Guidelines for textile processing, manufacturing, testing, and compliance are improved through the lending of invaluable expertise by committee members. Unique perspectives that promote innovation and establish baseline metrics are contributed by participants. Insider access to emerging technologies and trends influencing textile materials, production methods, safety testing, sustainability measures, and cutting-edge inventions on the horizon is gained through engagement with these pivotal committees.

AATCC provides platforms for students, industry experts and everyone in between to contribute their passions and insights. These platforms include open committee meetings, technical resources, networking opportunities, and more. Committee participation is free and open to all who desire to learn, as well as to lead progress. By engaging with AATCC’s diverse array of committees, volunteers can directly influence the responsible, informed, and sustainable advancement of textiles globally.

Administrative Committee Meetings

AATCC members determine the direction of the Association. Attend virtual Administrative Committee Meetings to learn or lead new projects for conferences, membership, education, and more. There is no fee to attend, and your input is welcome. The fall series includes meetings with the technical committees on statistics and editorial review. Whether you are a math nerd, a language fanatic, or just a textile fan, there’s a place for you in an AATCC committee!

Research Committee Meetings

Join AATCC members and other industry stakeholders to help develop and revise standards and testing materials used around the world. This year AATCC is hosting the Research Committee Meetings at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) located at 12 Laboratory Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC. AATCC extends its gratitude to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for providing their space to host the fall 2024 meetings.

If travel isn’t an option, you can still join meetings remotely. Meetings are open to all—no membership or fee required. If you’re looking for leadership experience, an opportunity to boost your reputation as an expert in your field, or a way to give back to the industry, this is your chance! A complete schedule of meetings and events is posted online. Advance registration is appreciated to facilitate planning.

Herman and Myrtle Graduate Student Paper Competition

The Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition aims to enhance the textile education experience for student members of AATCC. The intent is to encourage independent student research globally. Students who are working on research regarding application of colorants, chemicals, and polymers or textile design and coloration, chemical processes, and materials of importance to the textile industry are eligible to submit an entry.

New this year, the top four graduate entries for the competition will have 15 minutes to present their paper on-site at the 2024 AATCC Fall Research Committee Meetings. Cash prizes are awarded to winning entries. The first-place prize is $1,000.00, second place is $ 800.00, and third place is $ 600.00. All prizes will be awarded in USD. Winners are recognized during the meetings.

Get Involved

AATCC committee meetings are working meetings. They are also an opportunity to meet people from across industry and around the world. Whether the discussion focuses on defining sustainability or choosing the location for an upcoming conference, there is always something new to learn and room to share.

Posted: September 27, 2024

Source: AATCC

The application is a simple online form including a description of the proposed project and the student’s resume. Please note that the applicant’s major professor or advisor is encouraged to write a supporting cover letter that addresses the importance of the problem or implications of the research and the student’s ability to conduct the proposed research.

Priority is given to research related to test method development, evaluation of textile performance in actual use situations, and correlations between these two. Grants range from $500 to $4,000. Grant recipients may also request an additional reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and/or registration to present the research project at a technical conference. Additional guidelines, application, and submission details are available on the AATCC Foundation webpage.

AATCC Foundation requests the faculty advisor and student to complete the Student Research Support Project Report Form shortly after the project has been completed, but no later than December 31; this form should be sent to India Hansen.

Funding decisions are made by a panel of academic and industry professionals from across the textile industry. Previously selected projects have ranged from tissue engineering to digital printing. As AATCC’s mission states, the aim is to “empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” AATCC Foundation grants can do this by supporting and sharing a broad spectrum of textile research.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: AATCC Foundation Inc.

TW Special Report

Textile industry associations want the textile industry to know they are talking. With a desire to work more collaboratively on industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all their respective members, 11 associations — Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA), the Nonwovens Institute (NWI), North American Linen Association (NALA), SEAMS – The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry, Southern Textile Association (STA), Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), and Synthetic Yarn & Fabric Association (SYFA) — recently got together to discuss ways to benefit the industry.

“We all represent various segments of the textiles and sewn products industry,” said Maggie McDonald, vice president, Communications, SPESA. “But we all agree that collaboration and building on synergies is what will propel our industry into its next chapter.”

This “Alphabet Soup Collective,” as the group has affectionately named itself, was officially launched during Techtextil North America held in Raleigh August 20-22, 2024. One of the first ideas for the collective was to co-host a social event open to all members of the textile industry including current association members as well as non-members wanting to learn more. The result, the inaugural Alphabet Soup Shindig, was held at the Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. This first-of-its-kind, sold-out event gathered people from all aspects of the industry in one place at the same time to network, learn and collaborate. Attendance far exceeded expectations, illustrating a hunger for these types of cross-industry networking opportunities.

Twelve sponsors were instrumental in making the shindig happen, and the organizers are very grateful to these companies:

• American & Efird;
• Asheboro Elastics Corp. (AEC);
• Baxter Mill Archives;
• Better Than Found;
• Coker & Associates;
• Contempora Fabrics;
• Danbartex;
• Gribbin Strategic;
• Itema America Inc.;
• MajorSage Business Coaching;
• MMI Textiles; and
• North Carolina Textile Foundation at NC State University.

Ben Talbert, president and CEO of Greenville, S.C.-based Better Than Found Search Group, one of the event sponsors, said: “Better than Found Search Group (BTF) was proud to sponsor this event. A big thank you to Devin Steele with STA and Maggie McDonald with SPESA for putting together one of the best trade show social events I have attended. The textile community is a family, and this felt like our reunion.”

Organizers also shared the following event feedback posted on Linkedin by Graham Page, co-founder and president of iAtelier Corp. and principal at AlchemyX LLC. “That was hands down, the best industry networking event I have ever attended,” Page said. “Where else can you connect with the entire industry from start to finish, from fiber to retail? The energy was palpable. This sort of thinking is exactly what is needed in these difficult times in our broader industry. Innovation happens when you mix people and ideas to address big challenges. Kudos to the team that pulled this together.”

As McDonald noted: “Good people, good networking, good vibes, AND good weather. Doesn’t get much better.”

The Alphabet Soup Collective will continue its conversations as it looks for ways to collaborate, streamline events and gather the industry in productive, beneficial ways for all involved. Questions, suggestions, feedback and ideas all are welcomed.

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August 27, 2024

Suitable candidates should have demonstrated leadership and motivational skills, and prior experience in managing a business with bottom-line accountability. Candidates should also be experienced in problem solving, strategic planning, and have technical understanding and attention to detail, as well as being organized, and professional.

Prior textile processing experience is desirable. Prior Association experience is desirable. Some experience in marketing would be advantageous. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), possess a positive work ethic, have an aptitude for planning and implementing directives, and be self-motivated. Suitable candidates must have a working knowledge of accounting systems, and a working knowledge of Windows software, and be familiar with social media.

Minimum Educational Requirement: A BS in Textile Chemistry, Chemistry, Textile Science, or Engineering is preferred. In addition to formal training in the physical sciences, an MBA with experience in managing a business is preferred. The search committee also prefers a person who is (or has been) a member of AATCC, and who has prior experience in serving as a member or chairing test methods, publications, or administrative committees of the Association.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

The position requires in-person work from the office, located at the AATCC Technical Center, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Posted: August 16, 2024

Source: AATCC

Prior to January 2025, access to AJOR for most textile professionals was dependent on membership to AATCC, or a separate paid subscription. Now that the journal is open access after January 1, 2025, there will be no restrictions on who can access the journal, with all articles past and present being free to view. This means that researchers and textile professionals can make use of the journal without any barriers to accessing the articles and be at the forefront of textile research.

The decision to make AJOR open access greatly enhances the goal of AATCC and the journal’s Editors to spread education and knowledge in the industry by providing high-quality peer-reviewed information. AJOR continues AATCC’s long history of publishing peer-reviewed research and has always been an integral membership benefit for AATCC members, allowing them to stay current with cutting edge textile-related research. The decision to make AJOR content freely available allows everyone access to this content so the information can be shared with researchers and professionals worldwide.

AJOR’s Editor in Chief Dr. Gang Sun (University of California, Davis); Deputy Editor Dr. Chi Wai Kan (Hong Kong Polytechnic University); and Publications Chair Dr. Jiping Wang (Shanghai University of Engineering Science) were pivotal in the decision to bring the AATCC Journal of Research to Open Access.

All of the journal’s latest and previous articles can be read for free beginning on January 1, 2025. For those interested in submitting to AJOR, authors can benefit from a 50% discount on the article processing charge (APC) throughout 2025. Article processing charges will begin starting September 1, 2024.

Posted: August 5, 2024

Source: AATCC

The Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC) recently translated and adopted three AATCC colorfastness to water test methods as a Colombian Technical Standard (NTC). NTC 6706 is technically equivalent to AATCC TM107 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water. AATCC TM106 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water: Sea was adopted as NTC 850 in 2022, replacing an older standard. AATCC TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool was adopted as NTC 2292-2.

Each of the standards is translated from the original English to Spanish. A cover page indicates the exact designation of the AATCC method on which the NTC is based. The cover page also indicates whether the adopted version is identical to the original or if modifications were made. In the case of the colorfastness methods, water and chlorinated pool water are identical; sea water is modified.

ICONTEC is also pursuing adoption of several other AATCC standards including additional colorfastness method, dimensional stability, and smoothness appearance.

Carolina Angulo Fandiño, ICONTEC Standardization Leader Manager, also noted that AATCC TM20 and TM20A for fiber analysis are particularly important since the withdrawal of ASTM D629.

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) is also in the process of adopting AATCC standards. Nivanthi K Jayaweera, SLSI Assistant Director, says, “We believe that the expertise and resources offered by AATCC will be invaluable in guiding us through this process of standard identification and adoption.”

AATCC standards are created by a consensus process. All are invited to participate and contribute. Every comment is considered and addressed. The published document reflects a thorough review by diverse stakeholders. In addition to adoption as national standards, many AATCC test methods are adopted by ISO. Test methods published by ISO Technical Committee 38 on Textiles for colorfastness, dimensional stability, appearance, and more are technically equivalent to earlier AATCC methods. In most cases, the relationship is noted in the History section of the relevant AATCC standard.

To learn more about AATCC standards, visit www.aatcc.org/standards. The complete collection of more than 150 active textile standards is available in the annual AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

Posted: July 26, 2024

Source: AATCC

In addition to serving as executive vice president, Wyman has been director of the Publications, Membership, and Technical departments. A member of AATCC since 2001, she has also participated in numerous administrative and technical committees.

In the interim, John “Jack” Daniels will fill the vacated post until a permanent replacement is named. Daniels previously held the executive vice president role for more than 20 years and the board of directors has agreed for him to be named executive vice president, Emeritus. Wyman and Daniels will work together during the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Daniels said of Wyman: “Your leadership at AATCC over so many years has been greatly appreciated by our members, and by me personally, knowing first-hand what you’ve accomplished over these many years for all of the departments of AATCC!”

Other board members shared similar sentiments. Kanti Jasani said, “Diana, besides being EVP is one of the strongest technical experts on the AATCC team.” Wyman led the formation of AATCC’s e-textile committee and was instrumental in publishing a test method for measuring fiber fragment “microfiber” release in laundering. She has spoken on these and other testing-related topics at conferences and industry events around the world.

On the administrative front, Wyman successfully navigated AATCC through COVID shutdowns and restrictions. She oversaw building enhancements, displays, and celebrations for the Association’s 100th anniversary in 2021. Wyman negotiated and signed memoranda of understanding with Colombia and Sri Lanka to enable national adoption of AATCC standards.

AATCC President John Crocker said, “Diana and I have been professional peers for over 20 years, working within AATCC, ASTM, and ISO.  She will be sorely missed as the Executive Vice President, but I look forward to continue working with her in the standards communities and I wish her well and success in her future endeavors!”

The AATCC Board of Directors will begin the search for a new executive immediately. A search committee and job description are being developed and will be announced soon.

Posted: July 25, 2024

Source: American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

First Place

This year’s first-place winner is Jessica Singleton. She is pursuing a PhD in Textile Technology at North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Wilson College of Textiles. Singleton’s winning entry, titled Kinfolk, is a resort capsule menswear collection driven by technology and designed to ignite inspiration and foster cultural interconnectedness. She focused on eco-friendly digital and sublimation printing for the collection, as well as comfort and convenience—tailoring the collection to fit diverse body shapes and sizes.

Singleton says that she “learned more about color standards and how to incorporate them into my own brand.” She used AATCC Test Methods TM111, Test Method for Weather Resistance of Textiles: Exposure to Daylight and Weather; TM106, AATCC TM106 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water: Sea; and TM125, Colorfastness to Perspiration and Light to validate her product line’s quality and sustainability.

For winning first place, Singleton was awarded US$1,000 from AATCC, a US$500 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Second Place

This year’s second-place winner is Lianna DeLuna, pursuing a degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing at Texas Tech University. Her ski resort apparel line for young women, A Bright Chill, is inspired by the patterns and colors of the Arctic, from the shapes of ice crystals to the colors of the Aurora Borealis. The sustainability focus of this line focuses on the use of recycled polyester and faux fur.

“This competition pushed me to expand my knowledge about sustainable practices and has inspired me to implement them in my future design projects,” says DeLuna. “In the future, I hope to start my own brand that challenges me to think sustainably with the textiles and patterns I use.”

The AATCC test methods she used included TM111, Weather Resistance of Textiles: Exposure to Daylight and Weather; TM16.1, Colorfastness to Light: Outdoor; and TM22, Water Repellency: Spray Test—validating the kinds of performance these products will have to embody as ski resort apparel.

For second place, DeLuna was awarded        US$750 from AATCC, a US$250 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Third Place

This year’s third-place winner is Samantha “Sammie” Neno. She is pursuing a degree in Apparel Design at Auburn University. Her young women’s resort wear collection, entitled Colores Del Sol, is centered around ethical labor, Pima cotton, and traditional natural Peruvian dyes.

Neno says that the competition “was a wonderful experience that not only helped me learn digital design, but also gave me the opportunity to research topics from chemistry to ethical labor. This allowed me to grow confident in my skills as a designer, which will help me as I continue my time at Auburn and discern my career goals.”

She used AATCC TM16.1, Colorfastness to Light: Outdoor; TM106 Colorfastness to Water: Sea; and TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool to test the fastness of the natural dyes on her resort wear line.

Neno’s third-place prizes include US$200 from AATCC, a US$125 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Developers, Judges, and Sponsors

AATCC would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the following developers, judges, and sponsors. Without their expertise and assistance, the competition would not have been possible.

Developers

• Sandra Johnson, Color Solutions International
• Kerry King, North Carolina State University
• Muditha Senanayake, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Judges

• Lisa Beck, Datacolor
• Craig Crawford, CrawfordIT and Differently Enabled
• Connie Huffa, Fabdesigns Inc.
• Julie Katzenberger, QA Management
• Lauren Koury, Carolina Hosiery
• Kristie Rhodes, Cotton Incorporated
• Anita Whitlow, Jeffries Socks
• Carrie Yates, Cotton Incorporated

Sponsors

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: AATCC

]]> https://www.textileworld.com/textile-world/2024/07/the-aatcc-foundation-student-research-support-grant-program-new-funding-available-for-textile-research/ Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:35:22 +0000 https://www.textileworld.com/?p=97093 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.  — July 19, 2024 — The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2025. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2024, to be considered.

The application is a simple online form including a description of the proposed project and the student’s resume. Please note that the applicant’s major professor or advisor is encouraged to write a supporting cover letter that addresses the importance of the problem or implications of the research and the student’s ability to conduct the proposed research.

Priority is given to research related to test method development, evaluation of textile performance in actual use situations, and correlations between these two. Grants range from $500 to $4,000. Grant recipients may also request an additional reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and/or registration to present the research project at a technical conference. Additional guidelines, application, and submission details are available on the AATCC Foundation webpage.

AATCC Foundation requests the faculty advisor and student to complete the Student Research Support Project Report Form shortly after the project has been completed, but no later than December 31; this form should be sent to India Hansen.

Funding decisions are made by a panel of academic and industry professionals from across the textile industry. Previously selected projects have ranged from tissue engineering to digital printing. As AATCC’s mission states, the aim is to “empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” AATCC Foundation grants can do this by supporting and sharing a broad spectrum of textile research.

Posted: July 20, 2024

Source: AATCC Foundation

In addition to direct funding for tuition, all Foundation scholars receive free registration for the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit in October and one year of complimentary AATCC membership to help them connect with industry professionals and launch a career in textiles. To support future generations of textile scholars and help empower an informed future, donate to the AATCC Foundation at www.aatcc.org/foundation/#donate.

The application for 2025-2026 scholarships opens November 1. The application for research support grants opens today, July 15. Visit www.aatcc.org/foundation/#grants for more information about funding for your undergraduate or graduate research.

Grady, Hauser, Houser, Daniels Fellow

This is a $5,000 fellowship for PhD candidates in Fiber and Polymer Science at the North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles.

• Morgan Gilbert, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science

Darsey Family Scholar

This is a $2,500 scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students in a textile- and/or fashion-related program.

• Dengyu Luo, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Textile Technology and Management

Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Textile Scholars

Indian students attending a U.S. university are eligible for one of three $1,000 Jasani scholarships. This scholarship is open to graduate as well as undergraduate students.

• Mukta Mirlekar, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science
• Gunashekar Kalluri, North Carolina State University, Masters, Textile and Apparel, Technology Management
• Prateeti Ugale, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science

More Scholars

This year, AATCC Foundation is providing scholarships to about 29 students at 10 universities in programs ranging from fashion design to materials engineering. Learn about other 2024-2025 scholarship recipients at www.aatcc.org/foundnews.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: AATCC Foundation