INNOVATION

Procter and Gamble Donates Textile Technology

		Yiqi Yang, UNL researcher and professor

A new pair of black jeans will fade with repeated launderings. But a dye technology developed by Procter & Gamble and donated to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will improve the performance of sulfur dyes so that fabric doesn't weaken and color remains strong.

Under the agreement, Procter & Gamble donated the patents for the technology to UNL. Researchers in the Textiles, Clothing and Design Department will refine the technology and market it to international textile companies. The donation allows UNL to reap the financial benefits from marketing the technology.

UNL was chosen because of its track record in developing new textile manufacturing technologies. Heading the effort is Yiqi Yang, a UNL researcher and professor who is a leader in textile chemistry, textile dying and polymer science.

Yang said the partnership with Procter & Gamble builds a bridge with the private sector that will bring other research and economic development opportunities to Nebraska.

"The partnership demonstrates the strength of this university," said Yang." It sends a message to the textile industry that UNL is the place for them to transfer technology and to ask for help."

Students will also benefit from the agreement with Procter & Gamble by being part of a cutting edge environment in textile science." We can teach the students the most advanced technologies out there," said Yang.

TEXTILES, CLOTHING & DESIGN