Textile Laboratories

The Department of Design and Human Environment's laboratory facilities include a chemical laboratory, as well as a temperature and humidity controlled conditioning room. Both laboratories are equipped with instruments and supplies necessary for chemical and physical testing of fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

The laboratory facilities are used for student instruction, faculty research, and textile testing services for businesses within the industry. The following types of tests can be performed within the DHE laboratory facilities.

Thermal Properties

Thermal Manikin, "Newton"

"Newton" Thermal Manikin

"Newton" is the latest addition to our testing lab. The manikin enables testing a garment's insulating capability when exposed to various environmental conditions while the manikin either "walks" or remains stationary.

The thermal manikin consists of a carbon-epoxy shell with internal heater elements, temperature sensors, and an integrated fluid supply system to simulate metabolic heat and perspiration levels.

Appearance Retention

AATCC Wrinkle Tester
Wrinkle Recovery Tester
Dimensional Stability (Home Laundering)

Abrasion Resistance

Random Tumble Pilling Tester
Stroll Universal Abrasion Tester
Accelerator
Rotary Platform, Double-Head Abraser (Taber Abraser)

Strength

Instron (CRE 4411)
Elmendorf Tearing Tester
Mullen Bursting Tester

Colorfastness

Wash Fastness (home laundering, Launder-Ometer)
Staining (Launder-Ometer)
Crock Fastness (Crockometer)
Perspiration Tester

Color Evaluation

Hunter Lab Colorimeter
UV Spectrophotometer
Light Box

Fiber Identification

Chemical solubility analysis
Microscopic analysis (Microscope with Leica Polarized Light)

Miscellaneous Evaluation

Yarn twists per inch (Yarn Twister)
Fabric weight (analytical balance)
pH testing
Water repellency testing (Rain Tester)