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Helping Set the Standard

Textile Protection and Comfort Center

researchers weather firefighter turnout gear in an oven.

Dec 1, 2023

Study Tests Firefighter Turnout Gear With, Without PFAS

PFAS-free outer shells fail to repel oil and hydraulic fluid, potentially bringing performance tradeoffs to firefighters. 
Bryan Ormond adjusts a uniform before testing in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center.

Aug 29, 2023

Ormond’s Career Protecting Firefighters Through TPACC Earns Him Faculty Honors

Wilson College of Textiles faculty member receives 2023 Goodnight Early Career Innovators Award. 
Arash Kasebi adjusts a firefighter helmet and hood on a mannequin head in a lab at the Wilson College of Textiles.

Jul 21, 2023

Volunteer Firefighter Arash Kasebi Brings On-the-Field Insight to Postdoctoral Research

Postdoctoral research fellow Arash Kasebi has dedicated his academic career to investigating and improving firefighter gear at the Wilson College of Textiles. 
Cody Zane

Jul 10, 2023

This PPE Engineer is Supporting the Next Generation of Textile Leaders

Cody Zane, a three-time Wilson College of Textiles graduate, follows his passions by staying connected to his alma mater, being a mental health ambassador, mentoring graduate students, and researching personal protective equipment as an engineer at UL Solutions. 
Sophie Guevel (left) holds part of a blue machine and is turned to another person talking to them.

Apr 19, 2023

TPACC Researchers’ Test for Activewear Cooling Efficiency Accepted as Industry Standard

For years, there’s been a “critical gap” in the testing of activewear products. Now, a novel test developed within the Wilson College of Textiles is poised to be the industry standard. 
Photo shows visitors Deborah Ross and Katherine Tai watching a demonstration of Pyroman as Sean Deaton explains it to them. The photo is taken from a high angle and the back of their heads are visible.

Jan 10, 2023

Ambassador Tai Visits Wilson College of Textiles

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai learned more about the innovative horizon of the textile industry during a visit to the Wilson College of Textiles. 
Doctoral student recording results from a human subject on a bike in a lab

Jul 11, 2022

Graduate Research Spotlight: Faisal Abedin (Ph.D. FPS) Finds New Ways to Evaluate Activewear Materials

Doctoral candidate Faisal Abedin is advancing activewear from the Textile Protection and Comfort Center. 
Wildland fire shelter test set-up

Jun 15, 2022

New Fire Shelter Prototypes Could Buy Time for Wildfire Firefighters

New designs for wildfire shelters could increase the survival time for firefighters inside, researchers from NC State found in a recent study. 
Dr. Bryan Ormond and two students at symposium

Apr 12, 2022

Ph.D. Students Win Awards for Research at University of Miami National Firefighter Symposium

Graduate students Arash Kasebi and Mark Gaskill won an award for their poster presentations at the University of Miami’s National Firefighter Symposium, a conference dedicated to sharing research on the best methods to protect firemen. 
firefighters putting out house fire

Mar 2, 2022

Helping Set the Standard

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reviews standards for first responders’ gear every three to five years. Using its world-leading testing systems, the Textile Protection and Comfort Center at the Wilson College of Textiles has made technical contributions that have helped create new testing methods and updated existing standards for firefighter turnout gear, including turnout suits and gloves.