#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.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

Textile machinery: Italian technology charts the course for revival

Operating in a scenario characterized by geopolitical instability, slowing industrial investments, and new protectionist pressures. This is the main challenge for the Italian textile machinery industry that emerged during the General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), held today in Milan at the Shareholders’ Hall of Palazzo Edison.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.