Researchers are developing and testing a nonwoven cotton decontamination wipe.

Scientists at Texas Tech University’s Nonwoven Lab have developed a “flexible cotton decontamination wipe” for human and sensitive equipment decontamination.

Immediate objectives are to test and validate the protective capabilities of the wipe against toxic chemicals. Positive results will enable the marketing of cotton nonwovens for defense applications, including homeland security. This could mean increased market share and use-value for U.S. upland cotton.

Texas A&M University scientists, in collaboration with USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists in New Orleans and College Station, TX, continue to explore additional non-food and non-feed applications of cottonseed products such as a cancer-inhibitor and a concrete mold releasing agent.

The 2005-06 objective will explore improved formulations of motor oil and other fuel additive applications; determine the gossypol composition in the foliage and leaves of cotton plants; and determine how larvae of herbivorous insects, such as Helicoverpa zea, are affected in terms of survival, larval weight and days to pupation when raised on artificial diets containing gossypol.

Texas Tech University researchers are trying to develop a novel value-added denim product – one that is protected from pesticides and toxic chemicals – in order to help the U.S. textile industry compete from the flood of textile and apparel imports.

The high-end denim product would be made from U.S. Upland cotton and include the application of a novel enzyme finishing. That finish would not only counters toxic chemicals’ effects but enhance the denim’s smoothness.