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 TRI/Princeton
was originally founded as the Textile Research Institute to
assist the textile industry in staying competitive. Although
we have greatly diversified our areas of expertise and the
business sectors we serve, we are still supported by textile
manufacturers and recognized as one of the foremost institutes
for textile science. Research at TRI/Princeton is supporting
advances in textile processing through improved measurement
methods, rigorous testing and advanced instrument development.
Fiber
Surface Chemistry
We study
the influence of fiber surface chemistry on textile processing
and fabric characteristics. We have correlated wettability,
absorbency, and friction measurements of single fibers to
final product performance. This has been useful in developing
new products and predicting their response. Fiber friction
measurements are also crucial in optimizing processing conditions
of fabrics.
Application
of Finishes to Fibers, Yarns, and Fabrics
To decrease
fiber friction and increase weavability, manufacturers often
apply finishes to fibers. TRI is currently conducting two
research projects in this area.
Using
microfluorometry , TRI has developed methods of mapping surface
coverage and film thickness of applied finishes. Since fluorescence
intensity is a function of finish film thickness and the surface
coverage, microfluorometry is ideally suited to determine
both coverage and film thickness; however, the method requires
the addition of a fluorescent dye to the finish before application.
Figure Below: The microfluorometry technique is shown for
a colorless paste finish with fluorochrome spreading on a
fiber. The pictures on the left show progressive spreading
and subsequent breakup of the applied material. The graph
on the right is a quantitative representation of the pattern
and concentration of finish distribution along the fiber,
corresponding to the picture below it.
During
application on moving yarns, droplets can detach and fly off.
The phenomena, known as slinging, causes a safety hazard when
floors become slippery and an environmental hazard when droplets
are very small and form aerosols. We are determining the mechanisms
of these processes and evaluating potential additives that
could eliminate the problem.
Fabric
Performance
Over the decades, TRI has developed countless methods to evaluate
the performance of fabrics. Research has focused on: cleanability
and the effects of commercial and home cleaning on fabric
hand and appearance; quantification of wear, pilling, and
changes in appearance from abrasion; heat and moisture management
in performance apparel; dye fading and many other techniques
unique to TRI's laboratories.
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