Chemical Countermeasures

And Advanced Materials Laboratory

• December, 2020

  Dec 22

  Year End Update on Cotton

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, December 22, 2020)-COVID-19 has impacted the normal life and economy. How have the cotton and textile sectors fared?

   

  The year was supposed to end with a positive news that two vaccines have been approved for mass inoculation. But the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 which has shown up recently in the United Kingdom is causing genuine concern. With two major holidays around the corner, how will the developing situation impact the global economy and the cotton-textiles sector will be carefully watched.

   

  Reduction in crop production estimate in the United States and interest in cotton products bring out optimism among stakeholders. “Increase in yarn prices in India has boosted confidence in the sector,” stated Velmurugan Shanmugam, general manager of Aruppukottai, India-based Jayalakshmi Textiles.

   

  “Global demand looks much better than a few months ago.  Recent surveys of textile manufacturers conducted by the ITMF have described continual improvement since April, observed,” Jon Devine, senior economist at Cary-based Cotton Incorporated.

   

  Significant decrease in this years’ production in the High Plains of Texas, which is the world’s largest contiguous patch is helping with the rebound in prices. This area will produce about 2.3 to 2.5 million bales (480 lbs. each) this year as against last years’ production of 3.051 million bales (480 lbs. each). "The 2020 crop on the Texas High Plains has been severely impacted by dry conditions throughout the growing season,” said Shawn Wade, director of policy analysis and research at Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.

   

  Harvest is almost complete and 90% of ginning is completed in the High Plains area. “Yields are disappointing but overall quality is good,” stated Mark Brown, field services director at Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. Average micronaire has been lower in the High Plains compared to last year due to cold weather in September. “Overall quality is good with strength averaging at 30.5 g/tex and length little bit better than last year,” stated Danny Martinez, area director of USDA’s Lubbock Cotton Classing Office.

   

  Ginning season was impacted by COVID-19, but ginners worked hard to carry on ginning to finish. Year is ending with optimism for the cotton and textile sectors with interest in cotton and rebound in cotton and yarn prices. Again, how the emerging Corona variant will impact is yet to be known.

   

  Happy holidays and safe New Year 2021!

• November, 2020

  Nov 2

  Nov 11

  Graduate Class Discusses Cotton as a COVID-19 Countermeasure

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, November 2, 2020)—Face masks are front and center in the Tuesday’s U.S. Presidential election.

   

  Face masks are indeed becoming a part of gift baskets this holiday season. With wintry weather on the horizon, cases are expected to rise, as is evident in the recent surge in Europe and United States. Given these circumstances, knowledge dissemination on biomedical and nonmedical countermeasures are the need of the hour.

   

  I have been handling graduate level courses in Spring and the current Fall semester to discuss state-of-the-art in personnel protection against infectious diseases and toxic chemicals. A highlight of the current class is the engaged discussions on the usefulness of PPEs and particularly cotton as a countermeasure material.

   

  James Ayodeji, a Ph.D. student from Nigeria presented results from a recent work that appeared in Virology Journal. The work focused on the effect of temperature on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on common materials. Results from this study and a few others showed that the virus persists for shorter time on cotton than other materials, Interestingly, at higher temperature of 40OC, no virus was recoverable from cotton within 24 hours. Even at a lower temperature of 20 OC, amount of virus isolated from contaminated cotton cloth was far less than from other materials investigated.

   

  Face masks work as a barrier medium and the class recognized this aspect based on the data available. Face masks have played a major role in curtailing the spread of the virus according to

  Tian Shuangmei, a graduate student from Heze city, China. Using reports from Chinese outlets,

  Shuangmei made a presentation how the virus impacted Wuhan and other places in China. “China, being densely populated, strictly enforcing social distancing may be difficult. Strict rules regarding masks has helped the country to get control on the virus,” stated Shuangmei.

   

  Jonayo Farquharson from British Virgin Islands handled information on how China successfully kept the situation under control. Important take away has been that managing strict countermeasures in China has been less challenging, when compared to western countries due to the centralized epidemic response system, again emphasizing the need for PPEs.

   

  Tracy Musgrove, a former science teacher for 23 years and a graduate student who has lost close relatives to COVID-19, emphasized the importance of masks in controlling the spread.

   

  Over the course of this semester, students engaged actively in discussions on the COVID-19 situation by looking at the cases, deaths and recovery, all the way focusing on countermeasures. Haripriya Ramesh, originally from India presented information on the structure and shape of face masks, which impact its utility and filtration.

   

  Jeremiah Leach, a US veteran who has served in South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, and a graduate student stated while nonmedical countermeasures like masks and social distancing may not alone be able to end the pandemic, they are necessary to slow down the progression.

   

  “Since being a part of the PPE and Infectious Diseases like COVID-19 seminar, I have gained a plethora of new knowledge about the virus and its countermeasures such as masks, but ultimately masks should possess proper fit, formability and filtration,” stated Terrell Hilliard.

   

  In my 22 years of teaching at Texas Tech University, while it is clear that I have not witnessed a situation like the current one, a great lesson learnt has been that courses should focus on the needs of the society and should be flexible to tackle sudden challenges.  It is such a relish to observe how the students participated in discussions about a stressful situation—a way of knowledge sharing and developing innovative ideas.

  Results from some latest studies are shining due spotlight on the advantages of cotton as a viral barrier material, but further studies are needed to understand the reasons behind those outcomes.

   

  The course has created moments and more importantly has developed students to be citizen scholars who look forward to serving our society.

   

   

  Signage in Front of Petroleum Engineering Building-TTU

  Textiles for Survivability and Sustainability in COVID-19 Times

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, November 10, 2020)—No other time in history has the spotlight shined so much on textiles for its role in saving lives than at the present times.

   

  Textile materials’ capability to filter and destabilize SARS-CoV-2 is attracting a lot of attention, as well as sustainable fibers like cotton for many advanced applications.

   

  Coimbatore, India-based Bharathiar University is organizing a seven-day international virtual conference to highlight the functional and environmental impacts of textiles. About 300 people have registered for the event, which has speakers from Hong Kong, Finland, United States, India and Ireland.

   

  It was such a pleasure for me to offer a few words of special address on textiles as life savers this morning albeit being wee hours (4 AM CST). Professor P. Kaliraj, Vice-Chancellor of Bharathiar University, while inaugurating the event emphasized the importance of textiles to developing nations and also its environmental and societal impacts.

   

  Today, I introduced 4Es towards textile sustainability taking into consideration the current coronavirus situation. In my opinion sustainability has to take into account: 1) Environment; 2) Energy; 3) Economy and 4) Employment. Textile sector has to forge ahead looking at interdisciplinary approaches to develop value-added sustainable products such as viral barrier, medical filters, etc.

   

  Professor Venkatachalam Arunachalam, a highly respected academic with 42 years of research and teaching experience in the Coimbatore area, who participated in the event stated, “Materials sector should look into cotton and other fibers to develop cost effective advanced products that can save lives and protect the environment.”

   

  The conference will feature topics such as, life-saving cotton products, fashion in circular economy, consumer preferences for ecofriendly products, life cycle analysis, to name a few.

   

  It is certain that even with a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2, masks are going to play an important role. And, as such the textile sector has a useful role to play both in the current pandemic as well in the future towards the safety of human beings and the planet.

   

   

• October, 2020

  Oct 13

  Cotton is Superior in Destabilizing Coronavirus

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, October 11, 2020)-Porous cotton substrates are better in destabilizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

   

  With global COVID-19 cases over 37 million and deaths crossing one million, medical and nonmedical countermeasures such as masks are critically needed.

   

  Recent study by Australian scientists show that material characteristics and temperature play important roles in the survival of the coronavirus. The work focused on the survival rate of SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces like paper notes, stainless steel, glass, vinyl material and cotton cloth. The viral studies were performed in high containment (Biosafety Level 4) at the Australian Center for Disease Preparedness.

   

  At 20 deg. C, for nonporous materials like stainless steel, glass, the virus persisted beyond 28 days post infection. In the case of cotton, virus was not recovered past 14 days after inoculation. As the temperature was raised, recovery of the virus was reduced. At 40 deg. C, SARS-CoV-2 was not recoverable after 24 hours for cotton, while virus was not recovered beyond 48 hours for nonporous surfaces studied. In addition, humidity also influences the survival rate of the virus.

   

  “It has been known for some time that the infectious virus could survive on inanimate objects for some time depending on its structure and characteristics,” stated Dr. Manickavasagam Sundaram, Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, Canada. As a practicing physician, Dr. Sundaram emphasized the importance of face coverings, social distancing, hand hygiene and disinfecting frequently used surfaces.

   

  The latest study supports the use of face coverings made using cotton. Also, it indicates the influence of structural characteristics such as porosity. Nonwoven fabrics have higher surface area, which may be helpful in developing face coverings with filters. I have advocated the use of filter enhanced cotton face coverings, “FISORS,” which may be an efficient viral barrier.

   

  Results of the Australian study have appeared recently in the Virology Journal.

• September, 2020

  Sept 3

  Sept 23

  Sept 29

  Growing the Cotton Sector

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, September 3, 2020)-Cotton supply chain is a vital job-creating sector, from agriculture to fashion industry.

   

  With the COVID-19 creating a dent in the economy with about 30 million people on unemployment benefits in the United States, how to grow the economy is a serious challenge. Growing the manufacturing sector such as the textiles should be seriously looked into. Textile industry should develop near to long-term strategies to diversify and grow. In India, over 45 million people are employed directly in the textile sector that contributes about 2% to the GDP, highlighting the importance of this sector in employment and economy. More importantly, cotton sector cuts across two major areas of the economy: 1) agriculture and 2) manufacturing.

   

  A discussion with preeminent people whose experience spans the fields of cotton economics, genetics, cotton spinning and communication provided valuable information.

   

  Innovation surfaced prominently, highlighting the need for both basic and applied research in the textile and allied sectors. “Managing the cost of production and developing innovative uses are vital,” stated Kater Hake, vice president of agriculture & environmental research at USA-based Cotton Incorporated. COVID-19 has brought much attention to advanced textiles products, particularly PPE. Research reports shine light on the value of cellulosic materials towards virus destabilization, breathability and comfort. “These positive aspects should spill over to traditional markets where the bale volume is higher,” pointed Jon Devine, an economist at Cotton Incorporated. Although masks may not move the bar much with regard to consumption, new applications particularly in the medical field brings due attention to the fibers, which will influence the consumption and support for natural fibers. “Non-traditional products may not consume large quantity of cotton but they allow cotton to reach new and untapped markets,” agreed Eric Hequet, a cotton geneticist and associate vice president for research at Texas Tech University.

   

  While mission linked research, lower cost of production are valuable tools, proper messaging about the advantages of cotton plays a critical role. Cotton is not a medicine, but it is an important fiber that goes into inner wears. Improving the production efficiencies by carefully planning cotton procurement, reducing wastes, the overall cost could be controlled. This is important to compete against low cost synthetics. “Given the current situation with damped consumer confidence, getting a breakeven is a positive aspect for a spinning mill,” stated Shanmugam Velmurugan, general manager of South India-based Jayalakshmi Textiles, which produces fine count cotton yarns. “With proper government intervention that takes care of the interests of farmers and manufacturers, the industry can look forward to diversifications,” stated Velmurugan.

   

  Cotton sector has positive messages that have to be relayed to the stakeholders, say biodegradability, microplastic issues, etc. “Microplastic issue is a once in a hundred years opportunity for the sector,” stated Kater Hake.

   

  Again, the pandemic has brought timely and genuine interest in natural fibers. “Pandemic has reminded everyone that we live in a giant ecosystem, which is connected and we need to pay more attention to the planet,” stated Jon Devine. Such renewed enthusiasm will help with the consumption of environmentally friendly products.

   

  “Communication is essential for everything else to succeed,” pointed out David Perlmutter, dean of Texas Tech’s College of Media & Communication. “We should not be shy about advertising the advantages of natural fibers,” added Eric Hequet.

   

  Seizing the opportunity at hand, supporting innovative ecosystem, looking towards cost savings and more importantly timely messaging are the tools in the toolbox for the cotton sector. Cotton industry should innovate, look for new markets and enhance the use-value of fibers say industrial applications.

  The Year 2020 and Cotton Textiles Sector

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, September 23, 2020)—Year 2020 keeps on giving and the cotton textiles sector is not immune to multiple pressures.

  With the arrival of Autumn, harvest is on the horizon in the High Plains of Texas and the beginning of a new cotton season in India from 1st October.

   

  2020 started with lingering trade tensions between two leading producers of cotton, China and United States. Tensions still continue at a bigger level between these two countries that are enhanced by the current pandemic. Factors as varied as political, trade and economy have caught up, that have implications for the cotton and textile sectors in general. With mandatory lockdowns for 6-weeks in countries, including India, during the peak of the pandemic, industries are slowly gearing back to speed, reaching 70-80% capacity utilization.

   

  Consumers are king, the old adage holds true and more importantly at the present times. With over 30 million people on some form of unemployment benefits in the United States, consumer confidence and spending will determine the near term fate of the global textile industry. With the U. S. Presidential election near the corner, COVID-19 and economy are the two leading deciding factors among other ideological issues. These factors clearly influence the global textile and manufacturing sectors.

   

  Cost competitiveness, good quality and value-added products are the way forward for the industry. United States and Europe are still leading consumers and the economy in these regions will determine the speedy recovery of the global textile industry.

   

  Interestingly, the current global crisis is reshaping the global textile sector’s space with more eyes on East Africa, Vietnam and Bangladesh. While China is the 600 pound gorilla, continuing trade tensions, COVID-19 impacts, and Xinjiang issue are watched carefully by competing countries like India to capture the market share. Cotton exporting countries like USA and Australia value China as a major player because of its buying power and need, however attention needs to be paid on recent geopolitical conditions.

   

  Cotton textile manufacturing giants like India are seriously expanding their product basket so that weak links, such as finishing, garmenting and synthetic fiber sector, can enhance their strength against China. Given the strength of Bangladesh in its garment sector due to relative low cost labor and beneficial trade agreements that exist for Vietnam and Bangladesh, developing value-added products and enhancing the product basket are viable options for India.

   

  COVID-19 has clearly highlighted the need for technical textiles that go into making PPEs. More importantly, lack of continued investing in this sector even in the United States has exposed its vulnerability in critical lifesaving products.

   

  From my personal efforts for over 20 years both in the United States and India in nonwovens and advanced textiles, it is clear that the technical textiles sector has gained momentum, which has to branch out into R & D investments and new products development using cost-effective sustainable materials and processes. It also highlights the fact that developments do not come over night and need years of efforts in terms of both intellectual and capital investments. Again, as a person involved with the development of the Indian technical textile sector since 1999, I could visualize how the industry came together to develop PPE products in this COVID-19 situation. This did not happen overnight, but with sustained Government push for this sector since the early 2000s.

   

  Market diversification and product enhancements have to be paid serious attention—a take home message from the current COVID-19 for the textile sector.  Indeed, mask is the new face of the world!

  Life Saving Technical Textiles

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, September 29, 2020)—Face masks and vaccine are going to indispensable in the fight against COVID-19.

   

  As the transmittal of the Corona virus occurs by infected persons even without symptoms, face coverings play a vital role in containing the spread.

   

  Recently, there has been a flurry of research activities on the type of face coverings, materials, design, etc. While there is no one perfect model or type of face coverings, it is important that we use them based on the guidelines established by agencies such as the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

   

  “As a survivor of the deadly Corona virus infection along with my son, I request all to wear mask and maintain at least 6 feet distance in public places to avoid the virus infection,” stated Mr. Amarashish Phanse of Ahmedabad, India.

   

  I have had the first acquaintance with Mr. Phanse in one of my technical textiles awareness events in India over a decade ago and has maintained close connection with him to develop the field.  Mr. Phanse has been in the technical textiles sector, and has been a great support in my research and outreach efforts in the nonwovens and technical textiles field. It is heartening that Mr. Phanse took time to convey the importance of safety measures in fight against the virus, amidst his recovery.

   

  It is becoming clear that even with availability of vaccine, good public health measures such as the use of face coverings may be needed. “There is increasing evidence that masks help prevent people who have COVID-19, including those without symptoms, from spreading SARS-CoV-2 to others,” stated Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of CDC in a recent testimony to a United States’ Senate panel.

   

  Speaking from his own grueling experience in the fight against the virus, Phanse stated, “Having worked with textiles and technical textiles industry closely for over a decade, I can now realize the immense contribution made by its fiber to fashion value chain in coming up with user friendly and functional protective textiles.”

   

  Advanced textiles sector has a renewed purpose now to develop life-saving products at a competitive price. Developed economies such as the United States has to revamp its R & D and manufacturing sectors that will focus on human health and environmental aspects. Research into comfortable face masks with enhanced protection is a tall order and well worth investing. Similarly, cost effective sustainable products that find applications in household items to space crafts will be needed. Indian government has created a National Mission on Technical Textiles to grow the field.

   

  I have been articulating the use of natural fibers like cotton and coarse wool in advanced products for more than two decades. In close association with people like Mr. Phanse, developed collaborative programs between India and the United States in the nonwovens and technical textiles sectors that have led to awareness creation and business tie-ups. The current COVID-19 crisis has shined a genuine spotlight on the positive aspects of cotton as a life saver may open-up pathways towards exploring new materials for value-added applications. It has become clear that apart from functionalities, cost of products play a very vital role in the market acceptance of products. So, examining the economic aspects of new products and market surveys to analyze the need have to be undertaken simultaneously while conducting R & D. Next phase of R & D should involve scientists, economists and marketing professionals, towards new product development such as PPE.

   

  Let us practice safety and wish the speedy recovery of all those who have been afflicted by the virus. Mask on and stay positive!

   

• August, 2020

  Aug 18

  Cotton Demand Needs Enhancement

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, August 18, 2020)—Indian current year’s cotton production will be more than the last month’s estimate.

   

  India’s crop for the current season (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020) is estimated to be 35.45 million bales (170 Kgs each). On August 17, Mumbai, India-based Cotton Association of India has revised its last month’s estimate upward by 1.9 million bales (170 Kgs each).

   

  While the Indian production is expected to increase, total domestic consumption is projected to decrease by 3 million bales from the earlier estimate and is pegged at 25 million bales. The total supply will be about 40.25 million bales. Total domestic consumption last year (2018-19) was about 31.15 million bales (170 Kgs). This trend highlights the need to enhance consumption by exploring new and value-added applications for cotton.

   

  An hour-long discussion with a Mumbai-based commodity analyst with over 25 years in the commodity field provided firsthand information on Indian market. COVID-19 has certainly played a major role in the decline in demand, but the COVID-19 scenario offers opportunities for the cotton supply chain to take stock of the situation. It is time to think about unexplored markets and industrial applications such as medical textiles.

   

  Indian cotton prices are trading at lower level compared to international value—in spite of this situation, demand is not high. “Creating demand for cotton will help the entire supply chain such as farmers and end-users,” stated the trade analyst.

   

  Complete lockdown in April and May has negatively influenced manufacturing and hence lack of demand. Even during the lockdown period, cotton has been arriving to markets and the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has been purchasing. After the lockdown was lifted in June, CCI has been procuring aggressively. To boost the demand, CCI has been offering bulk discount to mills to procure cotton. As the spinning mills are working at about 75% capacity, demand has not yet picked-up speed.

   

  Kharif season’s cotton may start arriving in late September/early October. Cotton supply chain eagerly awaits the demand increase, hoping for improved consumer spending in the forthcoming festival period. Next year’s cotton crop may be higher than this year as the sowing has increased by 3.20 percent. Until August 14, cotton sowing has been at 125.48 lakh hectares, which was 121.58 lakh hectares around this time, last year. With increase in acreage, it adds pressure to find new opportunities. End-users are endeavoring their best to push the products to consumers. “Readymade goods (RMG) demand in Europe, Middle East and United States needs to pick-up,” stated Mumbai-based commodity expert. “Wholesale trades in markets like Surat are selling shirts at 50% value. Shirts normally selling at Rupees 500 are being sold at Rupees 200 in some Indian markets,” added the expert.

   

  While COVID-19 has put a bolt on manufacturing and consumer spending, it is time to look for nontraditional applications for cotton. Public mood is behind enhanced manufacturing such as sustainable and additive manufacturing. Surely, cotton will fit well in the new manufacturing equation. New product development and effective communication are valuable in these testing times. Programs like “Cotton & Coffee,” being organized by the United States’ Cotton Board are the need of the hour to engage with producers, end-users and consumers.

   

   

   

   

   

• July, 2020

  July 20

  July 28

  Cotton and Crisis Management

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, July 20, 2020)-Technical applications of cotton are finding applications in crisis management scenarios.

   

  Recently, India’s largest oil and gas company, ONGC uses cotton-based absorbent mats for absorbing oil spills. Cotton-based filters are finding applications in face covers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

   

  COVID-19 situation has revealed that cotton influences the stability of viruses, which is important in developing countermeasures products like masks from cellulosic materials. Research efforts have highlighted cotton destabilizes virus relatively quickly than plastics.

   

  Cotton is an established fiber in fiber to fashion supply chain and genuine interest is emerging to explore new applications for cotton in health and environmental sectors.

   

  Slowly, cotton products are penetrating into crisis management situations in health care and environmental sectors. For 21 years, the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University managed by this scribe has been researching on advanced applications of cotton. Recently, the research activities are getting commercial acceptance.

   

  One recent recognition has been international, with the acceptance of the cotton-based mat as an oil absorbent by India’s leading oil exploration public sector entity, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Ltd. (ONGC). Recently, during July 10-12, cotton-based absorbent pads have been effectively used by ONGC at its Godavari river delta oil well sites in Rajahmundry.

   

  ONGC is India’s largest crude and natural gas company and is ranked 18th among global players in oil and gas operations with over 30,000 employees. Penetration of cotton-based absorbent technology into this premier Indian company is a milestone with regard to the acceptance of cotton as a high performance fiber. Cotton-based nonwoven mats have moved along from the testing phase to commercial use phase, according to Nambi Srinivasan, vice president of Chennai, India-based WellGro United.

   

  This scribe has been collaborating with WellGro United and its partners to translate ideas to market place. Speaking about the acceptance of the product by ONGC, Nambi Srinivasan stated, “It was a much awaited and prestigious order for us. With the recent positive field results of cotton-based pads, at an ONGC site, we are confident that the ONGC's order opens-up new opportunities globally.”

   

  In a similar vein, cotton-based nonwoven mats are finding applications as filters in face covers. Lubbock-based Scarborough Specialties has released face covers with cotton nonwoven filters, which evolved out of research in our Nonwovens Laboratory.

   

   

   

   

  What’s Happening in India’s Cotton and Textile Sectors?

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, July 28, 2020)-Textile sector is under stress in India.

   

  Yesterday, Mumbai-based Cotton Association of India (CAI) estimated that this year’s Indian crop (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020) to be 33.55 million bales (170 Kgs each) as against its previous estimate of 33 million bales (170 Kgs each). This is about 550,000 bales higher than the previous estimate.

   

  With cotton prices significantly lower than its price in January-February timeframe, lack of full capacity utilization in spinning mills will add to cotton stocks, which may lower the price further according to a few Indian spinning mill executives. CAI predicts the carryover stock to be 5.55 million bales.

   

  “COVID-19 has reduced the consumer purchasing activity, which is the main reason for lack of uptick in the spinning sector,” stated Velmurugan Shanmugam, general manager of Jayalakshmi Textiles, based in Aruppukottai, India. This mill has 72,000 ring spindles and produces finer counts catering to sheeting materials and men’s wear fabrics. As mills normally keep four months stock, mills in India procured cotton in February when the 30-mm cotton was priced around Rupees 40,000 per candy (356 Kgs). Currently, spot price of this cotton has gone down creating stressful situation in the spinning sector.

   

  Spinning and other textile segments due to lack of buyers are feeling the pinch in paying interest against working capital, adding uncertainty and stress stated Velmurugan Shanmugam who has been in the spinning industry for 30 years.

   

  Velmurugan Shanmugam agreed with this scribe that India’s textile sector should use this COVID-19 scenario as an awakening and work towards enhancing its mass production capabilities, enhance its product basket, which has been the case in China. This scribe has been advocating for value-addition to the sector and look for new industrial applications for cotton.

   

  All eyes are on cotton and yarn prices and in fact, it all depends on the consumers in the next few weeks.

   

   

   

• May, 2020

  May 14

  International Collaboration Evolves into Face Mask Development

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, May 14, 2020)—A unique international collaboration between a shoe industry, textile sector and academia results in functional and fashionable face masks.

   

  As in India and other economies, industries are slowly commencing their manufacturing activities, social distancing and strict hygiene practices have become a new normal. This has enhanced the need for hand sanitizers, gloves and face masks. Industries are looking for innovative ways to survive by repurposing their capacities that can cater to the need of COVID-19 situation.

   

  Interestingly, collaborations are evolving between different sectors such as shoe manufacturing, textiles and cotton sector.

  Ranipet, India-based Arrow Brogues, Pvt. Ltd., a shoe manufacturer is collaborating with this scribe’s Nonwovens and Advanced Laboratory at Texas Tech University and Chennai-based WellGro United to develop filtering and fashionable face masks.

   

  Arrow Brogues, Pvt. Ltd., has been in shoe manufacturing for 20 years catering to Indian and foreign markets such as Italy, Germany and United Kingdom. Masks are released under brand name H.F. Journey, which has nonwoven cotton as core filter substrate. The design expertise of Arrow Brogues has been valuable in the development of H.F. Journey masks. WellGro United supplies the core filter substrate for the masks.

   

  “We understand the need for protection technologies and hence sought the collaboration with Texas Tech University in developing masks that have functionality and fashion sense,” stated Velayutham Pandy, managing director of Arrow Brogues, Pvt. Ltd.

   

  The project showcases timely innovation as it has repurposed the cotton nonwoven technology to develop filter substrate. “This is a milestone for WellGro United as it has created a new vertical in our line of products which find timely use,” stated Nambi Srinivasan, vice president marketing of WellGro United.

   

  It is pleasing to report cotton is finding new applications in the current COVID-19 scenario, enabling a few timely innovations.

  

  

• April, 2020

  April 3

  April 20

  April 30

  Cotton and Face Covers

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, April 3, 2020)—Face covers will be the face of the world in the fight against COVID-19.

   

  With confirmed cases globally over one million and deaths over 50,000, the need for prevention and containment technologies are growing exponentially.

   

  As the viral transmission is through air droplets that contain the microbe, social distancing has been rightly mandated. Countries and local municipalities are administering social distancing by varied means. India has a national lockdown for 21-days and several regions around the globe are advocating shelter in place.

   

  As a way of enhancing the needed social distancing, face covers are being considered and recommended. While cloth-based face covers may not be efficient in protecting from fine aerosolized particles, it will help with containing the unwanted spread and help with psychological immunity. The nature and the type of face covers matter.

   

  Cotton offers promise as a potential candidate for face covers.

   

  Research carried out by researchers at United States’ Department of Agriculture in the late 1960s reveal that cotton can contain virus spread. Although not carried out on corona strain, vaccinia virus study showed that they only persist for shorter time on cotton compared to another material studied. The virus did not persist on cotton cloth beyond 72 hours. Our laboratory is currently working with multiple collaborators in coming up with improved masks and have some preliminary result showing mask with cotton-based material as the core absorbent material may offer some benefits.

   

  A recent study by a team of United States’ researchers from government laboratories and academia on SARS-CoV-1 virus’ stability on different surfaces showed copper and cardboard seem to be better candidates in containing virus spread as against plastic and stainless steel. No SARS-CoV-1 virus was measurable on copper and cardboard beyond eight hours.

   

  General inference from these studies show that viruses do not persist longer on cellulosic materials. Additionally, moisture regain of cellulosic materials will be advantageous as humidity affect the persistence.

   

  Based on over two decades of cotton research in our laboratory, it is becoming clear that cotton can find advanced applications such as toxic chemical decontamination wipe, oil absorbent and currently in war against COVID-19.

   

   

   

  Textile Dynamics in the Wake of COVID-19

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, April 20, 2020)—Supply chain changes, interruptions and the need for innovation have become reality with the COVID-19 pandemic.

   

  About 3 billion people in lockdown globally, world will face a new normal. Many governments are working hard to counter the pandemic. Non-medical countermeasures such as masks, PPEs, wipes have become life-saving essentials.

   

  Recent economic forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that the global economy will squeeze by 3% this year and the effect of this pandemic will wipe US$ 9 trillion out of the global economy in two years.

   

  This global phenomenon has exposed the vulnerability of nations that depend on a single country for consumer items, pharmaceuticals and other essentials. It has also exposed the weaknesses of the industrial sector that do not have long term planning, rather focus on short term efficiencies and profits.

   

  While the world will have a new normal, it will entail manufacturing and other sectors to have a contingency plan and a mid to long term vision. This scenario is of importance for the textile sector that focuses on commodity and consumer items.

   

  Textile sector needs to seriously focus on hygiene and healthcare related products. Particularly, focusing on “functional textiles,” raw materials, machinery and processing aspects for advanced textiles will provide new opportunities. Currently, according to Morgan Stanley, China dominates the world in surgical masks with over 80% global share. This situation has put stress on the supply of such health-related products during the current pandemic, which will result in market shifts.

   

  Dependence on a single country as a major supplier may not be highly efficient in future, which will provide opportunities for countries like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia to start diversifying into value-added textiles. Why is this important? Given that the Chinese economy has shrunk this quarter by 6.8%, high gear activities by other countries will prove worthy shortly.

   

  Serious gaps in the technologies and the availability of raw materials for advanced textiles must be identified. In the case of India, its research base in spunmelt technology and its converting sector must be enhanced. I have been articulating the need for developing the converting sector in India for more than a decade (See: Tips for Growing Technical Textiles, Indian Textile Journal, October 2011).

   

  The need to bring a shift in the supply chain scenario is emphasized by Professor Gajanan Bhat of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors, University of Georgia, Athens, USA. “At current situation, where the supply chain must shift back to US, there is need for more mask production lines and meltblown nonwoven fabric production in the US. Whereas, it takes time to increase meltblown fabric production in the US to meet increasing demand, mask production machinery can be installed much sooner, and current capacities in nonwoven production may have to be diverted for the short term to increase domestic production of meltblown nonwovens,” stated Bhat.

   

  Industry associations can play a vital role in kick starting the innovation engine. Inventions may be hard to come by in a short time span, but innovations which involve the combination of ideas, technologies, raw materials, etc., to meet the requirements are relatively easy to put together. Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) which are the backbone of the economy these days need to be supported with good research and development subsidies and support network. Many innovations have been happening in the SMEs such the Chennai-based WellGro United, which has successfully repurposed its nonwoven technology to develop filter substrates. “Marketing support is critical to develop innovative products,” stated Nambi Srinivasan, vice president of marketing for WellGro United.

   

  Different raw materials such as cotton and blends could be explored to develop functional materials. This needs the development of a new growth map for the textile industry.

   

  Innovation ecosystem needs to be strengthened, which needs coordination among industry associations, academia and government agencies. COVID-19 has heightened the necessity of enhancing innovation and maintaining buffer efficiencies.

   

   

  Face Masks Necessity and Developments

  By Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

   

  (Lubbock, USA, April 30, 2020)—COVID-19 has revealed the critical need for face masks, which has resulted in the evolution of various kinds of masks.

   

  Face masks have become one of the highly visible products in the past few months. Entrepreneurship and ingenuity in humans have come to surface in these testing times.

   

  Face masks are life savers and are important barriers for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. As the mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, covering face is critical. The intensity of transmission depends on the size of the virus and the load. Filters that can trap finer particles of submicron size are needed. It is well accepted that to counter finer particles that easily diffuse through substrates, Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) is needed. These are commonly referred to as N95 masks.

   

  N95 masks are generally used in scenarios where aerosols are generated. In hospital settings, these are used in isolation wards and where intubation is encountered. The efficiency of masks depends on 3Fs: 1) filtration capability; 2) fit and 3) form or comfort. In situations where aerosols are not an issue, multiply face masks commonly referred to surgical masks are used. Surgical masks serve as a barrier to bodily fluids and exhalations.

   

  Prior to COVID-19, medical and first responder community widely used N95 and surgical masks. However, due to the severity of transmission and to support social distancing, face covers made from fabrics have evolved. However, depending on the structure and the material makeup, its ability to filter may vary. There is need to improve the filtration capability of common face covers.

   

  FISORS Development

   

  Face covers with enhanced filtration capability can be classified as “FISORS.” This classification has been derived by this scribe and will focus on enhanced face covers to protect the face (nose and mouth). Therefore, face masks can be classified into four broad categories: 1) Filtering Facepiece Respirators; 2) Surgical Masks; 3) FISORS and 4) Face Covers.

   

  Fisors can have multiple types of filter substrates depending on the need. However, studies have shown that copper and cellulosics such as cotton do a better job in destabilizing virus compared to plastics. Additionally, it known that structures that provide a tortuous flow to air, may serve as better filter. Nonwovens due to random arrangement of fibers have been used as filters. Fisors can have nonwovens from materials like cotton to enhance filtration. Recently, a three-way collaboration between Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University, Lubbock-based businesses, Scarborough Specialties, Inc. and E Innovate, LLC have resulted in the development of face cover with cotton nonwoven as filter substrate. “In the time of stress, it is necessary to collaborate and find right partners to develop tools to race against COVID-19,” stated Ronald Kendall, Jr., founder and president of the year-old startup E Innovate, LLC.

   

  Cotton is finding new and industrial applications, which shows the need for investments in research. COVID-19 has shown that innovations will play an important role in waging war against diseases as well as enhancing manufacturing activities.

   

   

   

   

   

   

• March, 2020

  March 24

  Virus War and the Textiles Sector

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, March 24, 2020)- Advanced textiles to apparel manufacturers are turning to their own creative ways to support the fight against the invisible enemy.

   

  As the coronavirus is a novel strain, vaccines and medications are not yet readily available to treat the infected, good hygiene practices will play a greater part in preventing its transmission.

   

  Textiles sector has received greater attention from governments to work on a wartime footing and deliver important items such as face masks, nose shields, personnel protective equipment and wipes.

   

  Major manufacturers like Nike, Apple to small business entities like Chantilly-based First Line Technology, LLC have geared up their efforts to deliver preventive countermeasures.

   

  Creativity has become the name of the game. Apparel industries are repurposing their regular lines to create masks. Hanes Company has come-up with a 3-ply cotton structure that can be used as masks. 3M Company has doubled its global production of N-95 respirators to 1.1 billion, with a monthly production of 100 million.

   

  Covid-19, the disease due to the new coronavirus is highly transmittable and is spread by air droplets and through bodily fluids containing the virus. However, porous structures like textiles seem to be better to contain than hard surface. Experts say the virus can stay on surface like textiles for 24-72 hours, but they get absorbed into the structure, which is important for containment. So single use-wipes and protective materials will be ideal, however there is an acute shortage of these critical needs.

   

  Dry and wet wipes could help to decontaminate the surfaces. Dry wipes like FiberTectTM can play its part as a countermeasures tool. “It is widely used as the primary dry decontamination method in hospitals and ambulances,” said Corey Collins, a training specialist for First Line Technology, which markets FiberTectTM. “Hospitals use it in bulk and in rolls, and ambulances use it in a kit called the FastGrab to do immediate decontamination of patients contaminated with a wide variety of substances.”

   

  University laboratories are also contributing to the great cause and are using their 3-D printing capabilities and machine tool laboratories to develop face masks and face shields. Additionally, they are providing available supplies from their laboratories such as gloves and face masks to the front line defenders. “For those who have PPE in laboratory, specifically disposable gloves and N-95 face masks, we want to make an appeal for you to donate these materials to a campus-wide repository we can use to help resupply healthcare providers,” stated Joseph Heppert, Texas Tech University’s vice president for research and innovation in an e-mail to TTU campus community.

   

  Textile sector needs to be collaborative at this critical juncture and use its ingenuity in coming up with supplies that are needed to save lives.

   

  Texsnips’ editor wishes safety and good health to all, as we collectively work to find immediate solutions to counter the virus pandemic. Our heart-felt thanks to all those who are at the front lines in saving lives.

   

   

• February, 2020

  Feb 3

  Aspirational India and Advanced Textiles

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, February 03, 2020)-India is now fifth largest economy worth US$2.9 trillion.

   

  On February 1, India’s Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, presented Honorable Prime Minister Modi government’s budget in the Indian parliament for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The speech was longest since independence and lasted 2 hours and 41 minutes.

   

  The budget focuses on five priority aspects: 1) Health care; 2) Respecting wealth creators; 3) Agriculture growth; 4) Happy living and 5) national defense.

   

  The budget presented 16 points to enhance agriculture aimed at doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

   

  Textiles industry has something to cherish in the budget with the prioritization of technical textiles (advanced textiles) sector. A four-year national technical textiles mission is proposed with an outlay of Indian Rupees 1480 crores. As this sector is currently import intensive, this initiative will boost its growth and domestic development.

   

  Government of India has been promoting this sector by creating awareness, which this scribe has collaborated by bringing international associations such as the USA-based Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). In fact, in 2006, AATCC collaborated with this scribe in an international event on, “Advances in Fibrous Materials, Nonwoven and Technical Textiles,” in Coimbatore, with the first ever participation by INDA’s representative presenting global market statistics on nonwovens.

   

  Another aspect that has received favorable response from textile mills is the abolition of antidumping duty on purified terephthalic acid (PTA) imports, an important input for polyester fibers. “This gesture is of help to the synthetic fibers industry as India imports it from Thailand and South Korea in addition to having domestic source,” stated Krishnasamy Pothiraj, consultant with Coimbatore-based Shubhalakshmi Polyesters, Ltd. “As approximately 0.85 Kg of PTA is required for 1 Kg of polyester fiber manufacturing, availability and competitive price will help the textile industry,” added Pothiraj. His company consumes daily about 700 tons of PTA for the manufacture of fibers and filaments.

   

  “Emphasis on infrastructure with the building of over 100 airports, skill development programs and cold storage facilities in railways will support industrial growth,” stated Sridhar Narayanan, FICCI, Tamil Nadu State Convener, Education Sector. He added that the hosting of G-20 presidency in 2022 is a confidence booster. Supporting MSME and start-ups will enable in-house employment generation, which is the need of the hour. Start-ups such Chennai-based WellGro United (www.wellgrounited.com), need to utilize initiatives such as “Make in India,” and develop value-added textiles.

   

  Textile sector should utilize the national mission on technical textiles proposed in the new budget to diversify, stated Shanmugam Velmurugan, general manager of Aruppukottai-based Jayalakshmi Textiles, a 72,000 spindle cotton mill. Availability of quality cotton all throughout the year at competitive price is critical for cotton spinners, added Velmurugan.

   

  On a personal note, it is pleasing to report the continuing support for growing the advanced textiles sector with the national mission initiative proposed in the budget, as I have been in this journey since my initial awareness effort in India on research in advanced textiles way back in the Fall of 1999 in Coimbatore.

   

   

• January, 2020

  Jan 9

  Jan 14

  Jan 16

  Jan 27

  Jan 31

  Marketing Needs to Focus on Attributes

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, January 09, 2020)-Marketing needs to focus on performance attributes.

   

  A few marketing tips came out clear in a presentation today in the Agriculture Committee meeting at Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. Florentino Lopez, executive director of Sorghum Checkoff, marketing and promotion arm of the United States’ sorghum producers provided valuable information on how to tap new opportunities and markets.

   

  Looking for new markets and opportunities will enhance value and sales volume. As is the case with the United States’ sorghum, which has become an important raw material for Baijiu, a Chinese drink, sustained marketing efforts can lead to new opportunities for cotton and textile products.

   

  United States’ sorghum industry marketed superior attributes like flavor, high protein content and antioxidant characteristics to tap new markets.

   

  While volume based market will be priority, value-addition to find new applications will also help. This approach has helped with the development of new market opportunities for cotton such as Towelie TM oil absorbent wipes.

   

  “It is all about attributes and consistent production capability,” stated Lopez.  Additionally, creating touch points to tell good story about the product such as environmentally friendliness can enhance value.

   

  To a question from this scribe on how to overcome marketing barriers, John Duff, strategic business director of Lubbock-based National Sorghum Producers stated, “marketing based on performance attributes and not relying on one market helps.” Diversifying applications is valuable as is the case with sorghum, which finds applications in sectors such as livestock feed, ethanol and other industrial applications such as wallboards and insulation.

   

  Effective utilization of technology to tell positive stories on products will be vital. Social media can help to motivate consumers, which agricultural and textile sectors are effectively utilizing to promote products such as the cotton industry. “Reach out to influencers,” said Lopez.

  Can We Create Researchers?

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, January 14, 2020)-Enhancing competitiveness in manufacturing industry needs ramping up transformational research efforts.

   

  How do we create researchers and make manufacturing sector such as textiles and materials competitive? Textile sectors in the West and even in India are under stress. A way out is to come up with textile products that have high performance applications which will be absorbed by markets.

   

  Transformational research and development may provide some help. Research has progressed from carrying out activities, which may just satisfy intellectual curiosity to transformational. This needs changes in mindset and developing skill sets. Strategies can be followed to infuse research culture in academia and industry. However, researchers cannot be created using standard set of procedures.

   

  In my 25 years of research in textiles and materials, my observation is that one can teach research methodology, but to develop researchers is not simple. It involves enthusiasm and passion from those carrying out research.

   

  Cultivating research attitude among students early on, say from high school days is gaining momentum. Texas Tech University has initiated, “Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE),”program for undergraduate students. “For students in STEM disciplines, engagement in undergraduate research is particularly important to help them build the necessary skills. Research experiences are highly desirable for STEM majors who are preparing for admission to graduate and professional skills, but they also significantly benefit students who go directly to the workforce after graduation,” stated Professor Michael Galyean, provost and chief academic officer at Texas Tech University.

   

  Insights from actual practitioners on the need to train next-generation workforce with research skills are particularly helpful.

   

  Market and consumer surveys will help with moving ahead with R & D. “Customers can provide valuable technical advice as they have seen the technology at multiple vendors and know what to be worried about, what is normally possible, etc.,“ stated Navaneeth Nandakumar, senior technical staff with semiconductor industry, Maxim Integrated.

   

  “Interacting with industry to know the needs will assist planning next phase of research. Students can be paired with industrial partners, which will enable undergraduate and graduate students to be excited with practical aspects of classroom learning,” stated Sivaramakumar Pariti, senior technical marketing officer with United Kingdom-based Bluwin UK. A project led by Pariti involved students with Erode, India-based India Dyeing Mills, which has resulted in the reduction of salt in cotton fabric dyeing. Students’ enthusiasm in research enhanced as they could witness actual impact on environment and cost, added Pariti.

   

  Customer objections can lead to new innovative ideas, stated Nikesh Rajagopalan, director of solutions, Medical Devices & Auto, HCL America. He added, “Customers are the best teachers around.”

   

  Interaction with research partners, customers, and collaborative entities, can boost enthusiasm to do valuable research.

   

  Planning and strategizing research in partnership with stakeholders is the way to move forward. Team and project leaders can be influencers to develop researchers. Of course, it is a two way street and researchers need to have passion and dedication. It is a team effort—valuable mantra for researchers.

   

   

  China Deal and Cotton

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, January 16, 2020)-United States-China trade deal (Phase-1) signed yesterday raises hopes for the cotton sector.

   

  On the day when the United States-China trade deal (Phase 1) was signed in Washington, DC, cotton growers gathered for the Plains Cotton Growers’ Board meeting yesterday, to talk about 2019 crop, trade situation and the cotton market.

   

  Reece Langley, vice president operations at Memphis-based National Cotton Council presented information about the trade situation. This scribe had an opportunity to talk with Langley on the sidelines of the meeting about the trade deal signed and its impact on the United States’ cotton sector.

   

  With the signing of the deal, China’s import of United States’ agricultural products would reach at least US$ 40 billion per year. Potential is there for US$ 50 billion/year. Langley stated that commodity wise itemization is not known yet. United States’ cotton sales to China during the 2017 calendar year was 2.5 million bales (480 lbs. each) worth about US$ one billion. The sales of agricultural products in that year to China was about US$ 24 billion. The trade deal is expected to enhance this value by US$ 16 billion.

   

  Langley hoped that the U.S. cotton’s market share in China would at least reach the pre-tariff era. The tariff regime has brought down the share to about 18% last year.

   

  Producing and delivering high quality and clean cotton will help to regain the market share. Dahlen Hancock, Lynn county farmer in the High Plains for 39 years stated, “we have to keep striving to provide superior quality as the world needs quality cotton.”

   

  Regional and international trade pacts such as the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA), which is expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate this week, provides certainty for the existing marketing condition, stated Langley.

   

  “The recently signed Phase 1of the China trade agreement has the potential to provide resumption of access to an important market for Texas cotton producers.  Confirmation of that will be actual sales to China, and we hope that comes to fruition soon,” stated Steve Verett, chief executive officer of Lubbock-based Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.

   

  The mechanism by which China is going to enable this trade deal to fruition will be interesting watch---

  may be by providing tariff exemption to imports to achieve the target.

   

   

  Nonwoven Textiles Aides with Job Creation in an Indian Village

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, January 27, 2020)-A village in the deep south of India starts manufacturing environmentally friendly nonwoven products as part of “self-help” effort.

   

  Azhvarthirunagari, a village on the southeastern border of India, about 30 Kms from seashore is using nonwoven fabrics to manufacture eco-friendly products. Villagers with assistance from TVS Srinivasan Service Trust, a charitable arm of the leading TVS group of companies are resorting to self-help in creating jobs for unemployed youth and women.

   

  It is pleasing to report that this initiative has some personal touch to see nonwoven products making inroads in to villages, and more importantly helping with job creation, since my effort to create practical awareness in this field by initiating USA-based Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry’s (INDA) first training workshop in Mumbai in 2007. Azhvarthirunagari happens to my village where I mostly spend time during summer—the nonwoven products initiative is in a way humble success to see the penetration of this technology, which has been my mission for 20-years. Indian government supported knowledge creation by collaborating with INDA, this scribe and many associations throughout India, since the mid-2000s.

   

  The villagers are playing a major part in the “Avoid Single-Use Plastic,” initiative, which Honorable Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister launched recently and has rightfully encouraged the country to avoid using single-use plastic materials that pollute the environment. Single use thin polyethylene grocery bags are a main source of contamination in cotton and marine environments.

   

  Thirty women have been trained to convert nonwoven fabrics into useful products. These women now have access to disposable income and enhances confidence in them. This scribe’s village house serves as an abode for the cutting operation and warehouse. Conversion happens at participating women’s houses, so that they can work on the project amidst their home chores.

   

  “There is plan to go all cotton,” stated Ponnusamy Muthuramalingam, youngster involved in the initiative. We have identified cotton fabric source, added Ponnusamy. It was such a relish to know the enthusiasm and confidence in villagers like Ponnusamy and Ariharabalan Muthuramalingam, who spoke to this scribe via phone yesterday.

   

  Plans are emerging to connect the group with nonwoven marketing group, Chennai-based WellGro United, which has taken cotton nonwoven TowelieTM to global markets. Opportunities in export markets are being examined to take the project further.

   

  The nonwoven project in Azhvarthirunagari with support from a major manufacturing company, TVS group is an inspirational story, that too from my own village in India. The villagers solve their problems on their own taking their responsibility seriously by working closely with civic agencies. In fact, they use social media effectively to organize and solve their day-to-day problems.

   

   

  Nonwoven Products at the Forefront of Coronavirus Infection Containment

  By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

   

  (Lubbock, USA, January 31, 2020)-It has been a month since the information about the new strain of coronavirus became public.

   

  Front pages of broadsheet newspapers and television screens have glaring images of facemasks worn by people in China. These single-use facemasks have spunmelt and carded filter substrates and have been in demand in China since the outbreak.

   

  With the WHO’s recent announcement that this outbreak is a global emergency, containment measures will get attention including vaccine development. As of yesterday, there have been 170 deaths in China due to this outbreak and the infection has spread to 18 countries.

   

  According to medical experts, a primary mode of spread of this new coronavirus is by transmission through air and are airborne. Good hygiene such as hand wash and protection are recommended. Facemasks can help with the containment of airborne infection depending on their level of protection. Nonwoven wipes can be a good aide for personnel hygiene.

   

  “Filters will play a part in slowing or stopping the spread of the coronavirus in hospitals and other building that utilize high MERV 13 and above rated filters to remove the virus which is air borne from the air.  Other filters include face masks which can stop the transmission of the virus through coughing and sneezing when other people are within a 3-6 foot radius,” stated Chris Plotz, Director of Education & Technical Affairs of INDA, a 19-year nonwoven industry veteran.

   

  According to Cary-based Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), filter and wipes substrates have 25% share based on weight, collectively at the end-user level. Overall, at the producer (roll goods) level, the industry is valued at US$15.5 billion in North America.

   

  Nonwoven substrates play an important role in human health and environmental protection. In recent times, when toxic chemical attacks happened, FiberTect decontamination wipes marketed by Chantilly-based First Line Technology proved its usefulness. After the 2010 BP oil spill in the United States, several nonwoven wipe technologies emerged. Towelie TM an environmentally friendly nonwoven-based oil absorbent technology evolved. In hospitals, while treating infected personnel, caregivers use different types of PPEs.

   

  Nonwoven and textile products rise up to the occasion and aide with the containment of infectious disease outbreaks and environmental problems such as crude oil spills.

   

   

Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D.  •  Texas Tech University  •  Department of Environmental Toxicology

Box 41163  •  Lubbock, TX 79409-1163 •  806.885.4567  •  s.ramkumar@ttu.edu