#Associations

2020-05-14

AATCC hosts PPE testing webinar series

As companies pivot to producing and testing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, there are lots of questions. AATCC created a series of webinars to answer questions about AATCC test methods commonly used to evaluate PPE.

The first two webinars address test methods cited in AAMI PB70 for liquid barrier performance of protective apparel and drapes. Each webinar covers the fundamentals of testing, best practices, and applications for PPE.

Each webinar in the series is offered at no cost to Individual and Corporate members of AATCC and at a 70% discount ($45) for nonmembers. Registration is available online via the AATCC website. Members must contact Kim Nicholson at least 24 hours in advance to receive the member registration code.

Join the live webinars to ask questions of AATCC staff or view the recordings at your convenience.

Impact Penetration Testing for Textiles Webinar

May 28, 2020

2PM EDT

Presented by Diana Wyman, AATCC Executive Vice President

Impact penetration testing measures the amount of liquid that passes through a fabric under specified conditions. It is a key test for Level 1, 2, and 3 gowns and drapes in healthcare settings. This webinar will cover testing for PPE as well as other water-resistant applications. It will compare various versions of the test, including AATCC TM42, NWSP 80.3, and ISO 18695. The webinar includes full descriptions and demonstration of apparatus, materials, and testing procedure.

Diana Wyman is Executive Vice President of AATCC, a professional association and standards development organization for the global textile industry. Diana has been involved in all aspects of textile testing—from managing a contract lab to developing specifications for a retail brand. She has participated in the standards development process as both staff and volunteer for AATCC as well as textile-related committees of ASTM, IEC, IPC, and ISO. Diana holds degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, and Business Administration.

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing for Textiles Webinar

June 3, 2020

2PM EDT

Presented by Erika Simmons, AATCC Technical Director

Hydrostatic pressure testing is required for level 2 and 3 medical gowns and drapes. It is also commonly used for evaluating high-performance rainwear. Learn to properly perform and interpret this test for any application, including when and how to use a restraint. The webinar addresses all aspects of AATCC TM127 and TM208.

Erika Simmons is the Technical Director for AATCC. Erika is an experienced textile professional with more than fifteen years of standards development experience. Erika received her BS Textile Engineering from NC State University and MBA from Wake Forest University.

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

New funding available for textile research

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.