The Nonwovens Institute

Nishant Bhatta led a recent research project with The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) focused on modeling coalescing filters (nonwoven filters that capture liquid aerosols) and predicting their performance. A doctoral student in the NC State Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department, Nishant was recognized with an award at NWI’s Fall 2024 Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting for Best Technical presentation. The following video highlights the evolution and some interesting results from Nishant’s NWI research project. Despite decades of research, the coalescence filtration industry has remained heavily reliant on empirical methods for filter design and development and needs an engineering design theory. In contrast to solid-particle filtration, characterizing the performance of coalescing filters in terms of filter properties (e.g., fiber diameter, material contact angle, filter porosity, flow velocity, etc.) remains a formidable challenge. The intricate interplay between local saturation and local airflow in a partially saturated coalescing filter presents significant mathematical complexities in describing the fluid mechanics of such filters. Nishant’s research project aims to pave a way for the development of a universal theory for coalescence filtration, much similar to that of solid-particle filtration. For more details on Nishant’s NWI research project, please visit https://bit.ly/458GLtz. To learn more about the students currently working through NWI’s industry-selected nonwovens research program, please visit https://bit.ly/440d2S7. #nonwovens #coalescingfilter #filter #filtration #liquidfiltration #studentresearch The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) offers students the opportunity to participate in fundamental research in areas that address the pressing challenges in nonwovens applications and technology. Student researchers working through the NWI program benefit from a diverse range of perspectives, working hand-in-hand with subject matter experts from academia and industry. NWI also offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonwovens Science and Engineering through the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. For more information on how students can engage with NWI, please visit https://bit.ly/46KPORY. Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. https://bit.ly/4eNt7Qx

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is enjoying a very productive Hygienix™ conference this week at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. More than 500 attendees from across the nonwovens value chain are in attendance, providing an excellent opportunity for NWI to showcase its capabilities for absorbent hygiene applications from novel raw material options for nonwoven substrates to sustainability concepts and more. NWI had some really interesting conversations during the day-one tabletop session, with Tom Daugherty, NWI’s deputy director, and Matt Migliore, NWI’s marketing director, showing off unique material samples produced at NWI and fielding a steady stream of application and technology questions. Key topics covered during day one of the Hygienix™ conference program included talks focused on the shifting global economy for absorbent hygiene products; an overview of the disposable hygiene market in China; the impact of reusables on the absorbent hygiene market; reduce, reuse, recycle, recover strategies in absorbent hygiene; and the presentation of the Hygienix Innovation Award™ nominees. “Hygienix™ is an excellent conference for those involved in the absorbent hygiene space, with many opportunities for continuous learning and professional networking,” said Daugherty. “For those companies who are seeking to innovate in this category, NWI can be an excellent resource with more than 100 years of combined experience in product development and manufacturing across the full range of nonwovens technology platforms. We encourage companies with new product ideas and application challenges to reach out to us for more details on how we can help.” If you are at the Hygienix™ conference this week, please visit NWI at tabletop #303. If you were not able to make it to the conference this year, we encourage you to engage with us at https://lnkd.in/eYR44zSC. We are happy to help you realize your goals in absorbent hygiene or otherwise. Based at the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. thenonwovensinstitute.com Hygienix™ is organized by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.  INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens / engineered fabrics industry doing business globally. #nonwovens #absorbenthygiene #hygienix2024

Anicah Smith O’Brien is a researcher currently working with The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) on a project investigating how surface coatings impact the biodegradability and functional properties of pure and blended biopolymer substrates. A doctoral student in the NC State Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department, Anicah was recognized with an award at NWI’s Fall 2024 Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting for Best Presentation. The following video highlights some recent developments in Anicah’s research around the industrial compostability of coated polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Surface coatings are commonly applied to nonwoven products to modify their physical properties, such as hydrophilicity, which is particularly important for personal hygiene products. The nonwovens industry has a keen interest in utilizing biodegradable materials. However, there is a lack of fundamental understanding regarding how blends and coatings influence biodegradability. Anicah’s project aims to bridge this knowledge gap by systematically evaluating the mechanisms behind the biodegradability of specific polymer blends and coatings. Understanding how surface modifications and blending impact polymeric properties and biodegradability is critical for such biopolymers to be fully implemented in industry. For more details on Anicah’s NWI research project, please visit https://lnkd.in/eH-JJtvv To learn more about the students currently working through NWI’s industry-selected nonwovens research program, please visit https://lnkd.in/eiMfAUxy. #nonwovens #biopolymers #materialscience #polymerscience #studentresearch #sustainability The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) offers students the opportunity to participate in fundamental research in areas that address the pressing challenges in nonwovens applications and technology. Student researchers working through the NWI program benefit from a diverse range of perspectives, working hand-in-hand with subject matter experts from academia and industry. NWI also offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonwovens Science and Engineering through the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. thenonwovensinstitute.com For more information on how students can engage with NWI, please visit https://lnkd.in/e2GV8FD4. Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges.

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is excited to attend Hygienix™, November 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, where we will be discussing some innovative new material options for absorbent hygiene applications. If you are participating in the conference, we encourage you to visit NWI at table no. 303 during the tabletop sessions to learn more about how we can help you overcome your application and technology challenges. NWI is an ideal partner for companies operating in absorbent hygiene, with 100-plus years of combined experience in this sector and opportunities to engage from fundamental research to training/workforce development to problem solving and product incubation. NWI’s pillar service offerings include: * Knowledge Creation: The NWI consortium of industry, government and academia fosters an environment of collaboration around fundamental nonwovens research to advance the knowledge on topics of significant interest to our industry. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NMMT3O * Workforce Development: NWI’s regularly scheduled and custom short courses cover the full spectrum of the nonwovens value chain, ranging from raw materials to processes to products. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YBXWkV * Fabrication and Testing: NWI’s facilities include lab-scale and large pilot-scale production and testing equipment covering the leading nonwoven platforms. This equipment, along with our expert staff, is available to support your experimental trials and testing needs. https://bit.ly/3s8c8WF * Problem Solving: NWI collaborates with companies at all stages of growth to embrace and advance exciting new discoveries and product concepts in areas relevant to nonwovens, such as absorbent hygiene. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4c9cDS1. * Product Incubation: Through its non-profit affiliate, LINC (Leaders in Innovation and Nonwovens Commercialization LLC), NWI has the capability to ramp up and commercialize new products, specializing in low-to-medium volume manufacturing. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3x44xLy. We look forward to seeing you at Hygienix™ and learning more about your organization and its needs. To schedule a meeting, please email us at nonwovens@ncsu.edu. Hygienix™ is organized by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry doing business globally. Based at the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. thenonwovensinstitute.com #nonwovens #absorbenthygiene #hygienix2024

The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) Fall 2024 Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting has adjourned following two spirited days of activity aimed at advancing NWI’s fundamental nonwovens research portfolio. "NWI is unique in that it is the world’s first and only accredited academic program for the interdisciplinary study of engineered fabrics,” said Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., executive director of the institute. “NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges, and the IAB is our semi-annual meeting where the consortium’s stakeholders join together to consider the status, findings and future direction of the institute’s research projects.” Presented Nov. 5-6 at the Hunt Library on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, the meeting was anchored by the presentation of 19 nonwovens research projects led by NWI graduate student researchers who are pursuing doctoral degrees in fields relevant to nonwovens. The meeting also featured 25 student poster presentations, 16 faculty poster presentations, NWI member capabilities presentations by Math2Market GmbH and Solventum, a tour of NWI’s state-of-the-art nonwoven production and testing facilities, and a networking reception where attendees enjoyed food, drink and conversation with their industry peers, NWI staff, student researchers and supporting faculty.   NWI would like to thank our member companies who participated in the IAB meeting, as well as our student researchers for their excellent presentations, and our supporting faculty who presented posters during the inaugural Faculty Poster Showcase and Networking Reception. NWI appreciates the critical role all of our stakeholders play in elevating fundamental understanding around topics that will shape the future of the nonwovens industry.   For a full recap of the Fall 2024 IAB meeting, please visit https://lnkd.in/ejxcJevX.    The IAB will next meet May 13-14, 2025. For more details about NWI membership, please visit go.ncsu.edu/for-members.    #nonwovens #industryengagement #materialscience #polymerscience #studentresearch   Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. https://lnkd.in/g6UijUY

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) would like to congratulate three of its student researchers, Büşra Özdemir, Anastasia Timofeeva, and Jingwei Wu, who are preparing to graduate from their doctoral degree programs. “Here at NWI we are excited to see what will come next for Büşra, Anastasia and Jingwei, as they’ve each made valuable contributions to the institute’s fundamental nonwovens research portfolio,” said Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., NWI’s executive director. “We wish them the best of luck and look forward to remaining connected with them as they take the next step in their careers.” Büşra will defend her Ph.D. dissertation, “Charging Behavior of Nonwovens,” with the NC State Wilson College of Textiles in December. Büşra’s industry-selected NWI research project investigates the parameters that impact the efficiency and pressure drop of respirators with the aim of advancing the pursuit of stable filtration efficiency over extended wear times. Anastasia successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation, “High-Speed Polarization Imaging for Failure Detection In Fiber Spinning,” with the NC State Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department in October. Anastasia’s industry-selected NWI research project focuses on developing a machine learning (ML) model for near-real-time in-situ monitoring of the fiber spinning process. Jingwei successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation, “Aerosolization Suppression and Nanoparticulate Filtration by Means of Innovative Polymer Usage,” with the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago in October. Jingwei’s industry-selected NWI research project focuses on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), which is one of the most extensively studied synthetic polymers for forming smart hydrogels due to its thermo-responsive property. The thermo-responsiveness of PNIPAM holds promise for the development of innovative and responsive materials with a wide range of practical applications. As a result, PNIPAM has captured the attention of researchers in various fields, including biomedicine, materials science and microfluidics. To learn more about Büşra, Anastasia and Jingwei and their NWI-supported research projects, please visit https://bit.ly/4e9I5ji. To learn more about NWI’s current group of student researchers and their research projects, please visit https://bit.ly/440d2S7. #nonwovens #studentresearch #fiberscience #filtration #materialscience #polymerscience Based on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, NWI is a membership-based fundamental research institute serving leading companies/organizations across the nonwovens value chain, from raw material to end-use. NWI research aims to enable strategic R&D efforts by member companies who are seeking to forge next-generation fiber- and polymer-based materials and products. https://lnkd.in/g6UijUY

Ms. Heather Pretorius has been elected as a member of the Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) for The Nonwovens Institute (NWI). Heather is currently development manager of Milliken & Company’s nonwovens business and is located in Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA. Heather brings diverse technical and leadership expertise based upon her 20-plus years of industry experience and has long-standing ties to North Carolina State University, having received her bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering from the NC State Wilson College of Textiles in 2003. The SSAB manages NWI’s project portfolio to reflect the long-term research interests of the institute and its member companies.  Read more:  https://bit.ly/3YESmzv Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges.  https://lnkd.in/guJcSV9 Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, specialty chemical, flooring and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Young Jae Kim is a Ph.D. student in the NC State Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department, who is leading a research project with The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) to develop hydrocarbon-based alternatives to fluorocarbons for enhancing the performance of nonwoven materials. Young Jae Kim’s research aims to achieve performance comparable to fluorocarbons using hydrocarbon materials that have garnered significant attention in various research studies. Since hydrocarbons inherently possess lower wetting resistance compared to fluorocarbons, Young Jae Kim seeks to compensate for this by implementing physical surface treatments on the nonwoven fabric. These physical treatments will focus on enhancing the molecular ordering of the material and introducing numerous surface microstructures to strengthen the wetting resistance of hydrocarbon materials. To read Young Jae Kim’s full “Student Spotlight” profile, please visit https://bit.ly/3SfA8S1. NWI offers graduate students the opportunity to participate in fundamental research in areas that address the pressing challenges in nonwovens applications and technology. Student researchers working through NWI’s industry-identified research program benefit from a diverse range of perspectives, engaging with subject matter experts from academia and industry. NWI also offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonwovens Science and Engineering through the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. To learn more about NWI’s current group of student researchers, please visit https://bit.ly/440d2S7. To learn more about student opportunities with NWI, please visit https://bit.ly/46KPORY. To learn more about NWI’s Knowledge Creation pillar focus area, please visit https://bit.ly/3NMMT3O. Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. https://lnkd.in/g6UijUY #nonwovens #fluorocarbon #hydrocarbon #PFAS #studentresearch

It was a lively week of continuous learning, as The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) and INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, hosted more than 25 industry professionals Oct. 15-18 for the Intermediate Nonwovens Short Course. Attendees spanned the breadth of the nonwovens value chain from raw material suppliers to manufacturers of roll goods to converters to testing service providers to brand owners. The course provided a balance of classroom sessions at INDA and NWI, along with hands-on activities and the opportunity to experience NWI’s state-of-the-art pilot lines and analytical testing capabilities on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University. Featured topics included: * Fundamentals of Fibers and Materials * Web Formation Technologies * Fabric Bonding Technologies * Fabric Finishing and Converting * Testing and Characterization * Nonwoven Products and Markets * Future Direction of the Industry and Technologies "I enjoyed learning about the different manufacturing techniques, but I really enjoyed how it was tied to the larger market conditions. It is important to understand the next wave of market trends and sustainability initiatives," noted one of the training attendees. The course was led by a series of nonwovens subject matter experts, including Ed Thomas, formerly head of research and product development at First Quality Nonwovens (now PFNonwovens) and Fiberweb; Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., executive director of NWI; Amy Minton, analytical and filtration testing lab manager at NWI; and Matt O'Sickey, Ph.D., director of education and technical affairs at INDA. Tour groups were led by Benoit Maze, Ph.D., director of education and administration at NWI, Angelo Corino, manager of NWI’s Spunbond and Hydroentangling and Meltblown labs, and Andreas Batz, NWI’s pack preparation lead. While this was the last INDA/NWI short course of 2024, the 2025 training schedule is now available at https://bit.ly/3YBXWkV. Reserve your seats for upcoming courses to gain the benefit of nonwovens knowledge that cannot be found elsewhere. If your company views continuous learning/workforce development as a strategic investment, please consider the NWI/INDA Short Course Value Pack program. Bundles of 5, 10, 15 and 20 short course registrations are available at progressively discounted rates. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3MuN2Z4. #nonwovens #calendering #cardednonwovens #hydroentangling #meltblown #needlepunch #spunbond #training #workforcedevelopment

Sreenivasan Narayanan is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Sreenivasan’s research project with The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) focuses on implementing a drop-on-demand (DOD) printing technique as a rapid, scalable approach to print liquid crystals on a nonwoven substrate to attain patterned, temperature-responsive, “smart” materials. The principal goals of this research are to formulate inkjet-printable cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) ink and maintain its responsive properties, patterning it on the nonwoven substrate, such as spunbond and meltblown PP for comparison purpose, and to analyze the overall dynamic response. Potential applications for this research include smart nonwovens for respirator facemasks and wound dressings that can communicate information related to respirator facemask fit and wound health, respectively. To read Sreenivasan’s full “Student Spotlight” profile, please visit https://bit.ly/3PQ1X2n. NWI offers graduate students the opportunity to participate in fundamental research in areas that address the pressing challenges in nonwovens applications and technology. Student researchers working through NWI’s industry-identified research program benefit from a diverse range of perspectives, engaging with subject matter experts from academia and industry. NWI also offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonwovens Science and Engineering through the Wilson College of Textiles. To learn more about NWI’s current group of student researchers, please visit https://bit.ly/440d2S7. To learn more about student opportunities with NWI, please visit https://bit.ly/46KPORY. To learn more about NWI’s Knowledge Creation pillar focus area, please visit https://bit.ly/3NMMT3O. Based at the Center for Technology and Innovation on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges. https://lnkd.in/g6UijUY #nonwovens #liquidcrystal #respirator #smartmaterials #wounddressing