Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Program: Call to order and introductions by Dr. Karen Leonas (2005 Chair of S1002 Committee) at 8:30 am on November 19, 2005. Remarks from NC 170 guests Dr. Sun conveyed Dr. Marylyn DeLong's suggestion on having focused research projects. He said that NC170 wanted to explore the possibility of having a joint committee with S1002 to have a focused protective clothing research group, and that NC 170 wanted to learn what S1002 was doing. Dr. LaBat stated that the purpose of their visit to S 1002 was not for merging with S1002 but to understand what S1002 was doing, to explore the possibilities of joint researches between NC170 and S1002 and to make sure that two groups were not duplicating each other's work. Dr. Sun stated that they had organized a Network for protective clothing nationally, and using NTC as an initial funding source. Dr. Ramkumar recommended that S 1002 form a subcommittee to explore USDA funding on fiber/textile researches. Dr. Ramkumar had a motion to form a subcommittee of S1002 to explore USDA funding of a committee to address fiber/textile researches. Dr. Negulescu seconded the motion. Three agree and eight oppose. Motion failed. Comments from Dr. Robert Shulstad, Administrative Advisor Proposal revision Some reviewers were assessing the proposal as if it was similar to an NSF project. Therefore they thought that the proposal needed more focused objectives and approaches. Dr. Shulstad recommended that in our revision, we should state specifically that each of the objectives will be addressed by researchers from multiple states and that the three objects when completed will all fit together to address the overall goal of the project. He also stated that we might need to have a separate document to address any issues raised by individual reviewers that we believed were off target. Dr. Shulstad also recommended that we add outreach activities to the proposal. Regarding the communication between NC170 and S1002, Dr. Shulstad said that there was no pressure from administrative advisors for such a merge. The possible overlaps in protective clothing researches were discussed. However, Dr. Shulstad stated that the advisors did not think that the overlaps between the two groups were a concern at this time. Station Reports from Technical Committee Members: University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, Colorado State University, Florida State University, University of Georgia, Kansas State University, Southern University-Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Tennessee, Texas Tech University, and University of Wisconsin. Comments from NC 170 guests Dr. Sun congratulated the research work of S1002 and stated that there were lots of similarities between NC170 and S1002, although there were no duplications. He expressed his interests in jointing S1002. He stated that a joint effort between the groups would give us better opportunities to gain funds from federal agents. Dr. LaBat stated that developing new materials for protective clothing were very interesting, and to have a better way to learn from each other between the two groups would be very helpful. Minutes from the previous meetings Approval of minutes of September 12-13, 2004. Motion to approve from Dr. Sarmadi and seconded by Dr. Wadsworth, motion approved unanimously. Approval of minutes of March 4 and 5, 2005. Motion to approve from Dr. Sarmadi and seconded by Dr. Ramkumar, motion approved unanimously. New Proposal Discussion The reviewers might not receive the correct version of our proposal, and that might affect their evaluation of our proposal. We would like to address the comments from the reviewers and make sure that they have the correct copy of our proposal. Drs. Leonas and Ramaswamy will be responsible for the collecting and editing of all responses from the committee members regarding the reviewers comments, and will address the reviewers comments together. The responses from the committee members regarding the reviewers comments should be sent to Drs. Leonas and Ramaswamy no later than Nov. 30. Drs. Negulescu, Sarmadi and Wadsworth will be the readers of the revised proposal. Recognition/Acknowledgement S1002 members expressed their gratitude to NC 170 guests for their visit and for the excellent recommendations from the guests. Dr. Crews was congratulated for the recognitions and awards she received lately at the ITAA national conference and at the Florida State University. Dr. Leonas congratulated all the excellent work and science of the researches presented at the meeting. Dr. Gita Ramaswamy was recognized for the local arrangements and for all her excellent work on the development of the new proposal. The committee thanked the 2005 officers, Dr. Karen Leonas (Chair) and Dr. Yiqi Yang (Secretary) for their work. Election of 2006 Officers The Nomination Committee proposed the following officers: Chair - Dr. Yiqi Yang Secretary - Dr. Larry Wadsworth. Both proposed officers were unanimously accepted. Next Annual Meeting: Oct. 31, 2006 in Atlanta, GA, from 8am to 5pm. This will be in conjunction with the 2006 AATCC IE&C (Oct. 31-Nov. 2, at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA). Dr. Karen Leonas kindly offered her responsibility for the local arrangements for our 2006 annual meeting. Meeting adjourned at 5.00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Yiqi Yang 2005 Secretary, S-1002 Committee

Objective 1: To develop value-added products from renewable and recyclable resources. Development of kenaf value-added products for textiles and crafts. University of Arkansas reported the development of various textile products from kenaf. Raw kenaf plants, Everglades 41, were harvested from an agronomic plot located in Sedalia, Missouri. Plants were biologically retted; fibers extracted, dried and carded; fibers were used to produce value-added products, such as baskets, wall paper flocking, etc. Last project was the development of hat and flower patterns used to produce knitted products from 50/50 cotton/kenaf yarn supplied by Mississippi State University. Automotive textiles and filling for bed clothing with flame resistance. The Kansas State University reported the development of automotive textiles and filling for bed clothing with flame resistance using inherently flame resistant fibers blended with cotton to accomplish the varied demands regarding cost, protection, and performance. The first part of the study explored the basic fabric properties and flammability characteristic of nonwoven blends of 70% by weight of cotton and 30% by weight of selected flame resistant fibers - Celanese PBI®, Lenzing FR® viscose rayon, and BASF Basofil® melamine. The second part of this study addressed the feasibility of using these blends in textiles for automotive interior, based on their flammability characteristics as determined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard - 302 guidelines. The third part of the study compared various blends of flame resistant fibers and cotton as fillings for bed clothing based on performance criteria in California Technical Bulletin 604. All the blends with PBI and Basofil were very well suited for automotive interior textile application. The comparison of various blends of flame resistant fibers and cotton as fillings for bed clothing showed that 30/70 PBI/cotton, 50/50 PBI/cotton, 60/40 Basofil/cotton, and 70/30 Basofil/cotton blends are very well suited for bed clothing application. The use of nonwoven flame resistant fiber barriers with commercial polyester filling improved their performance over the test by reducing the weight loss as compared to filling with only commercial polyester. Evaluation of Wipe Nonwoven Softness. This research from Louisiana State University addressed an objective method of evaluating softness of wipe nonwoven products. Six types of commercial baby wipes were studied. The mechanical properties of these wipe nonwovens in terms of extension, shear, bending, compression, and surface friction and roughness were measured using the KES-FB instruments. Obtained KES-FB data helped "fingerprint" the softness of these three wipe nonwoven samples. A computing technique of neural network was used to establish a neuro-fuzzy model for the wipe softness grading (softness index values between 0 indicating the worst softness and 1 indicating the best softness. Softness of new wipe products was able to be graded using the established model. The method of discriminant analysis was also applied to describe softness differences among the commercial wipes. The established model was capable of being updated routinely in a dynamic industrial environment, so that manufacturers and customers could instrumentally evaluate softness of new wipe products or numerically compare softness quality of different wipe products on marketplace. Nonwoven Drapeability and Formability. This study was conducted by Louisiana State University in collaborated with the University of Tennessee, Florida State University, and University of Delaware. A major effort is the evaluation of a group of polypropylene and elastic copolyether ester nonwovens for apparel application. Compressive, bending, and shearing properties of the nonwovens were measured using the KES-FB instruments for formability calculation and comparison with a range of woven fabrics. Subjective evaluation of the nonwoven drapebility was performed by apparel designers to assess their acceptance of nonwovens for specific construction and aesthetic features. The research indicated that the fabric bending and shearing properties were important for apparel drape and formability. Nonwovens typically had high resistance to shearing and bending resistance that was dependent on basis weight and thickness. As expected, shear stiffness of all nonwovens except the elastic nonwoven samples were higher than for woven fabrics. Bending stiffness however was within the range of the woven fabrics, but dependent on basis weight. The research also indicated that the elastic copolyether ester nonwovens could be appropriate fabrics for apparel because of a lower bending stiffness and required formability necessary to fit body curves. For the polypropylene spunbond nonwovens, the processing variables did not appear to affect the mechanical properties after allowing for basis weight differences. Sound Absorbability of Automotive Floor Materials. This Study was conducted by Louisiana State University in cooperation with the USDA Southern Regional Research Center. A research effort was to evaluate acoustical absorption of nonwoven materials made of recycled fibers (shoddy) and synthetic fibers for auto floor covering and lining. Four commercial floor covering products and four commercial floor lining products were acquired from a primary European manufacturer and were tested using the B&K acoustical instrument. The results revealed that the floor covering systems exhibited excellent performance in sound absorption of high frequency waves, especially above 2000 Hz. The sound absorption of the systems at the medium and low frequency could be improved by increasing the thickness. Additionally, the low cost velour fabrics helped improve the highly desirable car fuel efficiency while maintaining décor aesthetics, comfort, and safety. The highloft insulation pads made with 80% to 90% recycled fibers were equally desirable because they were economical and environmentally benign. Preparation and characterization of nonwoven materials based on biobased materials. This Study was conducted by Louisiana State University in cooperation with the USDA Southern Regional Research Center from New Orleans, LA (Drs. Val Yachmenev and Dharnid V. Parikh) allowed the preparation of biodegradable nonwoven composites made of bagasse and cotton fibers and bio-derived polyesters [1-3]. Durable and non-durable (washable) fire retardant formulae have been applied. The foreseen applications are in buildings and auto industries. Fire retarding efficiency has been tested according to MVSS 302 methodology for testing materials for automotive interiors (KSU). Mechanical and thermal properties have been investigated and reported. Use of Wood Fibers and Polymers for Preparation of Stable Sandwich-Type Materials. This project has been developed through the cooperation between Louisiana State University and the LSU Department of Renewable Resources (Dr. Qinglin Wu and Dr. John Z. Lu). Short wood fibers have been blended with synthetic polymers (PVC, polyolefins) and the composition was pressed to obtain laminate products of variable thickness. Thermal transitions, wettability and mechanical properties were determined. Preparation of Biobased Plasticizers for Polymer Industry. In view of the advances in technologies for recovering aconitic acid from sugar cane that should lower its cost and continued need within the sugar cane industry to find alternative products, the study was undertaken by Louisiana State University to re-evaluate the industrial potential of aconitates and provide its comparison as a PVC plasticizer with citrates and phthalates. It has shown by dynamo-mechanical analysis that tributyl aconitate, a "green" derivative, has the same activity as a plasticizer for PVC as commercial citrates, lowering the Tg of this polymer from 76°C to 49°C if used as 15% vs. the weight of the resin. This activity is even better than that of the di-isononyl phthalate (Tg = 53°C for 15% DINP), the horse plasticizer of the PVC industry. Improvement in Resistance to Hydrolysis and in Dye Sorption of PLA. University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported their study on the arrangements of L-lactide and D-lactide in poly(L-lactide-co-D-lactide) copolymers that give polylactide improved resistance to hydrolysis are found using molecular modeling. Amorphous structures of these copolymers were created, and molecular dynamics simulations and energy minimizations were run to calculate their potential energies before and after hydrolysis. The interaction energies between the L-lactide and D-lactide segments and between themselves were reported, and their effect on hydrolysis of the copolymers were explained. The effect of nanoclay on dye sorption was investigated for potential use in PLA to improve its dyeability and to decrease its hydrolysis during dyeing. Nanoclay has excellent sorption of anionic and nonionic dyes, much better than any fibers currently available on market. The study indicated that it is possible to use nanoclay in PLA fiber to improve the dye uptake of PLA. The potential advantages and possible disadvantages of using nanotechnology for textiles were explored. Objective 2: To Develop Bioprocessing and Related New Technologies for Textiles Enzymetic treatment for insect resistance to hair fibers. The Kansas State University evaluated the efficiency of enzymes (xylanase, pectinase, savinase, resinase) in providing insect resistance to wool (merino and rambouillet) and specialty hair fibers (llama, alpaca, mohair and camel). Chemical (FTIR spectroscopy and amino acid analysis), structural (fiber surface characteristics studied with SEM), and biological (insect resistance) properties were evaluated to study the resultant changes in the fibers processed with enzymes. Xylanase, and pectinase were found to be for scouring treatment. None of these enzymes caused any physical damage to the fibers, as confirmed by fiber tenacity values, and SEM images. Savinase was found to have the best insect resistance while xylanase and pectinase had moderate insect resistance. To develop digital printing systems that meet consumer and industry standards for depth of shade and fastness properties. Southern University conducted studies to determine optimum conditions for pre-treatment that will lead to the best color depth of digitally printed cotton fabrics. Specific parameters investigated are: 1) the effect of roller speed during padding on the color depth of digitally printed cotton fabrics; 2) the effect of fabric layers during padding on the color depth of digitally printed cotton fabrics; and 3) the effect of roller pressure during padding on the color depth of digitally printed cotton fabrics. Results indicated that roller speed had a significant effect of the shade depth of the fabric. Fabrics padded at 40rpm produced the darkest shades. Padding at a lower speed of 20 rpm did not produce the darkest fabrics as expected because the increased uptake of the padding formulation due to slow speed resulted in higher viscosity, which interfered with dye penetration. There was no significant difference in the two layers of fabric on all color dimensions. This finding is significant because wider fabrics can folded and padded on the 36' padder without compromising color quality. Evaluation of Spray Adhesives for Quilts. University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported the evaluation of two new formulations of Sullivans popular spray adhesive in terms of light and heat ageing and compared to two other commercially available spray adhesive products (Sulky=s and Spray and Fix) marketed to quilters to eliminate time-consuming hand basting. Both cotton and polyester battings were evaluated; the battings included a needle-punched cotton, and three types of polyester batting B needle-punched, resin-bonded and thermal-bonded. Treated specimens were exposed to 40 AFUs of xenon light exposure or to 6 and 36 hours of accelerated heat ageing followed by a home laundering treatment (none or one). Changes in color and breaking strength were evaluated. Results showed that Spray and Fix treated specimens exhibited the least yellowing following the accelerated light and heat ageing. One of the Sullivans formulations performed as well as the Spray and Fix in terms of yellowing, but it had very poor adhesive properties. The other Sullivans reformulation was associated with significant yellowing of the aged specimens. Laundered specimens exhibited more yellowing than unlaundered specimens, which indicates that home laundering will not mitigate the undesirable long term effects of the spray adhesive products. Polyacrylamide as textile finish. Colorado State University reported the application of polyacrylamide in finishing baths. In the present study, 0.5 g/L polyacrylamide was included as an auxiliary in a finishing bath containing a water repellent and the flow of water through a treated 100% cotton twill fabric was measured by AATCC Test Method 42-2000, Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test. Results showed that inclusion of a small amount of polyacrylamide in a water repellent bath led to a dramatic drop in flow of water through the 100% cotton twill fabric. Additionally, it was shown that when polyacrylamide is included in the bath a lower concentration of water repellent can be used without sacrificing water repellent properties of the fabric. Polyacrylamide is believed to function by the following mechanism: The hydrophobic polymer backbone is instantaneously absorbed from solution onto the hydrophobic surfaces of the textile material but the hydrophilic groups on the polymer remain in solution along with the fabric. The result of this polymeric orientation is that more of the wet processing bath is dragged along with the substrate increasing the reservoir of padbath behind the squeeze rolls. As the fabric expands on exiting the squeeze rolls the abundant pad liquor is pushed into the capillary spaces of expanding fabric resulting in increased pickup of bath. The theory was tested by determining the percent pickup of the water repellent baths. It was found that without polyacrylamide in the padbath the pickup was 65%, and with polyacrylamide the pickup increased to 71%. Color Repeatability of Inkjet Prints. University of Nebraska-Lincoln investigated the cause of poor color repeatability of inkjet prints. Unlike traditional printing, inkjet printing has thickeners and other auxiliaries evenly distributed in the fabric and dried before printing, and uses inks with very low viscosity. Because of these differences and other uniqueness, color repeatability of inkjet printed fabrics is poor. A E (CIE) larger than 5 is commonly observed from the same fabrics with the same treatment and inks, and from the same printer. In order to control the color variations in inkjet printing, we have studied the effects of steaming and printhouse conditions on color repeatability. Parameters investigated include steaming time and temperature, wrapping paper, the position of fabrics in the steamer, and the printhouse humidity and temperature. The possible approaches in minimizing shade variations in inkjet printing are recommended. The sliding friction method. At Texas Tech University, the sliding friction method has been perfected and the normalized composite factor is gaining acceptance as a useful factor to quantify the hand-related surface mechanical properties of textile materials. This research activity has enabled the re-activation of the RA-89 Research Committee of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Objective 3: To Develop and Evaluate Textile Systems for Protective and Medical Applications. Improvement of Cotton-Comfortable Multi-Ply Breathable Liquid Barrier Fabrics by Foam Application of Protective Finishes. The University of Tennessee reported the further improvement of cotton-comfortable multi-ply breathable liquid barrier fabrics developed during 2004 at The University of Tennessee's Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC) by foam application of protective finishes. These protective fabrics have at least one barrier fabric layer that is impermeable to liquids such as water and body fluids. Furthermore, the protective fabric provides wearing comfort by transporting perspiration from the body as moisture vapor through the micropores of a microporous (MP) film. In addition, a cotton-rich nonwoven layer is incorporated on the body side to provide the aesthetics and comfort of cotton. All of the spray and pad finished spunbond (SB)/MP/Cotton-Surfaced SB Nonwoven (CSN) liquid barrier laminates containing fluorochemical (FC), antimicrobial (AM) , latex, or combinations of these finishes passed the Synthetic Blood Penetration Test (ASTM F 1670), but failed the Viral Penetration Test (ASTM F 1671). Nevertheless, even un-finished SB/MP PP/CSN and un-finished SB/MP PE CSN laminates passed ASTM F 1670 after being coated on the SB outer side with a breathable monolithic (ML) impervious film. During 2005, additional tri-laminates were produced and different protective finishes were applied to each side using the 40-inch Foam Finishing Technology (FFT) treatment system in tandem with a tenter frame at Cotton Incorporated to achieve more controlled and uniform application of finishes. These FFT finished tri-laminates were also ML coated and tested by ASTM F 1670 and F 1671, as well as for effectiveness of AM finish. The ML coated tri-laminates, which were first foam treated with FC on the outer SB side and with Latex plus AM on the cotton side passed ASTM 1670, and had a virtually 100% kill rate to bacteria. Furthermore, representative fabrics that were FFT treated with FC on the SB side and Latex plus AM on the cotton side passed ASTM 1671. Evaluation of the performance of surgical gowns and facemasks. The University of Georgia reported their studies on surgical gowns and facemasks performance. The researches included the evaluation of the effects of repellent finish, fluid pressure and layering order on the fluid resistance of surgical face masks, and the determination of the barrier effectiveness of gown fabrics to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after being wetted by various liquids. The study on the effects of repellent finish, fluid pressure and layering order on the fluid resistance of surgical face masks demonstrated that repellent finish, fluid pressure and layering order all affected the fluid resistance of surgical face masks significantly. The filtration layer was the primary contributor to the barrier effectiveness. Although repellent finish decreased the filtration ability of the cover layer, it did not affect the filtration ability of the filtration layer. Fluid resistance decreased with increasing fluid pressure. A statistical model was developed to describe the relationship between the fluid resistance and repellent finish, fluid pressure and layering order qualitatively as well as quantitatively. This model can also be used to predict the fluid resistance of any face mask with specific parameters and the optimum parameters. According to repellent finish and layering order, a face mask treated with 4.5% add-on of Zonyl® PPR protector on the cover fabric and layering order of cover, support, filtration, then shell would provide 100% pass probability of fluid resistance at 160 mmHg with the lowest cost. The research on determination of the barrier effectiveness of gown fabrics to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after being wetted by various liquids similar to those commonly found in operating theaters found that the bacterial transmission through gown fabrics was significantly increased when they were wet. Six surgical gowns were tested for characteristics known to influence liquid and microorganism transmission in accordance with standard test methods. Bacterial transmission through two of the six gowns was significantly lowest because of their small pore sizes. A difference of bacterial transmission between woven and non-woven gown fabrics was observed. The Staphylococcus aureus transmitted more than Escherichia coli, as it was smaller in size and round in shape. Surface tension of liquid was the most critical variable. Liquids with lower surface tensions resulted in significantly higher bacterial transmission through the gown fabrics. Hyaluronic acid and cellulose nanofiber webs for medical applications. The Kansas State University reported a novel approach of using hyaluronic acidand cellulose nanofiber webs for medical applications. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and cellulose are two such biopolymers that will find many applications in the biomedical field. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide. It is found in extra cellular space in all human beings. It aids in cellular repair, keeps the skin moist and heals wounds faster. Wound healing of hyaluronic acid nanofiber web was compared with Band-Aid, solid HA, vaseline gauze and silver dressing in a clinical trial. Histopathological analyses of the wounds suggest that all the wounds had complete epithelialization and the granulation tissue was present in the dermis Cellulose is the most abundant renewable resource of biopolymer. Cellulose nanofibers were made by electrospinning and they form a random network of fibrils. These fibrils had a width less than 100nm. Cellulose nanofiber web can filter out the viral particle from a medium. Biological activity of oxidized polysaccharides. Louisiana State University reported that cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, as well as saccharide oligomers have been oxidized and their biological activity (antiviral and antitumor) has been evaluated "in vivo" using mice (antiviral) and male adult rats (antitumor) at the . It has been shown that polyanionic derivatives of oligo- polysaccharides have practically a low or no antiviral activity, while others have some antitumor activity. Antibacterial surfaces using plasma-enhanced coating/functionalization. The University of Wisconsin-Madison reported the development of surface layers that kill bacteria on contact by using low pressure, non-equilibrium plasma (LP-NEP)-enhanced synthesis and deposition of bactericidal quaternary ammonium thin layer macromolecular structures onto various substrates. The work so far has been done with cellulose-based (cotton fabric and Whatman filter paper) and stainless steel (SS) substrates. All the plasma treatments were carried out in a parallel plate, capacitively coupled cylindrical reactor equipped with 40 kHz and 13.56 MHz RF power supply with pulsing capability. The SS substrates were pretreated with O2 and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) plasmas to form C-Si-O groups. This layer forms an intermediate layer which stabilizes the top bioactive structure to be deposited. The cellulose substrates were directly used. The high densities of reactive nitrogen containing functionalities are deposited using ethylene diamine (ED), acrylonitrile (AN), and acetonitrile (AcN) plasmas at various conditions (RF power frequency: 40 kHz or 13.56 MHz; continuous-wave or pulsed plasma modes). The relative surface atomic composition of plasma-modified surfaces has been evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the nature of surface functionalities have been analyzed using high resolution XPS, FTIR, GC-MS and fluorescamine labeling techniques. It was found that the treatments at 13.56 MHz continuous wave mode formed layers with higher concentration of amine groups. The treatments at lower frequency led to rigorous dehydrogenation processes generating unsaturated structures. The pulsed plasma mode resulted in higher concentration of oxygen related functionalities due to contamination during plasma off periods. There was no effect of frequency and pulsing on the structure of acetonitrile plasma polymerized films. These films were covalently attached to the cellulose and O2 and HMDSO-modified SS substrates and do not delaminate by washing with acetone or water for many hours. The work in progress involves a subsequent 'ex situ' reaction with various alkyl halides to form quaternary ammonium groups. The length of alkyl halide is an important factor in the effective annihilation of micro-organisms. The bactericidal properties of the surface layers will be evaluated by standard colony counting procedures. Similar principles will be applied to develop quaternary phosphonium and sulphonium groups. Development of Nonwoven and Nanofiber Composites for Chemical Warfare Protection. Texas Tech University reported the development of a three-layered needlepunched composite that has necessary adsorption to offer required protection and next-to-skin feel characteristics. The fabric was released to the public in April 2005 by the 19th District, Texas Congressman. Results showed that the three-layered nonwoven composite has instantaneous adsorption of toluene and the time of saturation was more than 300 minutes. The nonwoven adsorbent composite fabric can be used as inner layer for chemical protective suit and as a toxic chemical decontamination wipe. A continual US Patent Application has been filed in 2005 to have a broad based coverage for the nonwoven chemical protective fabric technology developed at Texas Tech University. Parallel activities concentrated on developing value-added and functionalized nanofiber for high-tech applications. Self-assembled polyurethane nanofibers have been experimentally observed. This research has applications in filtration and chemical and biological warfare countermeasures. Our member from Texas Tech University served as an Organizing Secretary for the international conference on "Advances in Textile Materials", ATMT 2005, held in Coimbatore, India, July 7-8, 05. Ten countries participated in the conference with over 50 oral presentations. The conference papers were published as proceedings in CD form. Also the PI served as the session chair and organizer for the Nanofibers' Session at the Annual Technical Conference of INDA-INTC, 2005 held in St. Louis in September 2005. Objective 4: To develop and evaluate textiles with enhanced resistance (or susceptibility) to environmental degradation. No Station has reported research results from this objective.

Chen, Y. Instrumental Evaluation of Wipe Softness. Proceedings of International Nonwovens Technical Conference, September 19-22, 2005, St. Louis, Missouri. Chen, Y., Chiparus, O., Sun, L., Negulescu, I., Parikh, D. V., and Calamari, T. A. Natural fibers for automotive nonwoven composites. Journal of Industrial Textiles, 35(1), 47-62 (2005). Chen, Y., Sun, L., Chiparus, O., Negulescu, I.I., Yachmenev, V.G., and Warnock, M.M. Kenaf/ramie composite for automotive headliner. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2005, Vol. 13, No. 2, 107-114. Chen, Y., Sun, L., Negulescu, I.I., Moore, M.A., and Collier, B.J. Evaluating Efficiency of Alkaline Treatment for Waste Bagasse. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B: Physics, 2005, Vol. 44, 395-409. Collier, B.J., Chen, Y., Moore, M.A., Orzada, B., and Dahiya, A. Drape and Formability of Nonwovens. Proceedings of International Nonwovens Technical Conference, September 19-22, 2005, St. Louis, Missouri. Das, T. and Ramaswamy, G. N., 2005, Enzyme Treatment of Wool and Specialty Hair Fibers: Alterations in Physical and Chemical Properties. Textile Research Journal (In Press), Manuscript #04-105-J. Dixon, D.L. and Namwamba, G.W. (2004). Effect of Steaming and Distance from Steaming Source on Color Intensity of Digitally Printed Cotton Fabric. Abstract published in the proceedings of the 2004 AATCC International Conference. Evenson, J. and Crews. P.C. (Spring 2005). The effects of light exposure and heat-aging on selected quilting products containing adhesives. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, 44(1):27-38. Hustvedt, G. and Crews, P.C. (2005). The ultraviolet protection factor of naturally-pigmented cotton. Journal of Cotton Science, 9:47-55. Jungwha Park, Ramaswamy, G.N., Gatewood , B.M., 2005, Insect Resistance of Naturally Occurring Quinones and Flavonoids in Natural Dyes for Wool, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 98, 322-328. Karst, D., and Yang, Y. Potential advantages and risks of nanotechnology for textiles, AATCC Review, accepted. Karst, D., and Yang, Y., Improving the resistance of polylactide to hydrolysis based on the arrangement of L- and D-lactide in poly(L-lactide-co-D-lactide). PMSE (Polymeric Material Science and Engineering) Preprints. American Chemical Society, Division of Polymer Chemistry, NY, NY. 93, 775-776 (2005). Karst, D., and Yang, Y., Using the solubility parameter to explain disperse dye sorption on PLA, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 96(2), 416-422(2005). Lu, J.Z., I.I. Negulescu, and Q. Wu. Maleated Wood-Fiber/High-Density-Polyethylene Composites: Coupling Mechanisms and Interfacial Characterization. Composite Interfaces, 12(1-2), 125-140 (2005). Lu, J.Z., Q. Wu, and I.I. Negulescu. 2005. Wood-Fiber/High-Density-Polyethylene Composites: Coupling Agent Performance. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 96, 93-102 (2005). Namwamba, G. N. (2005). Apparel Quality Indicators: Perceptions of Male and Female Shoppers. Accepted for publication in the proceedings of the 2005 ARD/AED Conference. Namwamba, G. W. (2005). Digital Textile Printing. Charleston, SC: BookSurge Publishing. Namwamba, G.W., Dixon, D.L. (2004). Microscopic Characterization of Bacterially and Chemically Retted Kenaf Fibers. Abstract published in the proceedings of the 2004 AATCC International Conference. Negulescu, Ioan I. and Uglea, Constantin V. Biological Activity of Oxidized Polysaccharides In: Modified Fibres for Medical and Specialty Applications. Ed. Edwards, Goheen, Buschle-Diller. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, Chapter 8, 125-148 (2005). Negulescu, Ioan I., Nicholas Gil and Michael Saska. Evaluation of the Effects of Bio-Based Plasticizers on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly(Vinyl Chloride. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 100, xxx (2006). Parikh, D.V., Chen, Y., and Sun, L. Sound Absorbability of Automotive Floor Nonwoven Systems. in submission. Ramkumar, S.S., Rajanala, R., Parameswaram, S., Sarkar, A.K. and Sawhney, A.P.S., Friction Characterization of polymeric materials-A review, AATCC Review, 2005 5(2), 17-20. Sarkar, A.K., & Etters, J.N. (2004). Enzymatic hydrolysis of cotton fibers: Modeling using an empirical equation. Journal of Cotton Science, 8:254-260. Shastri, L., Ramkumar, S. S., Sarkar, A., Shelly, D. C., and Tock, R. W., Frictional Studies of a Novel Antiballistic Chest Shield, AATCC Review, 5 (4): 25-29 APR 2005. Takamura, E., Yoshizumi, K., and Crews, P.C. PhotoYellowing and PhotoBleaching of Silk and Wool Fabrics Under Monochromatic and Multichromatic Light Radiation. 2005 American Institute for Conservation Textile Specialty Group Postprints, Vol. 15. Thandavmoorthy S., Bhat, G. S., Tock, R. W., Parameswaran, S. and Ramkumar, S. S. (2005), Electrospinning of Nanofiber, Journal of Appl. Polym. Sci., Vol. 96(2), 557-569. Uppal, R., and Ramaswamy, G.N., 2005, A Novel Method to Characterize Morphology of Fibers, Journal of Applied Polymer Science (In Press), Manuscript #04-105-J. Uppal, R., Ramaswamy, G.N., Arnold, C., Goodband, R., and Wang, Y., 2005, Hyaluronic Acid Nanofiber Wound Dressing Biomaterials (In Review), Manuscript #06-121-J. Uppala, H.K., Ramaswamy, G.N., Gatewood, B.M. and Piddatala, G., 2005, Effects of Nonionic, Cationic, and Reactive Softeners on Cotton Fabric Treated with Durable Flame Retardant, AATCC Review (In Review), Manuscript # 05-190-J Vasant Jayachandra, Ramaswamy, G.N., and Gatewood , B.M., 2006, Nanoparticles Synergists for Brominated Flame Retardants: For Textile and Composites Industries, Journal of Applied Polymer Science (In Review), Manuscript #06-130-J. Wadsworth, L. C. and P. P. Tsai, Cotton-Containing Barrier Fabrics Enhanced with Breathable Films and Protective Finishes for Safety from Biological Threats, Keynote Address, Proceedings, International Conference on Advances in Textile Materials Technology, Management and Applications (ATM 2005), Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641 006, India, July 7-8, 2005. Wadsworth, L. C. and P. P. Tsai, Enhancement of Cotton-Containing Barrier Fabrics with Breathable Films and Protective Finishes for Safety from Biological Threats, Proceedings, Eighth Nonwovens Conference at 2005 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, New Orleans, LA, January 4-7, 2005. Wadsworth, L. C. and Y. E. Lee, Melt Blown Processing of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes for Protective Clothing, Proceedings, 5th International Scientific Conference on Production Engineering, RIM 2005, Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 14-17, 2005. Wadsworth, L. C., P. P. Tsai, and K. K. Leonas, New Level 4 Cotton-Comfortable Medical Barrier Fabrics Made with Cotton, Spunbond and Breathable Coatings, Proceedings, Joint INDA-TAPPI International Nonwovens Technical Conference (INTC 2005), St. Louis, MO, September 19-22, 2005. Wadsworth, L.C., Tsai, P. T. & Leonas K.K. New Level 4 Cotton-Comfortable Medical Barrier Fabrics made with Cotton, Spunbond and Breathable Coatings , INTC 2005 Conference, St. Louis, MO, September 2005. Wang, J. and Ramaswamy, G.N., 2005, Effects of Chemical Processing on Hemp and Kenaf:Part I. Physical Properties and Chemical Composition, AATCC Review, Vol. 5, #1, 2-6. Wang, J. and Ramaswamy, G.N., 2005, Effects of Chemical Processing on Hemp and Kenaf: Part II. Dyeing Properties, AATCC Review, Vol. 5, # 2, 21-24. Yang, Y., Han, S., Fan, Q., and Ugbolue, S.C., Nanoclay and modified nanoclay as sorbents for anionic, cationic and nonionic dyes, Textile Research Journal, 75(8), 622-627(2005). Yang, Y., Naarani, V. and Thillainayagam, V, Color repeatability in inkjet printing, 2005 Book of Papers--AATCC International Conference & Exhibition, American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2005, pp. 201-207. Yang, Y., Naarani, V., and Thillainayagam, V. Effects of printhouse humidity and temperature on quality of inkjet printed cotton, silk and nylon fabrics, Journal of Imaging Science and Technology, accepted. Yu, Hong & Leonas, Karen K., Bacterial Transmission through Gown Fabrics When They Are Wet, poster presented at the 2nd UGA Engineering Conference, 2005. Thesis Kambam, M. (2004). Cotton and Inherently Flame Resistant Fiber Blends. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS-66506, Major Professor: Gita N. Ramaswamy Dissertation: Uppal, R. (2005). A Novel Equation to Assess Degree of Crystallinity of Filament yarns and Hyaluronic acid Nanofiber Wound Dressing. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS-66506, Major Professor: Gita N. Ramaswamy Shen, Hongqing, (2005) Evaluation of Surgical Face Masks Using Mulitphoton Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope. University of Georgia, Athens, GA-30605, Major Professor: Karen K. Leonas Patents and Invention Disclosures: Ramkumar, S. S., Development of Leather Based Ballistic Protection Composites Shield, US Patent # 6,862,971 (date of issue: March 8, 2005). Ramkumar, S. S., Method of Producing Chemical Protective Composite Substrate, (Patent Pending).