Interests:
My primary area of research is the analysis of textile materials. This work has resulted in development of an instrument that improves the measurement and prediction of surface wear. Two U.S. patents have been granted for the Materials Evaluator and the instrument currently is being used to evaluate transfer of microorganisms, allergens, and toxic particulates from carpet and smooth floors.

Other research is related to analysis of short staple flax in blended nonwovens and composites, physical and chemical analysis of bicomponent fibers used in tufted carpet, and ruggedness testing of textile abrasion and pilling machines. Projects also have focused on biodegradation of wool, nylon, and polyolefins and development of internet resources that link generators of solid textile waste with material handlers and recyclers.

Education:

Selected Publications/Presentations:
"Surface Wear Analysis of Fabrics", ASTM Standardization News, ASTM - International, West Conshohocken, PA, Vol. 33, No. 9, 2005, pp. 34 ? 37.

"Cotton Flax Blended Nonwovens -Value Added Properties for Industrial Markets", Proceedings of the Cotton Utilization Conference- Nonwovens Symposium, New Orleans, LA, January 7, 2005, with D.E. Akin, J.A. Foulk, R.B. Dodd, E.A. Vaughn, J.A. Knopp, and M.S. Brewer.

?ASTM D6829-02 Standard Test Method for Stiffness of Fabric by the Blade/Slot Method?, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 7.02, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, November 2003, pp. 1311-1312, with J.R. Rothrock.

"ASTM D6798 Standard Terminology Relating to Flax and Linen", Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 7.02, ASTM - International, West Conshohocken, PA, November 2003, pp. 1313-1317,with A. Ulrich.

"ASTM Subcommittee D13.60 Industry Consortium on Ruggedness Testing of Textile Abrasion and Pilling Machines: Flex Abrasion Testing (D3885-95)", Final Report: Research Report Number D13-1107, ASTM - International, West Conshohocken, PA, October 2002, pp. 1-112, with M.S. Brewer.