Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research efforts accomplished Objective 2, to create newer fiber products and designs for textile and apparel products to address fire safety issues, and its Part C, to analyze and design firefighter uniforms and to investigate possible use of multi-functional and multi-layered nonwoven fabrics. In order to determine the criteria necessary for a new coat design, an Ergonomic Test Protocol was developed. Anthropometric measurements, range of motion measurements, generic dynamic motions, job-specific dynamic motions, manual handling tasks and donning were taken into consideration. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to local firefighters that inquired about ensemble fit and comfort. Before new coat designs were developed, fabrics lending themselves to the desired characteristics, as identified by firefighters, were obtained for experimental purposes, with emphasis on meeting and/or exceeding baseline requirements. Experimental fabrics included a 100% cotton print cloth with an epoxy bis phosphonate monomer cyanoquanidine and citric acid finish; a 100% cotton needlepunched nonwoven with a carbon filler; a Twaron woven fabric with Ripstop weave; and a Nomex III A moisture barrier. Textile tests included fabric weight, stiffness, flame resistance, tear resistance, and water repellency. Because these experimental fabrics met some of the NFPA 1971 Baseline Requirements for use in firefighter uniforms, two firefighter coat prototypes were created utilizing flat-pattern methodology. If nonwoven fabrics are to be used in these newly designed firefighter coats, what happens with them after their wearlife has ended Some fabrics are incinerated, others are shredded and composted, but many are buried in landfills for disposal. In order to determine fabric biodegradation rates, a two phase study was developed. For Phase I, a field study was conducted using nonwoven rayon, cotton, polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) fabrics that were buried in Captina Silt Loam soil under warm, moist conditions. Phase II replicated Phase I with the exception that individual plastic boxes were used to simulate a landfill situation. The same experimental fabrics, soil type and burial techniques, excavation periods, and testing analyses were performed in Phase II as were utilized in Phase I. SEM microscopy work was accomplished on the excavated experimental fabrics during each phase of the project. Carbon dioxide emission data were collected only for the field study phase. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Laurie Apple, Associate Professor in Apparel Studies, provided the expertise to design the firefighter coat prototypes, develop the related patterns, and construct the individual prototypes. Dr. Duane Wolf, Distinguished Professor in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, is the soil scientist who supervised the field and box studies for the biodegradation projects. He also performed ashing, carbon dioxide emission, and kinetics research analyses. Dr. Edward Gbur, Professor of Statistics, provided all data analyses. Collaborative work was accomplished with Fabric Engineers at the Southern Regional Research Center (USDA) in New Orleans, LA. They provided the innovative nonwoven fabrics for the firefighter protoypes and for the soil burial biodegradation studies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Firefighters were designated as the target audience for the Ergonomic Test Protocol and the questionnaire concerning fit and comfort of the uniform. Target audiences for the biodegradation information included textile scientists, soil scientists, nonwoven fabric industries, and USDA. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results of the Ergonomic test Protocol and questionnaire revealed that firefighters desired lighter weight units that were more comfortable to wear and still maintained high flammability protection. Coat prototype I consisted of an assymmetrical closure from neck to side with a stand-up collar, radio/phone pouch on the right sleeve and a flat pouch on the back designed to hold the air tank that is of a flat, square structure instead of being a round cylinder. Space was allowed for any hoses that would be attached to the air tank and the helmet. Coat prototype II consisted of a straight front closure, stand-up collar, long sleeves and flat back pouch for the square shaped air tank. A coat/sleeve insertion was developed to ensure flame resistance at the wrist where the glove and coat sleeve would join. The insertion was composed of the quilted composite, a flexible gasket material plus hidden magnets that held the sleeve insertion in place during use. The development of these two coat prototypes has proven that lightweight, body-hugging protective clothing can be constructed that gives maximum protection to the wearer; that different front closure mechanisms, besides zippers, can be used to address the need for ease of donning and doffing the coat; that better mobility of the firefighter can be achieved by locating the breathing apparatus in an enclosed back pouch; and that the radio can be better accessed and more easily used when located on the coat sleeve. Data from the simulated landfill field and box studies indicated that incorporation of the nonwoven rayon and cotton fabrics into surface soil may offer an effective alternative to landfills for fabric disposal; that aerobic, moist, warm soil conditions resulted in rapid fabric biodegradation for nonwoven rayon and cotton fabrics; and that first-order kinetics can be used to characterize nonwoven rayon and cotton biodegradation.
Publications
- Warnock, M., Wolf, D. and Gbur, E. 2012. Biodegradation of nonwoven fabrics in soil. Proc. XXII International Federation for Home economics World Congress, Melbourne, Australia.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results have been orally presented at the Nonwovens Symposium held within the 2011 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Thirty-five textile scientists were in attendance. An abstract has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2012 International Federation for Home Economics World Congress to be held in Melbourne, Australia. At least 3,000 home economists with an interest in textiles will be in attendance. Presentations have been and will be published in conference proceedings for distribution on respective web sites. PARTICIPANTS: SEM microscopy work was performed in association with personnel at the Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA. Soil burial and the carbon dioxide release project were performed in association with a soil scientist. A statistician determined all statistical programs and analyses. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience includes textile and soil scientists working in academics, USDA and/or industry settings; cooperative extension personnel associated with environmental science issues; city/county landfill officials dealing with biodegradation issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure and the surface morphology of nonwoven fabrics after soil burial. Changes in morphology were shown with peeling of the outer layer, cracks and breaks being identified for the greige cotton fibers. SEM revealed that Viscose rayon experienced a merging of fibers as burial time and degradation increased. Soil burial creates the breakage of cellulose chains. Data from the field study indicated that incorporation of the nonwoven rayon and cotton into surface soil may offer an effective alternative to landfills for fabric disposal.
Publications
- Wolf, D., Warnock, M. and Gbur, E. 2011. Biodegradation of nonwoven fabrics in soil. Proceedings. Beltwide Cotton Conferences. New Orleans, LA.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results have been shared through oral research presentations at the Beltwide Cotton Conference, Nonwovens Symposium, and the Gulf Coast Section meeting of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Publications have been generated. PARTICIPANTS: Experimental fabrics were supplied by Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC), New Orleans, LA. Collaborators at SRRC included Drs. Nam, Slopek, Parikh, Sawhney, and Condon. Dr. Wolf supervised the soil burial and reclamation of experimental fabrics for textile testing and ashing purposes. Ms. Davis performed analytical tests for the ashing process. Dr. Gbur performed statistical analyses. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience included textile scientists working in academics, USDA and/or industry settings; cooperative extension personnel who are associated with environmental science issues; and city/county landfill officials dealing with biodegradation issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Biodegradation of nonwoven fabrics in soil may offer an alternative to landfills as a method of fabric disposal. A field study was conducted to determine the biodegradation rates of nonwoven rayon, cotton, polylactic acid, and polypropylene fabrics in a Captina silt loam soil under warm, moist conditions. Fabrics were placed in the soil at a depth of 10 cm and five replications of each fabric were excavated following 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of burial to determine the amount of fabric remaining. The biodegradation of rayon and cotton was described using first-order kinetics and rate constants were determined to be 0.094 and 0.056/d, respectively. No biodegradation of polylactic acid and polypropylene was observed during 42 days. The half-life values, or time required for 50% loss of the materials, was 7.4 and 12.4 days for the nonwoven rayon and cotton, respectively. When sufficient fabric was recovered, the tearing and tensile strength parameters were determined using standard methods. Data from the field study indicated that incorporation of the nonwoven rayon and cotton into surface soil may offer an effective alternative to landfills for fabric disposal.
Publications
- Warnock, M., Davis, K., Wolf, D., and Gbur, E. (2011). Soil burial effects on biodegradation and properties of three cellulosic fabrics. AATCC Review. p. 53-57.
- Warnock, M., Davis, K., Wolf, D., and Gbur, E. (2010). Biodegradation of three cellulosic fabrics in soil. Summaries of Arkansas Cotton Research. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Research Series 582. p. 208-211.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In order to accomplish the Ergonomic Test Protocol that was developed during 2008, PBI fabric was ordered and received. This fabric is to be used for the outside shell of the redesigned firefighter uniform. The previously designed/constructed half-scale uniform prototype (2007) is in the process of being graded to a "one-size fits all" pattern. This pattern will be used for cutting out the PBI fabric for use in the full-size firefighter uniform. Once this construction project has been completed, the body scanner will be used to collect the Ergonomic Test Protocol data for uniform utilization. Comparisons will be made between this new firefighter uniform design versus the current design/style. Product information has been and will continue to be shared with USDA personnel in New Orleans, LA. National distribution and publication of information will occur in the future. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Laurie Apple, Associate Professor in Apparel Studies, is performing the flat pattern and construction work to produce the new design for the full-scale firefighter uniform. She has the expertise to run the body scanner and collect the necessary data for future analyses. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
No direct outcome/impact has been produced at this time. This information will be supplied upon completion of the full size uniform prototype, collection and analyses of body scanner data,and compilations of reports/publications.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: An Ergonomic Test Protocol was developed. The Protocol will be used in the collection of data that reflects body movements of firefighters during donning and doffing of uniforms plus the bending, lifting, and stretching activities necessary during work. Subjects have been acquired from local firefighter units. PARTICIPANTS: Mary M. Warnock, PI, Professor, School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences would include fire fighters and companies that produce firefighter uniforms. The new uniform prototype could influence production, cost, and marketing efficiencies. Fire fighters would gain the use of a lighter weight and more form fitting uniform that would increase protection from flame. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A search for innovative fabrics, nonwoven and/or woven that possess a flame retardant finish, was initiated. No such fabrics that meet the flammability codes for fire fighter uniforms have been located. Therefore, those fabrics that are currently being used in firefighter uniforms will be acquired for use in a new firefighter uniform design prototype. A body scanner will be used to collect protocol data representative of existing uniforms and the newly designed uniform prototype.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
An Ergonomic Test Protocol addressing the functional characteristics of ensembles as they affect the ability of firefighters to perform required tasks when chemical/biological agents might be present was developed.
Impacts
The Ergonomics Test Protocol will be administered to firefighters in order to collect body measurements during physical activities associated with donning and doffing the uniform. Future result and impact of these data could be the re-design of firefighter uniforms for added comfort and protection.
Publications
- Warnock, M., Sachinvala, N., Parikh, D.V., and Ramkumar, S. 2006. Flammability of innovative fabrics for firefighter protective clothing. International Nonwovens Technical Conference Proceedings. 1-7.
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