#Associations

2023-03-09

AATCC TM214: New approach to an old challenge

Moisture management comes in many forms and there are numerous test methods to address the phenomenon in textiles. In February 2023, AATCC introduced a new test method to measure accumulated condensation on a fabric.

AATCC TM214 Test Method for Measuring Condensation on Textiles in a Humid Microclimate can be purchased now as a downloadable PDF and will be included in the 2024 AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

Order AATCC TM124

Test Method for Measuring Condensation on Textiles in a Humid Microclimate

https://members.aatcc.org/store/tm214/3776/

AATCC TM214 applies to clothing systems, tenting fabrics, and medical and technical temporary shelters. The condensation rate heavily depends on temperature and vapor pressure across a fabric system.

AATCC Research Committee RA63 Water Resistance Chair Kiarash Arangdad of Elevate Textiles shared that the new method is designed to measure the water condensation accumulation on the innermost (back) surface of waterproof fabrics in a humid microclimate. During the test, the outermost fabric (face) surface is subjected to dry and wet conditions (simulated precipitation). The condensation accumulation is determined by calculating the mass change of a filter paper attached to the inner chamber for a prescribed time.

Although several existing test methods measure the effectiveness of moisture transport mechanisms through fabric, this is the first method to measure condensation created by the microclimate of the textile product. TM214 is a valuable tool for the textile industry to assess the performance of fabrics in wet and dry conditions.

The test apparatus has an inner chamber (microenvironment) and an outer chamber (simulated precipitation). The test can be conducted inside an environmental chamber or under ambient conditions. This feature allows broad use across various textile systems for accurate representation of a company’s unique platform.

As businesses look for effective ways to drive sustainable practices within their value chains while addressing the challenges of changing climates across our global community, this test method is an important step forward in helping the textile industry better understand the role condensation plays on textile components. The insights gained by using this method will help organizations improve and develop new hydrophobic and water-repellent fabric systems.

Participate

All AATCC test methods are developed by industry experts. To be part of the process, join today! Committees, including RA63 on Water Resistance, are always looking for new ideas and new perspectives. If you’re already a committee member, be sure to log in to the new Communities platform to stay current on projects, discussions, and more.

Attend AATCC Research Committee Meetings

May 15-18

https://www.aatcc.org/aatcc-events/research/

The next round of meetings are May 15-18. There is no fee to attend and all are welcome. Share your thoughts on AATCC TM214 or suggest a new project. You can take part in person at the AATCC Technical Center or virtually from wherever you are.

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

New funding available for textile research

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.

VDMA Textile Machinery with new Executive Board

At the general meeting of VDMA Textile Machinery held in Hanover at the end of September, Dr Janpeter Horn, Managing Director of A. Herzog Maschinenfabrik, was re-elected as Chairman of the trade association. Regina Brückner, managing partner of Brückner Trockentechnik, and Verena Thies, managing partner of Thies Textilmaschinen, will once again serve as vice-chairs for the next four years.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase digital product creation at Apparel Sourcing Week

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Apparel Sourcing Week 2026 in Bengaluru, India next month. The exhibition provides a platform for the entire apparel value chain, bringing together manufacturers, brands, suppliers and solution providers in one location.

SNA GZ accelerates its on-demand production strategy with Kornit Digital

SNA GZ is leveraging the Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS to expand its music merchandise production, streamline e-commerce order fulfillment, and grow its print-on-demand business across Europe. This investment increases SNA GZ's textile production capacity by 150% (2.5×), enabling the company to meet growing demand and support its continued expansion.

NEUMÜHLE launches mono-material hoodie designed for textile recycling

With the Circular Mono Hoodie, Zurich-based label NEUMÜHLE introduces a new essential designed around a single-material principle. The textile construction is cotton throughout, right down to the sewing thread. Entirely free from elastane, the hoodie launches as a Limited Drop for CHF 139. Take-back, collection and existing recycling partnerships complement its circular design.

New Cotton Review examines competitiveness, market risk, and opportunities

From moving record volumes of Brazilian cotton to market, to managing price volatility, unlocking Ethiopia’s production potential, and strengthening African textile trade, the latest edition of Cotton: Review of the World Situation examines some of the most consequential opportunities and challenges facing the global cotton industry.