Textile (TEXT)

This course will explore fundamental process-structure-property-performance relationships in polymers and their hybrids. Topics include mechanical properties, manufacturing processes, chain structure, polymer synthesis, molecular weight, crystallinity, rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, and cross-linking. Laboratory demonstrations will reinforce basic lecture concepts. Finally, students will use Ansys Granta Edupack software in projects to make polymer selections for specific applications and perform “eco-audits” to explore life cycle impacts. Biodegradation and compostability will also be discussed in the context of natural and sustainable biopolymers.

This course advances the knowledge of fibers and yarns. In the case of cotton and wool, a detailed study of how fibers are produced is made and how the properties and structure of fibers vary in relation to variability in growing conditions is explored. For man-made fibers, the length and fineness can be changed during manufacture depending on the type of system on which the yarn is to be produced. Yarn-processing systems are covered in detail along with faults that can result from various causes, in either the fiber or the machines. Quality-control procedures are emphasized at each stage of processing, along with methods for analyzing test results. Typical products are discussed from the point of view of type of fiber used and type of yarn structure.

The goal of this course is to bring perspective to the practical application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to products, processes, and business activities. The course will address how industry and government are applying LCA and assess its potential as it evolves both as an environmental tool and as an ethic, much as pollution prevention has. Case studies will be offered as examples of how the use of LCA can lead to beneficial results. The course will cover all facets of LCA to help the student thoroughly understand the subject. Discussion will range from the full, robust LCA model (inventory, impact assessment, and improvement analysis) to issues surrounding the development of a streamlined approach. Applications in life-cycle design and ecolabeling will be presented, as well as initial attempts to include life cycle thinking in the development of public policy in the United States and abroad. Of course, no discussion of industrial applications would be complete without consideration of life cycle costing and its importance as a factor in corporate decision making

General introduction to the uses of artificial materials in the human body for the purposes of healing, correcting deformities and restoring lost function are presented. Topics include biocompatibility, techniques to minimize corrosion, and specific uses of materials in various tissues and organs.

Statistical process-control theories and methods are discussed, and applications toward optimizing both process and product quality in modern textile operations are considered. The objective of these studies is to develop a process/product control system for the progressive textile plant of today. Another major segment of this course will be the review and employment of various methods of analysis of experimental data. Various techniques, and their advantages and disadvantages, will be considered and studied using textile applications.

Independent pursuit of goals in the development of woven fabrics is emphasized. The student will complete three projects, with product-development skills enhancement as a primary goal. Each project will require a search of current literature, the use of CAD, selection of equipment, production of a prototype fabric and submission of a technical report. Two of the projects will be selected by the course advisor and the third will be student-selected.

This course is an in-depth study of weft- and warp-knitting technologies, fabric constructions, and apparel, home furnishing and industrial products/applications/markets. Weft-knit fabric technologies studied include single flat and tubular, double knit, fully fashioned, electronic, etc. Warpknit fabric technologies studied include tricot and raschel, weft inserted, double needle bar, multiaxial, etc. Students are exposed to a variety of weft- and warp-knitting machines, stitch constructions and mechanical and electronic design/ pattern mechanisms. Knit fabric geometry is analyzed on the machine, off the machine and after finishing. The relationship and interactions between the knitting yarn and knitting elements are well established. Knitting productivity and quality factors are emphasized.

Nonwovens have a vast range of physical properties and end-use applications with an exceptionally high performance-to-price ratio. Such remarkable characteristics are possible due to the range of fiber type, bonding methods, and finishing methods possible at an exceptionally low cost. This course is intended to give a broad range of knowledge in nonwoven manufacturing methods cost and end-use applications and consumption. This will be accomplished by lecture, laboratory experiments, literature searches, research, cost analysis, statistical comparisons and modeling.

Industrial fabrics are used in a variety of applications other than consumer apparel and home furnishing products. For example, industrial fabrics are used in automotive trim, architectural fabric structure, awnings/outdoor furniture, aerostats, camping products, commercial/institutional interior trim and furnishings, composites, conveyor belts, filtration, geotextile and geomembrane applications, hazardous occupational products, marine products, military products, passive solar systems, sails, tarpaulins, tents, tires and window energy systems. This course is concerned with the study of major industrial-fabric applications and constructions. The performance requirements for each major industrial application will be related to the selection of specific fabric constructions. Trends in industrial fibers, yarn structures, fabric constructions, fabric finishing/coating/laminating and in fabrication of industrial products are reviewed for each major application. Each major application/market will be covered, wherein specific requirements and qualified fabric construction will be reviewed. The historical development of each application will be emphasized to demonstrate the impact of new materials/material forms/processing techniques on the dynamic nature of the industrial fabric business.

The processes for the evaluation of fabrics and products are examined. The use of product assessment as a tool for process and product improvement is emphasized. The complexity of the fiber, yarn, fabric and product-forming systems is such that it requires careful evaluation at each stage of the manufacturing process. A comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships of the fabric and product forming stages as related to their evaluation is developed. Established and innovative methods of evaluation are explored.

Quality has emerged as a formal management function. No longer restricted to manufacturing and operations areas, it now includes the design, purchasing and marketing processes. Through lecture, discussion and experiential activities, this course examines quality theory and practice ? how a more sophisticated understanding of quality can lead to a strategic approach to utility management which is necessary to compete in today?s world marketplace. Factors required for creating and maintaining a corporation?s strategic and competitive edge are thoroughly analyzed.

Selected Topics

Students may select an independent project or research topic with the approval of the dean of the School of Engineering & Textiles.