication for 2010. PBI fabric was obtained so that a full-size prototype of the newly designed firefighter uniform could be constructed. Intent is to compare the current required firefighter uniform with the newly designed one according to the Protocol developed two years ago. The body scanner is to be used in this phase of the study. This part of the study needs to be completed. Dr. Suraj Sharma (University of Georgia) The topic was titled Microencapsulation Technology Using Essential Oils to Produce Smart Textile Functionalities that Improve Human Health. The background of House Dust Mites (HDM) and their cause of allergies were discussed in addition to their location in bedding, mattresses and pillows. Thyme and clove oils were used for experimental purposes. Variables considered were the type of oil, ratio of gelatin to oil, stirring speed and surfactant. Morphology also was studied. Clove capsules had 93.88% mortality; Thyme capsules had 83.67% mortality; control had only 2% mortality of HDM. Results of study indicated that microencapsulation technology along with vacuum drying provide an effective process to prevent aggregation of microcapsules; stirring speed and types of oil are critical for size; essential oils are the alternative and effective service for acarcides (anti-HDM). Dr. Majid Sarmadi (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Topic was titled Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Enhanced Synthesis of Green Flame Retardant Cellulosic Materials. The overall objective of this work was to generate a durable flame retardant treatment on cellulosic materials. Flame retardant cellulosic materials have been produced using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) network coating. SiO2 network armor was prepared through hydrolysis and condensation of the precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), prior coating the substrates, and was cross-linked on the surface of the substrates using atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) technique. A 45º angle flammability chamber was used for testing purposes. Aging tests were conducted to evaluate the coating resistance during the accelerated laundry technique. Due to protection effects of the SiO2 network armor, the cellulosic based fibers exhibit enhanced thermal stability and improved flame retardancy. Results support the conclusion that silica-based coatings used in conjunction with plasma processes have high potential to obtain green flame retardant cellulosic materials with potential applications in the development of upholstered furniture, clothing and military applications. Dr. Karen Leonas (Washington State University) Pictures of the newly renovated Textile Research Laboratory spaces were shared. The four areas of research include (1) General Performance Testing; (2) Biological Safety Lab; (3) Chemical Hoods and Performance Evaluation; (4) Conditioning Laboratory. Washington State University participates under Objectives 1 and 3 of the current S-1026 project. Objective 1 included electrospinning efforts. The apparatus, spinning parameters and fiber production were discussed. Objectives for this project included evaluation of spinning properties and influence on fiber properties; redesigning of spinning equipment for the alignment of spun fibers and development of yarns; incorporation of antimicrobial chemicals into a matrix. Emphasis was placed on successful work using ampicillin salt and the identification of natural antimicrobials that also can be incorporated into the study. Polymer solutions; influence of polymer concentration on fiber diameters; influence of feed rate on polymer diameter; influence of voltage on fiber diameters; influence of distance from syringe tip to fiber collector on fiber diameters; influences of addition of ampicillin on fiber diameters will be studied. One current conclusion is that the addition of salt in the polymer solution does reduce fiber diameter. Other variables to be studied include the zone of inhibition for ampicillin containing yarns of electrospun fibers and ampicillin release time. Electrospinning with chitosan is to be studied. With respect to Objective 3, Dr. Leonas is a principle investigator, in collaboration with Dr. Wadsworth, on the Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant involving biodegradable mulches. See comments related to Dr. Wadsworths presentation for specific information. Dr. Ioan Negulescu (Louisiana State University) Objective during the past year has been to prepare biodegradable flame retardant nonwovens reinforced with bio-based polymers. The kinetic parameters of the thermal compositions for these nonwovens was determined. Bio-based polymers may be classified into two groups: PLA and PHA. Experimental material used for project included bagasse fibers. Oxygen Index of the flame retardant bagasse composite was determined. Also, thermogravimetric analyses were conducted. Cotton, rayon and terry towel fabrics were used for experimental purposes. Of these three fabrics, cotton lost the most weight. With respect to mechanical properties of soil degradation, aerobic biodegradation studies were conducted. Compost inoculum was an aged and natural compost consisting of horse bedding, tree trimmings, wood shavings, bark and sieved bark. ASTM D 5338-98 (Reapproved 2003) was the standard of choice. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) work was accomplished. Fungi was found to play a big part in the degradation process. Dr. Jonathan Chen (University of Texas  Austin) Dr. Chens research efforts relate to Objective 3: Bio-based Textile Products/Processes to Replace Petrol-based Materials. His topic was titled Spunlaced Flax/Polypropylene Nonwoven Composite for Automotive Interiors. Objectives of the study were to explore the feasibility of using spunlacing technology in automotive nonwoven production; to determine machine settings for fabric production; to determine fabric characteristics of flax/polypropylene blended nonwovens. The project approach involves composite molding whereby a panel or stamp forming press is used for production purposes. Performance evaluation included flexural, tensile, acoustic, impact, moldability and fogging tests. Results indicated a significant reduction in nonwoven fabric thickness, an increase in tensile/flexural strength, and that lower water-jet pressure is necessary for obtaining higher noise absorption and moldability control. Dr. Vamshi Naarani (Southern University) Drs. Naarani and Namwamba have been conducting three different studies related to digital printing of safety off-road fabrics. The first study was titled Inks with Fluorescence to Improve Visibility Properties for Safety Apparel. Major objective is to improve fabric visibility properties. Accomplishments include extensive literature review, ink trials, preparation of sample ink sets, degassing and printing trials. The second study was titled Padding Parameters Influence Shade Depth of Digitally Printed Cotton Fabrics. The procedures included different padding speeds with wet pickup values ranging from 84.6% to 98.0%. Shade values included Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Fabric cross-sections were examined to determine dye penetration. The third study was titled UPFs for Ink-Jet Printed Cotton Fabrics. Four basic colors were used for reactive printing  Yellow, Cyan, Magenta and Black. Results indicated that reactives are better than pigments and the controls; selection of binders is critical to improve the UV resistance; resistance to light and washing is important. Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar (Texas Tech University) Dr. Ramkumars presentation included Value-added Technical Textiles with emphasis of decontamination efforts. Protective textiles are the focus of this study. A fabric sample produced at Texas Tech and marketed by Fibertect was shown to committee members. This fabric is a decontamination wipe that is sold by First Line Tech in Washington, DC. Applications for this fabric will be in the areas of military defense, homeland security and industrial markets. This fabric product is a needlepunched nonwoven with activated carbon in the center of two layers. Interlocking of the fibers only occurs at the interface. The fabric is very flexible and will not shred. Cotton has been included in this fabric structure for softness. For the real agent sulfur mustard study, a fabric consisting of three layers  Viscose Rayon, activated carbon for the middle layer, and cotton  was used. The retention of sulfur mustard absorbed by this nonwoven decontamination wipe was determined. Results indicate that the adsorption of the wipe is better than the currently used MP421 lotion for skin protection from the sulfur mustard. A second study, titled New Understandings on Moisture Vapor Transport of Fibrous Materials, indentified the impact of variety on moisture vapor transport. Breeding locations, such as Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, and Mississippi were shown. The cotton fiber extraction process was presented. Results indicated that sugars influence breathability. Immature cotton, having low micronaire and a thin secondary wall, is being used for experimental purposes because it is inexpensive and is biodegradable. USDA already is working on a project to use immature cotton. Following the oral reports, other items of business included: The election of officers for the period of May, 2010 to the annual meeting to be held during 2011. The nominating committee consisted of Drs. Negulescu, Leonas and Sarmadi. Nominees were Dr. Warnock for position of chair and Dr. Sharma for position of secretary. Both nominees were elected for their respective positions by acclamation of the committee members. Discussion concerning two different future projects. The first one discussed was the new multi-state project. A planning meeting is to be proposed for September with the location being Washington, DC. This plan will need to be accepted by Dr. Shulstad. Dr. Ramkumar volunteered to make hotel and refreshment arrangements, providing the meeting is sanctioned by Dr. Shulstad. This planning meeting will be for 1 ½ days. The second project discussed concerned an NSF grant application. Dr. Ramkumar will be the contact person. If committee members wish to participate with Dr. Ramkumar on this grant application, contact him as quickly as possible, but no later than July 1, 2010. A half-day meeting is being planned for this project and will be in conjunction with the multi-state project meeting. In total, the September planning meeting will be for two days. Key topics/words were mentioned as possible foci for the multi-state and grant application projects. These included: fibrous materials, health, national defense, sustainability, and environmental protection. Biannual report is due for submission to USDA. A termination report for S-1026 will be due in 2011. Question - Is a final bulletin for S-1026 necessary? Updating of current web site used for posting of minutes and other information is necessary. Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m., May 17, 2010. Respectfully Submitted, Mary M. Warnock Secretary, 2009-2010

Objective 1: To create barrier fabrics with novel finishes and processes for protection against biological threats. Tennessee, studying novel finishes, has found that electrostatic charging (EC) of fluorochemical (FC) finished ePTFE membranes have resulted in slightly decreased filtration efficiency to NaCl and DOP aerosols.The EC laminates of ePTFE with spunbond (SB) polypropylene (PP) resulted in increased filtration efficiency. The EC laminates of ePTFE and SB or melt blown (MB) PP fabrics may provide enhanced Warfighter protection with good breathability. Treatment of ePTFE film with one-atmosphere electrical plasma reduced the filtration efficiency and EC treatment further reduced filtration efficiency. Stationary EC treatment of ePTFE films alone was tried for different lengths of time; however, filtration eficiency decreased with increasing EC treatment time. Membranes of ePTFE were stretched biaxially up to 2.2X, but no differences in filtration were noted. In order to address Objective 1(b), Colorado studied Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the roots of Coptis chinensis and stems of phellodendron, because of its excellent antimicrobial properties. During this reporting period, the efficacy of berberine chloride as a new antimicrobial agent for medical textiles was investigated. Emphasis was placed on the relationship between bacterial inhibition and concentration of berberine chloride needed to exhibit effective bacterial action. The durability of the antimicrobial agent to laundering and light exposure also was examined. Results showed berberine chloride to be an effective antimicrobial agent against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faccalis when applied on widely used medical textile substrates such as polyester, nylon and cotton-polyester blend. The antimicrobial efficacy of berberine chloride on all three substrates also was retained after laundering and exposure to light. In order to determine the effects of biodegradable mulches on soil ecosystems and plant health to ensure a safe, healthy, sustainable and productive food system, Tennessee, Washington State University and Texas A&M have formed an interdisciplinary team. Greenhouse trays were used for fabric/soil burial purposes. Tap water was the wetting agent. Textile tests performed included weight, thickness, breaking load and elongation and tearing strength. Microscopy work showed the fiber breaks. Georgia has been studying microencapsulation technology using oils to produce smart textile functionalities that improve human health. Emphasis has been placed on house dust mites and their cause of allergies due to being located in bedding, mattresses and pillows. Thyne and clove oils were used for experimental purposes. Variables considered were the type of oil, ratio of gelatin to oil, stirring speed and surfactant. Morphology also was studied. Washington State University's participation under Objective One includes electrospinning efforts. Focus has included evaluation of spinning properties and influence on fiber properties; redsigning of spinning equipment for the alignment of spun fibers and development of yarns and incorporation of antimicrobial chemicals into a matrix. Emphasis was placed on succcessful work using ampicillin salt and the identification of "natural" antimicrobials that also can be incorporated. A decontamination wipe has been produced at Texas Tech. Applications for this fabric will be in the areas of military defense, homeland security and industrial markets. This product is a needlepunched nonwoven with activated carbon in the center of two layers. Interlocking of fibers only occurs at the interface. Cotton has been included in the fabric structure for softness. Retention of sulfur mustard absorbed by this nonwoven decontamination wipe was determined. New understandings on moisture vapor transport of fibrous materials identified the impact of variety on moisture vapor transport. Results indicated that sugars influenced breathability. Objective 2: To create newer fiber products and designs for textile and apparel products to address fire safety issues. The overall objective of the research efforts at Wisconsin was to generate a durable flame retardant treatment on cellulosic materials. A silicon dioxide network coating (armor) was prepared through hydrolysis and condensation of the precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) prior to coating the substrates, and was crosslinked on the surface of the substrates using an atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) technique (may be cross referenced with Objective 1-c). The modified cotton samples were tested for flammability using an automatic 45 degree angle flammability test chamber. Aging tests were conducted to evaluate the coating resistance during the accelerated laundry technique. Due to protection efforts of the silicon dioxide network armor, the cellulosic based fibers exhibited enhanced thermal stability and improved flame retardance. The TEOS/APP treatments were extended to linen fabrics. The thermal analysis showed a higher char content and a strong endothermic process of the treated samples as compared to the controls, indicating a good thermal stability. The surface anlysis proved the existence of the silicon-based coatings on all treated cellulosic substrates after intense ultrasound washes. In order to address Objective 2(c), Arkansas collaborated with the Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC)- New Orleans concerning the flammability testing of nonwovens that have different flame retardant finishes. PBI fabric was obtained for construction of a full-size prototype of a newly designed firefighter uniform. Intent is to compare the current required firefighter uniform with newly designed one according to the previously developed Protocol (2008-2009). Louisiana has prepared biodegradable flame retardant nonwovens reinforced with bio-based polymers (combined with Objectives 3 and 4). Kinetic parameters for these nonwovens were determined. PLA and PHA were the bio-based polymers. Experimental material used for project included bagasse fibers. Oxygen Index of the flame retardant bagasse composite was determined. Also, thermogravimetric analyses were conducted. Cotton, rayon and terry towel fabrics also were used for other experimental purposes. Of these three fabrics, cotton lost the most weight. With respect to mechanical properties of soil degradation, aerobic biodegradation studies were conducted. Compost inoculum was an aged and natural compost consisting of horse bedding, tree trimmings, wood shavings, bark and sieved bark. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) work was accomplished. Fungi was found to play a large part in the degradation process. Objective 3: To develop new bio-based textile products/processes to replace petrol-based materials. During the reporting period of 10/1/07-9/30/08, Tennessee was involved in developing the next generation of low-cost, biodegradable mulch nonwoven fabrics to replace polyethylene plastic. This work has been continued during 10/1/09-9/30/10 to include a USDA (SCRI-SREP Grant Award No. 2009-02484) multi-university Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) project that assesses agricultural, ecological, economic, and social implications, including all inputs and the disposition of wastes and byproducts via systems-based analyses of using biodegradable mulches in protected (high tunnel and low tunnel) specialty crop production systems. University investigators include Washington State University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Western Washington University. It is believed that nonwoven materials, such as spunbond and meltblown nonwovens comprised of PLA or blends of PLA with other biopolymers, have sufficient attributes to serve as prototypes for the next generation of biodegradable mulches. Research at Nebraska-Lincoln on developing new bio-based nonwoven materials has focused on the development of bio-based fibers and fiber mats from plant proteins, such as those from corn, soybean and wheat; wild silks, such as those from Hyalophora cecropia and Saturniidae; and non-traditional carbohydrate based fibers, such as those from corn distillers, dried grains, soybean straws, starch acetates, wheat straws, hop bines, milkweed floss and switchgrass stems. A new crosslinking method for proteins using carboxylic acids at low temperatures has been developed for the improvement of mechanical properties of plant protein fibers and fiber mats. These nonwoven materials have been used as reinforcement materials for composites, tissue engineering scaffolds, and carriers for drug controlled release. Objectives of the University of Texas-Austin study were to explore the feasibility of using spunlacing technology in automotive nonwoven production; to determine machine settings for fabric production; and to determine fabric characteristics of flax/polypropylene blended nonwovens. The project approach involved composite molding wherby a panel or stamp forming press was used for production purposes. Performance evaluation included flexural, tensile, acoustic, impact, moldability and fogging tests. Accomplishments by Southern University (Louisiana) included an extensive review of literature related to digital printing of safety off-road fabrics; ink trials; preparation of sample ink sets; and degassing and printing trials. The influence of padding parameters on shade depth of digitally printed cotton fabrics included studying different padding speeds with wet pickup values ranging from 84.6% to 98.0%. Shade values included Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Fabric cross-setions were examined to determine dye penetration. UPFs for ink-jet printed cotton fabrics were studied.

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