Joshua received his B.S. in Engineering from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, and his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, USA,  where he focused on compatibilizing natural, plant-based fibers with low-density polyethylene for use in fiber-reinforced composites. In 2014, he joined NatureWorks, LLC, as an Applications Engineer and after experience in several positions of increasing responsibility, is now Lead Scientist and Technology Manager located in Plymouth, Minnesota, USA. Joshua specializes in areas of polymer characterization, crystallization kinetics, and mathematical modeling.

Over the past four years, Joshua has utilized his expertise to serve as Industry Advisor for multiple Ph.D. candidates who are working through NWI’s industry-identified fundamental research program. This opportunity for students to actively engage with industry experts is one of the outstanding features of the graduate degree program available at NC State and NWI. He was elected to NWI’s Executive Committee in October 2022. Joshua has also been an active member of the Upper Midwest Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) where he served on its Board of Directors from 2016 to 2023, most recently as the Education Chair.

The strong tie between industry and academia is a hallmark of NWI. Each of the Institute’s more than 50 member organizations have representation on the IAB.  The IAB reviews proposed and existing programs and recommends alternatives or additions and provides review over Institute budgets and policies. The IAB also elects the nine-member Executive Committee, which provides higher level member oversight and policy guidance. In addition, the Executive Committee makes recommendations to Institute Leadership with regard to the composition of the Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) and collaborates with Leadership to select SSAB members. Many of the IAB and SSAB members actively mentor NC State graduate students in NWI’s nonwovens program and act as ambassadors for the Institute across the industry.

The time and effort contributed by all of the IAB representatives and especially the Executive Committee members is symbolic of the value that their member companies place upon the relationship with NWI.  Each individual is a respected leader not only in their own organization but across the broader industry. 

Are you interested in NWI membership and member benefits?

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.   

NatureWorks is an advanced materials company offering a broad portfolio of renewably sourced polymers and chemicals. With performance and economics that compete with oil-based materials, naturally advanced Ingeo biomaterials are valued for their unique functional properties and used in applications from compostable rigid and flexible food packaging to hygiene products and 3D printing materials. NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand’s largest ASEAN leading integrated petrochemical and refining company, PTT Global Chemical, and Cargill, which provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world.  https://www.natureworksllc.com

The post Joshua Weed Elected Vice Chairperson of NWI’s IAB Executive Committee appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

NEOLAST

Utilizing NWI’s Fiber Spinning Lab, Celanese and Under Armour worked with the Institute’s fiber spinning experts over the course of two years to fine tune the production process for what they believe will be an innovative new alternative to elastane – an elastic fiber that gives apparel stretch, commonly called spandex. According to Celanese and Under Armour, this new fiber could unlock the potential for end-users to recycle performance stretch fabrics, a legacy issue that has yet to be solved in the pursuit of circular manufacturing with respect to stretch fabrics.

Celanese, as a Full Member of NWI, benefitted in this engagement by receiving priority access to NWI’s Fiber Spinning Lab as well as the expertise of NWI’s in-housed dedicated staff, who brought many years of experience in polymer and fiber science to the project.

“The introduction of recyclable NEOLAST fiber creates exciting opportunities for performance and sustainability benefits enabling customer success across the apparel value chain,” said Rick Tobar, Development Programs Manager, Celanese.  “NWI was a critical partner in piloting the development of the fiber from its earliest stages through to a commercial product. The equipment and, more importantly, the expertise of NWI personnel were also key to bringing the fiber to reality.”

“NWI was a critical partner in piloting the development of the fiber from its earliest stages through to a commercial product. The equipment and, more importantly, the expertise of NWI personnel were also key to bringing the fiber to reality.” – Rick Tobar, Development Programs Manager, Celanese.

“NWI’s pilot facilities feature world-class technology and dedicated in-house expertise to support the research and product development needs of our members and industry partners,” said Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., Executive Director, NWI. “We are honored that Celanese and Under Armour have chosen NWI to support their efforts in developing the NEOLAST fiber, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this new technology.”

According to Celanese and Under Armour, NEOLAST fibers will be produced using recyclable elastoester polymers, a critical first step for the industry to address the challenge of recycling blended fabrics containing elastane. As end users transition to a more circular economy, Celanese and Under Armour are exploring the potential of the fibers to improve the compatibility of stretch fabrics with future recycling systems and infrastructure.

“NC State’s and Under Armour’s cultures are incredibly similar. We embrace the ‘think and do’ concept, while the university recognizes perfection is the enemy of innovation,” said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Under Armour. “None of this would have been possible without the leaders at NC State asking for our feedback, hearing our feedback and moving to action as it relates to continuity and consistency of interaction across the entire campus. Once a path was cleared for the working groups – which happened efficiently – the project took off like a rocket ship. Now we have an iron-clad foundation to build on for many years to come. This is the first of many transformative innovations as a result of this partnership.”

“Working with a leading global brand like Under Armour to elevate the performance and sustainability benefits of their products is just the first of many great things we hope to accomplish with this innovative NEOLAST technology,” said Tom Kelly, Senior Vice President, Engineered Materials, Celanese. “Celanese is proud to bring its polymer expertise and technical know-how to help manufacture NEOLAST fibers for textiles and fabrics to meet the specific needs of our customers and other value-chain partners. We are just beginning to unlock its potential and look forward to what’s ahead as we explore other opportunities with end users.”

To read the full Cleanese/Under Armour announcement on the NEOLAST fiber, visit https://bit.ly/3OdZ1Lr.

As part of the Office of Research and Innovation at 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. At the end of this value-added research pipeline are revolutionary and often life-enhancing products for both industrial and consumer markets.

Are you interested in NWI membership?

Are you interested in Product Development opportunities with NWI?

For more information about Celanese, visit https://www.celanese.com/.

For more information about Under Armour, visit https://about.underarmour.com/.

For more information about NEOLAST, visit www.neolastfibers.com.

The post Celanese, Under Armour Advance Toward Sustainable Stretch Fabrics With New Fiber Developed in NWI Labs appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

“The Spunbond Technology Short Course combines classroom learning with hands-on activities in NWI’s state-of-the-art nonwoven fabrication and testing labs,” said Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., executive director of NWI. “Upon completing the course, attendees will have a comprehensive grasp on spunbond nonwoven production processes, including raw material selection, basic science knowledge, testing, and the characterization used to create end-use products. The course will cover structure-property-process relationships and explain how to exploit machine design and raw materials to the advantage of the application.”

Featured Topics Include:

• A primer on nonwoven markets and applications for spunbond technology
• An in-depth understanding of polymer characterization and fiber formation
• Discussion of bicomponent fibers and bonding technologies
• Discussion of web uniformity and inspection
• Discussion of product evaluation and testing
• A pack design and cleaning demonstration
• Discussion of process variables and hands-on activities in NWI’s world-class Spunbond and Hydroentangling Lab
• Cost modeling for various spunbond process scenarios

A recent attendee noted:

“A huge thank you to the instructors and all of the wonderful staff. The course was incredibly helpful, and we learned so much that will aid us in our business going forward. The information on the fundamentals of extrusion and how process parameters affect output product and defect generation was excellent. I also loved being able to apply learnings in the lab.” — Staff Scientist, Medical Device Manufacturer

Are you interested in attending the Spunbond Technology Short Course?

The Spunbond Technology Short Course is part of a series of workforce development opportunities being offered by NWI and INDA this year. For the full schedule of upcoming NWI/INDA training courses, click here.

The post [2-Minute Tutorial] Spunbond Technology Primer appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

How did you come to have an interest in nonwovens?

In the initial stages, I conducted research in the field of microfluidics, specifically focusing on studying superhydrophobic surfaces. Through this research, I developed an interest in understanding the behavior of water droplets at very small scales and their impact on surfaces.

Later, while working with my advisor, I became acquainted with research related to nonwovens. This led me to explore the interaction between nonwoven materials and surface modifications, and I discovered the broader potential applications in various industries.

During my collaboration with my advisor, I investigated the characteristics of nonwoven materials and studied their surface modifications and interactions with liquids. I conducted experimental work involving coating, plasma treatment, and nanotechnology-based approaches to achieve optimal surface properties. Additionally, I explored different materials and their combinations to enhance reactivity and surface characteristics.

By conducting research in nonwovens, particularly in developing super-repellent surfaces, I aim to contribute to innovative technological advancements in industries such as self-cleaning textiles, stain-resistant coatings and efficient liquid filtration systems. It is this pursuit that initially sparked my interest in nonwovens and motivates me to provide transformative solutions across various industrial sectors.

Why are your research/findings particularly important/compelling for nonwovens
applications?

The focus of my NWI (nonwovens) research project is to develop hydrocarbon-based alternatives to fluorocarbons for enhancing the performance of nonwoven materials. Historically, fluorocarbons have exhibited the highest resistance to fluids, but their toxicity, specifically the bio-accumulative nature of PFAS compounds, has prompted companies to seek alternatives. Therefore, our objective is 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, we aim 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.

By increasing the molecular ordering, we expect to enhance the hydrophobic properties of the nonwoven surface, thereby reducing its affinity for liquids. This can be achieved through various techniques such as controlled stretching, orientation or annealing processes. Additionally, the creation of surface microstructures, such as pores or textures, will further contribute to the enhancement of wetting resistance by trapping air pockets and impeding the penetration of liquids.

The significance of our research lies in providing a viable alternative to fluorocarbon-based treatments in nonwovens applications. By utilizing hydrocarbon materials and optimizing their performance through physical surface treatments, we can address the concerns surrounding the toxicity of fluorocarbons while still achieving high-performance liquid repellency. This has the potential to revolutionize the nonwovens industry, enabling the development of safer and more sustainable materials that meet the stringent requirements of various applications, including healthcare, filtration and protective textiles.

Where do you see yourself upon completion of your studies?

In the near term, my career goal is to combine my research on nonwovens, microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces to have a significant impact in industry. I want to be involved in industry collaborations, conducting research that leads to innovative product development and improves quality of life.

Looking 5-10 years ahead, I envision progressing as an expert in nonwovens and surface engineering. I hope to take on leadership roles, leading research teams and collaborating with interdisciplinary experts to tackle complex material science challenges. Additionally, I want to contribute to academia through publications, mentorship and active participation in conferences.

When you are not studying and doing your nonwovens research project, what are your
personal interests, hobbies … any activities you would like to highlight?

When I am not studying or working on my nonwovens research project, I have several personal interests and hobbies that I enjoy. One of my main activities is going to the gym and engaging in strength training exercises. I find it fulfilling to challenge myself physically and strive for progress in terms of my fitness and overall well-being. Additionally, I love exploring different restaurants and trying out new cuisines with friends. It’s a great way to unwind, socialize and indulge in delicious food.

Another hobby I have is playing the piano. I find joy in expressing myself through music and it serves as a creative outlet for me. Lately, I have also taken up learning the guitar, which has been an exciting new venture for me. It allows me to explore a different instrument and expand my musical skills.

Overall, these activities contribute to a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle, allowing me to pursue my interests outside of my academic and research endeavors.

The post Young Jae Kim, Understanding the Influence of Molecular Ordering on Wetting Resistance appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

About Spunbond Nonwovens

Spunbond nonwoven materials are advantageous for a wide range of applications due to their varied performance attributes. The spunbond process begins with polymer, which is extruded, spun and attenuated prior to web laydown, bonding and any necessary finishing steps. Spunbond materials offer good tenacity, are compatible with multiple bonding methods, and can support homogeneous or multi-component filaments.

Typical raw materials utilized for spunbond include polypropylene and polyester. PP is used widely for disposable product types, while PET is a good fit for industrial product types where material stiffness is valued. Other material types employed for select spunbond applications include polyethylene, nylon 6, nylon 6 6, and poly-lactic acid (PLA).

Spunbond serves many end-use products, including hygiene, medical, wipes, filters and automotive materials, just to name a few. Hygiene is the largest market segment for spunbond nonwoven materials.

Spunbond is often combined with meltblown materials to produce hygiene and medical fabrics where barrier properties are needed. Wipes are another category where spunbond materials are highly utilized, either independently or as part of a composite structure. Spunbond is used as a support layer in combination with fine-fiber meltblown in filtration. And spunbond is increasingly finding its way into automobiles, from headliners and trunkliners to carpet, floor mats and seating materials.

Spunbond and Hydroentangling Pilot Lab

Anchored by a Reicofil spunbond line, the NWI Spunbond and Hydroentangling Lab provides you the opportunity to customize the web path to your specific application requirements utilizing equipment from supporting partners – including Hills bico- or mono-filament die packs, two unwinds, an Andritz thermobonding calender, two Andritz Perfojet hydroentanglement units, a kiss roll, a through-air dryer, and a high-speed A.Celli Group slitter/winder.

Following spunbond web laydown, the line offers several bonding methods via a hydroentanglement unit (one pre-entanglement injector, plus six additional injectors), a thermal calender (includes roll options for three bond patterns), a kiss roll unit, and a through-air dryer. The hydroentangling unit and thermal calender can also be used in combination.

Layers can be added either via a front-end unwind or after the web laydown via an unwind prior to bonding, supporting application variables such as, for example, combining cellulosics with spunbond in a hydroentangled structure. Finally, the web path concludes with slitting and winding.

NWI can run trials in many configurations, such as single-beam spunbond, and with a variety of fiber architectures. Fiber options include sheath-core bico, side-by-side bico, or homofilament, as well as more complex cross-sections, such as segmented pie and islands-in-the-sea. Resin options include PP, PE and PET, along with many others, including nylon, elastomers and biopolymers, such as PLA.

To engage with NWI’s spunmelt nonwovens experts and/or to book time in NWI’s Spunbond and Hydroentangling Lab, visit https://bit.ly/3YWxKBl.  

For more information on NWI’s pilot- and lab-scale nonwoven production and testing capabilities, visit https://bit.ly/48IWpx6.

To build your understanding of the spunbond nonwoven production process, consider attending the upcoming Spunbond Technology Short Course, which is presented by NWI in partnership with INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

The post [Virtual Tour] Spunbond and Hydroentangling Lab appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

“The Meltblown Technology Short Course provides attendees a fundamental understanding of the process of forming meltblown webs and offers guidance on how to control structure-property-process relationships to optimize meltblown materials based on the requirements of the application,” said Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., executive director of NWI.

Presented in partnership with INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, this course combines classroom learning with hands-on activities in NWI’s state-of-the-art nonwoven fabrication and testing labs.

Featured Topics Include:

• A primer on nonwoven markets and applications for meltblown technology
• An in-depth understanding of polymer characterization and meltblown web formation
• Discussion of composites and coforms
• Discussion of web uniformity and inspection
• Discussion of product evaluation and testing
• Discussion of process variables and hands-on activities in NWI’s world-class Meltblown Lab
• Cost modeling for various meltblown process scenarios

“The topics of the training and technical information were excellent. All speakers were very prepared and always available to interact with the class and answer our questions.” – Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Global Manufacturer of Filtration Solutions for Healthcare, Life Sciences, Energy, and Mobility

Are you interested in attending the Meltblown Technology Short Course?

The post [2-Minute Tutorial] Meltblown Technology Primer appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

Founded in 2022, in Newark, Delaware, USA, following the acquisition of DuPont Biomaterials by the Huafon Group based in Zhejiang, China, CovationBio has positioned itself as a leading global innovator offering a product portfolio of high-performance, sustainable renewable solutions. The company builds on its rich DuPont legacy of groundbreaking scientific innovation and continues to deliver novel solutions at scale across multiple industries, including apparel, carpeting, cosmetics, food and packaging. For more than 20 years, the mission of CovationBio has been to deliver the building blocks that will enable customers to provide high-performance biomaterial solutions to everyone.

Founded in 2022, in Newark, Delaware, USA, following the acquisition of DuPont Biomaterials by the Huafon Group based in Zhejiang, China, CovationBio has positioned itself as a leading global innovator offering a product portfolio of high-performance, sustainable renewable solutions.

According to CovationBio, “Sorona® polymer in fiber form has gained wide acceptance in the apparel and flooring industries due to its sustainability, softness, hydrolysis resistance and recoverable stretch. When combined with other polymers, Sorona provides superior bulk in many types of fabrics and end uses. We believe Sorona has great potential in the nonwovens industry, which is why we are a member of NWI.”

CovationBio has three commercial products that contain bio-based material derived from annually renewable plant resources:

• Sorona polymer in fiber form has gained wide acceptance in the apparel and flooring industries due to its softness, hydrolysis resistance and recoverable stretch. When combined with other polymers, Sorona provides superior bulk in many types of fabrics and end uses. CovationBio is actively working to bring the benefits of Sorona to the nonwovens industry by partnering with NWI and interested nonwoven manufacturers.  Sorona polymer is 37% bio-based.
• Susterra® propanediol is a 100% bio-based building block of organic chemistry that reduces the need for petroleum-based components. Its applications range from footwear to outdoor apparel, coatings, inks, and functional fluids that benefit from favorable viscosity and thermal stability.
• Zemea® is a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material that helps brands reach sustainability goals without compromising quality. Available in multiple formulations, Zemea® meets exacting standards in a variety of high-volume markets, from personal care and home care, to pharmaceuticals, to enhancing flavors and foods.

For more information about CovationBio and its product offerings, visit https://covationbio.com/.

Membership in NWI brings a variety of benefits and can be scaled to meet member needs. 

The post NWI Welcomes CovationBio as a New ‘Full Member’ appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

Jointly organized courses include a combination of classroom learning supported by hands-on activities in NWI’s world-class nonwoven production and testing labs on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University. Each course is designed to be accessible and valuable to those who are new to the nonwovens industry and/or come from a non-technical background, as well as seasoned nonwovens professionals.

2024 INDA/NWI Workshops Schedule:

 Elementary Nonwovens
January 23-24, 2024

 Intermediate Nonwovens
February 6-9, 2024

 Meltblown Technology
February 27-29, 2024

 Spunbond Technology
March 19-21, 2024

 Intermediate Nonwovens
April 30-May 3, 2024

 Elementary Nonwovens
May 7-8, 2024

 Nonwoven Fabric Property Development and Characterization
June 4-7, 2024

 WIPES Academy
June 17-18, 2024

 Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals
July 24-27, 2024

 Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation
August 13-16, 2024

 Absorbent Hygiene Course
August 27-29, 2024

 Elementary Nonwovens
September 10-11, 2024

 Carded Nonwovens Technology
October 3, 2024

 Intermediate Nonwovens
October 15-19, 2024

Matt O’Sickey, Ph.D., INDA Director of Education and Technical Affairs, said, “INDA is committed to being a ‘must-have’ resource for nonwovens continuing education. We are delighted to continue our partnership with NWIto meet the development needs of nonwoven professionals. This suite of courses provides organizations serving the nonwovens industry a vital resource to ensure their employees have the knowledge and skills to continuouslycontribute to the success of the business.”

Short Course Value Packs

New this year, INDA and NWI are offering a Short Course Value Pack program, enabling companies to purchase a block of registrations, which can be used by any combination of employees to register for any combination of training courses, at a discounted rate. Value Packs are available in bundles of 5, 10, 15, and 20 registrations, with discounts ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the size of the Value Pack. 

Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., NWI Executive Director, said, “Workforce Development is a pillar of NWI’s service offering, and the INDA/NWI portfolio of training courses is unmatched in the value it offers to organizations operating in and/or serving the nonwovens industry. The Short Course Value Pack program represents a strategic opportunity for business leaders to invest in the knowledge and expertise of their workforce to achieve a competitive advantage in nonwovens, while doing so at an extremely favorable price point.” 

For more information and to purchase a Short Course Value Pack, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/nwi-inda-short-course-value-pack-program/

For more information and to register for an upcoming INDA/NWI training workshop, visit https://www.inda.org/training/

About INDA

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry by helping to achieve business growth. Since 1968, INDA helps members convene and connect, innovate and develop their businesses. INDA’s educational courses, business intelligence and market insights, test methods, consultancy and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies. INDA Media is the business-to-business publishing arm of INDA and publisher of International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, which reach a vast network of professionals who employ fibers, filaments, and filtration systems to optimize their application environments. For more information, visit www.inda.org, or download the INDA mobile app for immediate updates. 

About The Nonwovens Institute

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. For more information, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/ or email nonwovens@ncsu.edu.

Media Inquiries:
Matt Migliore
Director of Marketing
The Nonwovens Institute
Email: mmiglio@ncsu.edu 
Phone: +1 919.515.9182 
Mobile: +1 484.255.9032

The post [PRESS RELEASE] INDA, NWI Announce 2024 Nonwovens Training Course Schedule appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

In this new role, Dr. Dasdemir is leading the management of NWI’s sponsored product development projects portfolio. He is focused on working with NWI’s industry partners on the development of new nonwoven products and applications, including scale-up using NWI’s extensive pilot facilities. This is an area where NWI brings high value to the nonwovens industry – i.e., in providing an environment where early-stage product designs can benefit from the Institute’s decades of nonwovens application knowledge, along with in-house fabrication and testing capability, to enable proof-of-concept in an extremely cost-effective manner. He is also serving as an internal and external advocate for products developed at NWI.

Dr. Dasdemir has strong roots at NWI and NC State, as he received his Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science from NC State University in 2011. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Dasdemir participated in NWI’s industry-identified fundamental research program, investigating polymer interfaces in biocomponent fibers and nonwovens. He then served as a Professor at Gaziantep University in Turkey, where he conducted, published, and presented research studies related to polymers, fibers, nonwovens, composites, and nanotechnology. Dr. Dasdemir has also worked as a consultant and R&D coordinator at several fiber, filament, and nonwoven production companies in Turkey. In addition, he has designed, prepared, and managed several industrial and academic research, product, and application development projects.  

Since taking on the role of Director of Product Development, Dr. Dasdemir has been engaged in several important projects, including one focused on developing polylactic acid (PLA)-based spunbond and meltblown nonwovens for medical and filtration applications.

In 2021, Dr. Dasdemir returned to the NWI family as a Visiting Research Associate Professor to study sustainable polymers and nonwoven products and, in 2022, he joined NWI as a Research Scientist where he led biodegradable nonwoven product development studies, engaged in research on biopolymers, and supported graduate students working through NWI’s fundamental nonwovens research program.

Since taking on the role of Director of Product Development, Dr. Dasdemir has been engaged in several important projects, including one focused on developing polylactic acid (PLA)-based spunbond and meltblown nonwovens for medical and filtration applications. He recently presented some promising results from this project at the 2023 RISE^® – Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics – conference.  

Dr. Dasdemir reports to Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, NWI’s Executive Director, and is located at the NWI offices in The Center for Technology and Innovation on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

In addition to its expert in-house staff, NWI is supported by a dedicated group of stakeholders from its Members to Faculty and Students to Volunteers.

The post Dr. Mehmet Dasdemir Appointed as Director of Product Development at NWI appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.

Thomas Broch has served in technical leadership roles at the Fibertex Personal Care Group in Ålborg, Denmark for more than 20 years and assumed a new role as Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs Director as of October 1, 2023. He is a graduate of Aarhus University with degrees in chemistry and history. Thomas has served NWI as an Executive Committee member since 2018 and as Vice Chairperson for the Executive Committee during the past year.

Detlef Frey is the Head of R&D for Reifenhäuser REICOFIL GmbH & Co KG in Troisdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He received his degree in mechanical engineering with focus on Aerospace at the German University RWTH-Aachen. For over 30 years he has worked to develop and improve the nonwoven machinery of Reifenhäuser Reicofil, starting as an R&D and field engineer and being in his current position since 2006. Beside serving the NWI as an Executive Committee member since 2017, he is also in the technical leadership of the ITA, Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH-Aachen University.

Andreas Scope is the Innovation Owner for Air Filtration and Sustainability at MANN+HUMMEL GmbH in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He has more than 20 years of experience in filtration and separation and has served in technical leadership roles in MANN+HUMMEL for over 10 years. Andreas received his degree and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany.

The strong tie between Industry and Academia is a hallmark of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI).  Each of our over 50 Member organizations have representation on the Industrial Advisory Board, which reviews proposed and existing programs and recommends alternatives or additions and provides review over Institute budgets and policies.  The IAB also elects the nine-member Executive Committee, which provides higher level member oversight and policy guidance.  In addition, the Executive Committee makes recommendations to Institute Leadership with regard to the composition of the Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) and collaborates with Leadership to select SSAB members.  Many of the IAB and SSAB members actively mentor NC State graduate students in NWI’s nonwovens program and act as ambassadors for the Institute across the industry.

At its recent Fall 2023 meeting in Raleigh, the IAB elected three new members of the Executive Committee.  These elections will be communicated separately.

The time and effort contributed by all of the IAB representatives and especially the Executive Committee members is symbolic of the value that their member companies place upon the relationship with NWI.  Each individual is a respected leader not only in their own organization but across the broader industry.  We celebrate the “Sweat Equity” that our member companies and IAB representatives, especially the members of the Executive Committee, contribute to ensure the continued success of NWI.

Are you interested in NWI membership?

The post NWI Offers Appreciation to Outgoing IAB Executive Committee Members appeared first on The Nonwovens Institute.