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Procter & Gamble donates textile manufacturing technology to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently celebrated the donation of novel
textile manufacturing technology from The Procter & Gamble company. Commonly
referred to as Sulfur Dye Protection Technology, this P&G innovation has
shown potential to significantly improve color fastness and reduce damage to
fabrics used by millions of people around the world.
“With its widely respected reputation for textile manufacturing research,
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design
has the skills, staff and resources necessary to continue the development of
Sulfur Dye Protection Technology,” said Nodie Washington, P&G associate
director, Fabric and Home Care Global Textiles and Laundry Product Development.
“With a little more research this discovery may one day play an important
role in better fabrics and clothing for millions of consumers.”
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was selected because of its proven track
record in developing new textile manufacturing technologies. In addition, Dr
Yiqi Yang, who will lead the further development of the donated technology,
is a recognised leader in textile chemistry, textile dyeing and polymer science.
“I am thrilled that our textile science research team at the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln has the opportunity to continue the research and development
of the sulfur dyeing technology. We are sure that the results of this donation
will benefit the textile industry and consumers substantially. Procter &
Gamble has been most generous and supportive of this important research effort,”
said Dr Yang.
As sole new owner of the technology, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will
benefit from all future revenues if Sulfur Dye Protection Technology is successfully
developed and commercialised.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Textiles, Clothing and
Design prepares students for careers in the global textile and apparel industry.
Faculty and students within the department have a distinguished record of national
awards for their research and creative work.
The Department received the 2000 University-Wide Departmental Teaching Award
for excellence in teaching and quality instruction for all students. In 1999
the department was recipient of the prestigious American Textile Manufacturers
Association Award of Excellence, which recognises one department annually for
its outstanding academic program in the field of textiles and apparel.
| Sulfur dyes are typically used to inexpensively produce
black, brown, navy and olive colored fabrics. A primary problem with sulfur
dyes, and a significant factor in their recent decline in usage, is the
relatively poor color fastness of the fabric when laundered. Another problem
with sulfur dyes is their tendency to form acid in storage. The acid weakens
the cotton making the fabric or garment unusable.
Research by P&G shows that treatment of sulfur-dyed
fabric with Sulfur Dye Protection Technology improves the fastness of
sulfur dyes to laundered fabrics. This research also indicates that the
use of Sulfur Dye Protection Technology decreases the tendency of sulfur-dyed
fabrics to degrade in storage.
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