Conference Speakers

Jeff Dugan

Vice President Research, Fiber Innovation Technology

Jeff Dugan is Vice President, Research and co-founder of Fiber Innovation Technology. Prior to his work with FIT, Jeff’s career included positions in R&D with Springs Industries and in R&D management with BASF Fiber Products Division. Jeff holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and in Textile Chemistry, both from N.C. State University. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers and is listed as an inventor on more than 40 U.S. Patents.

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Tuesday 11:20 am - 11:50 am
Bio-Innovation in Nonwovens I

Inotekâ„¢: A Biomimetic Approach to Adaptive Breathability

The biological phenomenon known as the "pinecone effect" has been engineered into a bicomponent fiber, enabling fabrics that actively vary breathability in response to environmental humidity (e.g., from perspiration). This new fiber assumes a helical curl that reversibly curls more or less tightly with changing humidity. The tighter curl opens pores in the fabric, increasing breathability, and the less-tight curl provides more bulk in the yarn, reducing breathability. The production and processing of this fiber are enabled by FIT's unmatched precise control of the bicomponent cross section.

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