Funding Granted to Sustainable Research Project by Wilson College Educator

Associate Professor Ericka Ford at the Wilson College of Textiles is at the forefront of a revolution in the textile industry, developing cleaner, more sustainable, and non-toxic methods for onshore acrylic and carbon fiber production [1][3]. Her research aims to reduce the environmental impact of fiber manufacturing by creating novel processing techniques that eliminate or greatly reduce toxic chemicals traditionally used in these processes.

Ford's work is integrated within broader collaborative initiatives such as The Textile Engine consortium, which pursues circularity in textiles by expanding options for bio-based and plant-derived polymers. This research explores plant and microbial sources for new polymers and innovative processes that move polymer precursors efficiently into fiber and textile products, providing pathways for developing regenerative, non-toxic fiber materials [2].

The potential impact of Ford’s research is significant. It addresses key sustainability challenges in the textile industry by:

Reducing reliance on petroleum-based and hazardous chemicals in acrylic and carbon fiber manufacturing
Facilitating onshore domestic production with greener processes to minimize carbon footprint and toxic waste
Enabling expanded use of bio-based polymers, which tend to be more recyclable and have lower end-of-life environmental impacts
Contributing to the creation of a circular textile economy through integration with industry consortia and collaboration from supply chain to waste management [1][2][3]

Carbon fiber, a lightweight material used in airplane construction and high-end recreational products, could also improve fuel efficiency in cars, potentially lowering carbon emissions [4]. Ford's research focuses on non-toxic carbon fiber spinning through a process that enables reshoring, which could shorten supply chain lead times for domestic yarn and fabric manufacturing mills in North Carolina and throughout the U.S. [5].

Ford's breakthrough in fiber manufacturing has been praised by the Associate Dean for Research at Wilson College of Textiles as addressing a long-standing environmental challenge in the global textile industry [6]. The new funding emphasizes the long-term impact of research at Wilson College of Textiles on sustainable textile production [7].

Ford applied for the NCInnovation grants because she believed the technology could be profitable, particularly for acrylic fiber in protective clothing production used by the defense textiles community in North Carolina [8]. This research portfolio is still developing, with ongoing funding support reflecting its emerging importance. The NCInnovation funding supports Ford and her team in transforming the textile sector, demonstrating how academic research can power a cleaner, more competitive future.

References:

[1] Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Research. Retrieved from https://textiles.ncsu.edu/research/

[2] The Textile Engine. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.thetextileengine.org/about-us

[3] Ford, E. (n.d.). Non-Toxic Acrylic and Carbon Fiber Production. Retrieved from https://textiles.ncsu.edu/research/faculty/ericka-ford/

[4] Carbon fiber. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/technology/carbon-fiber

[5] North Carolina State University. (2021, August 2). Ford Receives NCInnovation Grant to Develop Non-Toxic Acrylic and Carbon Fiber Production. Retrieved from https://news.ncsu.edu/2021/08/ford-receives-ncinnovation-grant-to-develop-non-toxic-acrylic-and-carbon-fiber-production/

[6] North Carolina State University. (2021, August 2). Ford Receives NCInnovation Grant to Develop Non-Toxic Acrylic and Carbon Fiber Production. Retrieved from https://news.ncsu.edu/2021/08/ford-receives-ncinnovation-grant-to-develop-non-toxic-acrylic-and-carbon-fiber-production/

[7] North Carolina State University. (2021, August 2). Ford Receives NCInnovation Grant to Develop Non-Toxic Acrylic and Carbon Fiber Production. Retrieved from https://news.ncsu.edu/2021/08/ford-receives-ncinnovation-grant-to-develop-non-toxic-acrylic-and-carbon-fiber-production/

[8] North Carolina State University. (2021, August 2). Ford Receives NCInnovation Grant to Develop Non-Toxic Acrylic and Carbon Fiber Production. Retrieved from https://news.ncsu.edu/2021/08/ford-receives-ncinnovation-grant-to-develop-non-toxic-acrylic-and-carbon-fiber-production/

Associate Professor Ericka Ford's research focuses on cleaner, more sustainable, and non-toxic methods for manufacturing acrylic and carbon fibers in North Carolina.
Ford's work is exploring innovative processing techniques to reduce toxic chemicals in the fiber manufacturing industry.
The Textile Engine consortium, where Ford's research is integrated, pursues circularity in textiles through bio-based and plant-derived polymers.
Ford's research has the potential to significantly impact the textile industry by reducing reliance on petroleum-based and hazardous chemicals.
By using greener processes, Ford's research facilitates onshore domestic production, helping to minimize carbon footprint and toxic waste.
Ford's research on non-toxic carbon fiber spinning could potentially shorten supply chain lead times for yarn and fabric manufacturing mills.
The Associate Dean for Research at Wilson College of Textiles has praised Ford's work for addressing a long-standing environmental challenge in the global textile industry.
New funding has emphasized the long-term impact of research at Wilson College of Textiles on sustainable textile production.
Ford applied for the NCInnovation grants as she believes the technology could be profitable, particularly for protective clothing production in North Carolina.
The NCInnovation funding supports Ford and her team in transforming the textile sector, demonstrating academic research's role in powering a cleaner, more competitive future.
Reducing the environmental impact of fiber manufacturing, expanding the use of bio-based polymers, and creating a circular textile economy could contribute to sustainable living and lifestyle, as well as advancements in home-and-garden, environmental-science, technology, education-and-self-development, and other industries.