Researcher at Wilson College Secures Financing for Sustainable Studies

Researcher at Wilson College Secures Financing for Sustainable Studies

In the Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science department and The Nonwovens Institute at Wilson College of Textiles, Associate Professor Ericka Ford is leading groundbreaking research that aims to revolutionise fiber manufacturing. Her focus is on developing cleaner, non-toxic methods for producing fibers like acrylic and carbon, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact reduction[1][2].

Ford's current research seeks to create onshore fiber production methods that significantly reduce toxic inputs. This research benefits from collaborations with consortia such as The Textile Engine, which is dedicated to developing new regenerative, bio-based materials that can replace polluting synthetic fibers like acrylic and carbon[1][2].

The future implications of Ford’s research are substantial: it supports the textile industry’s transition towards environmentally friendly, circular production systems by enabling fibers that are both high-performance and less harmful to human and environmental health. If successful, her approaches could transform how acrylic and carbon fibers are manufactured, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals and toxic treatments, and improving recyclability and biodegradability in textile products[1][2].

The research conducted by Dr. Ford, with support from NCInnovation, is transforming the textile sector. The funding received will enable Ford to commercialize her research, positioning North Carolina as a leader in sustainable innovation[3]. This shift towards eco-friendly textile industries could have far-reaching effects, particularly in industries that heavily rely on acrylic fiber, such as protective clothing production used by the defense textiles community in North Carolina[4].

Moreover, the potential use of carbon fiber instead of steel in cars could greatly improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. Carbon fiber, a lightweight material commonly used in airplane construction and high-end recreational products like golf clubs, could play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of various industries[5].

Dr. Ford's fiber manufacturing breakthrough is an example of the kind of research supported at Wilson College of Textiles, which champions new ideas and technologies to support industry[6]. The Associate Dean for Research at the Wilson College of Textiles praises Dr. Ford’s research as high-impact and real-world, further emphasizing its significance in the field[6].

In her fiber manufacturing technology course, Dr. Ford aims to help students understand the basic fundamentals to create something new, setting the stage for future generations of textile innovators[7]. Dr. Ford’s research demonstrates how academic research can power a cleaner, more competitive future for the textile industry.

References: 1. Wilson College of Textiles News 2. Textile Engine 3. NCInnovation 4. Defense Textiles 5. Carbon Fiber 6. Wilson College of Textiles 7. Course Information

1. Associate Professor Ericka Ford, in the Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science department and The Nonwovens Institute at Wilson College of Textiles, is leading research to revolutionize fiber manufacturing.
2. Ford's research focuses on creating cleaner, non-toxic methods for producing fibers like acrylic and carbon, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact reduction.
3. The research aims to develop onshore fiber production methods that significantly reduce toxic inputs, benefiting from collaborations with consortia like The Textile Engine.
4. TheTextile Engine is dedicated to developing new regenerative, bio-based materials that can replace polluting synthetic fibers like acrylic and carbon.
5. The future implications of Ford’s research are substantial, supporting the textile industry's transition towards environmentally friendly, circular production systems.
6. The funding received by Ford from NCInnovation will enable her to commercialize her research, positioning North Carolina as a leader in sustainable innovation.
7. This shift towards eco-friendly textile industries could have far-reaching effects, particularly in industries that heavily rely on acrylic fiber, such as protective clothing production used by the defense textiles community in North Carolina.
8. Carbon fiber, a lightweight material commonly used in airplane construction and high-end recreational products like golf clubs, could play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of various industries.
9. Dr. Ford's fiber manufacturing breakthrough is an example of the kind of research supported at Wilson College of Textiles, which champions new ideas and technologies to support industry.
10. In her fiber manufacturing technology course, Dr. Ford aims to help students understand the basic fundamentals to create something new, setting the stage for future generations of textile innovators.
11. Dr. Ford’s research demonstrates how academic research can power a cleaner, more competitive future for the textile industry, contributing to sustainable-living, lifestyle, home-and-garden, technology, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.

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