Nonwovens

and Advanced Materials

The advanced materials laboratory at the Institute of Environmental and Human Health focuses on fundamental and applied research activities on developing sophisticated materials that help with improving human health and the environment. The laboratory utilizes burgeoning and cutting-edge techniques such as nano science and nonwovens technology. Research activities are truly multidisciplinary in nature involving environmental toxicology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and chemical sciences. The nonwovens laboratory houses the “state-of-the-art” needle punching and through-air thermal bonding machines. The laboratory has carried out fundamental and applied research on nonwovens technologies. Light weight nonwovens fabrics that find advanced applications such as chemical warfare and toxic chemicals decontamination wipes, inner liner for protective clothing, and filtration fabrics have been successfully developed. nonwovens technologies available at ENTX are being used to develop value-added products from cotton, wool and their blends. A research project is underway to develop a cotton-based light weight chemical decontamination wipe. The research activity on the development of novel nonwovens chemical decontamination wipe has received international recognition. "Textile World Magazine" has featured the decontamination wipe as the “Quality Fabric of the Month” in the April 2004 issue. ENTX is the leading research institution that utilizes nonwovens technologies for developing protective and barrier materials.

 

Interesting research activities utilizing “nanotechnology” involve the development of nanofibers and nano metal oxide comporites that find

 

sophisticated applications such as self-destructive nanofilters, biodegradable drug delivery systems, etc.

 

Fiber-based filters and membranes are being investigated to evaluate AMIHE2.jpgtheir filtration capabilities against contaminants such as perchlorates and arsenic. A Ph.D. level project is underway to come up with simple analytical techniques and solutions to counteract arsenic problems in ground water. Research on countermeasures to arsenic contamination is an important research endeavor which has global support.

 

The advanced materials laboratory has “state-of-the-art” research tools to carry out the aforementioned research activities. Research results have been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals in the field. The laboratory has most modern H1 technology needle punching and thermalbording nonwovens machines. Lab model electrospinning equipment is available to undertake research on nanofibers. Analytical instruments such as Pyris1 thermogravimetric analyzer, chemical breakthrough tester are available for students. Graduate students carry out hands-on research using modern research equipment.

The laboratory undertakes both fundamental and applied research on materials that impact the human health and environment. These research endeavors have resulted in two US patents so far.

 

Faculty Contact:

Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar

 

Exchange students and scientists from Germany, Korea, and India visit the laboratory for short term research activities.

 

Lab Group Publications

Development of Cotton Nonwoven Composite Fabric for Toxic Chemical Decontamination and Characterization of its Adsorption Capabilities

 

Department of Environmental Toxicology

MAILING ADDRESS

Texas Tech University, Box 41163 Lubbock, TX 79409

 

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

1207 S. Gilbert Drive, Lubbock, TX 79416

 

PHONE  806.742.4567

 © The Department of Environmental Toxicology (ENTX)  - All Rights Reserved

 

Department of Environmental Toxicology

MAILING ADDRESS

Texas Tech University, Box 41163 Lubbock, TX 79409

 

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

1207 S. Gilbert Drive, Lubbock, TX 79416

 

PHONE  806.742.4567

 © The Department of Environmental Toxicology (ENTX)  - All Rights Reserved

 

Department of Environmental Toxicology

 

MAILING ADDRESS

Texas Tech University, Box 41163 Lubbock, TX 79409

 

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

1207 S. Gilbert Drive, Lubbock, TX 79416

 

PHONE

806.742.4567

 

 © The Department of Environmental Toxicology (ENTX)  - All Rights Reserved