The 2008 Southern Textile Research Conference

Plasma, or ionized gas, is now an important and accepted process method for treating materials ranging from plastic wrap to microelectronics. Plasma technology offers a host of new opportunities for textile finishing because it is all-dry, environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient and generates nearly no waste. This presentation will focus on different means of plasma generation and how plasma can be applied to fabric finishing, especially those that are difficult or impossible to do using conventional wet finishing methods.

9:15 – 9:30 AM Break

9:30 AM Enzymes In Textile Wet Processing: From Fabric to Fashion

Speaker: Phil Goodman, DyStar LC

Enzymes are increasingly a factor in textiles and garment wet processing. They are not just for desizing any more. This overview covers the entire range of enzymes important to the textile chemist and fashion designer. The chemistry and application techniques are discussed in both textile and garment wet processing, as well as their environmental impact and future trends.

11:00 – 11:15 AM Break

11:15 AM Recent and Future Developments in Global Color Control In the Textile Supply Chain

Speakers: David Hinks, Renzo Shamey, and Lina Cardenas,
North Carolina State University

Controlling the color of materials is part of the critical path for bringing almost all textile products to the market place. Optimum color control will therefore reduce costs, although it is important that attempts at controlling color be integrated across all stages of development and manufacture for all parties to benefit. Recent advances in color science research and technology will be reviewed, with specific examples. Also, likely future changes in color based standard methods will be discussed.

12:45 PM Lunch

Afternoon: Social Activities/ Personal Time

7:00 PM Cocktails

8:00 PM Dinner

TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008

Morning Session

7:30 AM Welcome—Election of Officers—Amendments to By-laws.

7:45 AM Automotive Textiles—An Opportunity—or Not!

Speaker: William C. (Bill) Smith, International Textile Associates.

A look at where textiles are used in automotive applications, along with some trends in materials usage. With the changing industry, and the increased participation of China and India in the automotive industry, does the largest market for technical textiles still offer opportunities for new materials and participants?

9:15 – 9:30 AM Break

9:30 AM Meeting US and Global Regulations in Manufacture of
Flame Retardant Textiles

Speaker: Danny Steiner, Huntsman Chemicals LLC

Textiles are being used in more and more specialist roles where performance is tailored to the application. Flame resistance is a growing requirement in many such applications, and is controlled by regulations which vary, not just by end use, but also by location, as countries establish their own FR performance requirements. Developing FR Fabrics is made even more complicated by the range of textile substrates in use, and the fact that one chemical treatment does not meet the needs of all. This paper will review the range of chemistry used in FR treatments and review the test regulations in use globally, with specific reference to the US and European markets.

11:00 – 11:15 AM Break

Speaker: Richard V. Gregory, Old Dominion University

An overview of the effects of micro-structure and morphology on the electronic and optical properties of electro-active polymers anticipated for use in electronic fibers and creation of “smart materials” will be presented. Polymeric optical devices that can be incorporated into fibers to make “smart fabrics” and “Chameleon Effects” will be reviewed. Optical properties of new monomers developed in our laboratories for use in these fiber lasers have demonstrated potential for use in development of optical fiber based logic circuits.

12:45 PM Lunch/Conference Adjourns