Technical Developments in Nonwovens Presented at RISE® 2025
The 2025 RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference was held Oct. 14-15, at the McKimmon Center on NC State’s campus. This was the 15th edition of RISE® and featured a breadth of technical discussions focusing on future developments, challenges and opportunities for the nonwovens industry. Ten (10) Ph.D. student researchers currently engaged in The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) fundamental nonwovens research program shared their work with the attendees via poster presentations over the two-day event.
Our student researchers are leading projects that are designed from the outset to create fundamental knowledge
“Our student researchers are leading projects that are designed from the outset to create fundamental knowledge that supports the R&D efforts of industry and government research,” said Dr. Raoul Farer, Executive Deputy Director of NWI.
In addition, NWI Executive Director Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, and doctoral student Mahsa Nazem provided more detail on developments undertaken at NWI via podium presentations.
We’re fundamentally reimagining
how materials can be engineered….
Professor Pourdeyhimi discussed research demonstrating the ability to vastly increase the addition of particulate materials (e.g., adsorbent or other functional particles such as carbon, metal oxide, etc.) into composite structures known as “Coform Nonwovens.” “By carefully managing air pressure, particle size and fiber interactions, NWI researchers can create highly specialized materials with remarkable precision.” This was a key takeaway for Devin Steele; CEO of Steele Media Group, author of eTextileCommunications.com – The Voice of the U.S. Textile Industry and a proud NC State graduate. “We’re not just adding particles to a structure,” Dr. Pourdeyhimi explained during his presentation, “We’re fundamentally reimagining how materials can be engineered.”
“The research opens new possibilities for advanced filtration, gas absorption and specialized material development, with potential applications spanning medical, industrial and environmental sectors.” noted Steele.
The work was a collaborative effort including Student Researcher Nur Uddin and NWI’s Director of Benoit Maze, Ph.D. as well as NCSU graduates Dr. Sonia Chitsaz (now a researcher at MANN+HUMMEL) and Dr. Hooman Amid (now a researcher at Saint Gobain). The developments are enabled by new facilities recently added at NWI which will be featured in upcoming “NWI News” publications.
Masha Nazem’s work focused upon the sustainability challenges facing the wipes industry whose products bring great value to everyday life. “It was a pleasure to share highlights of my research with experts in the field and to receive valuable feedback and comments. None of this would have been possible without the thoughtful supervision of my advisors, Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi and Dr. Benoit Maze, who share their invaluable knowledge and continuous encouragement with me.
One of the best choices I’ve made
was joining The Nonwovens Institute
“Pursuing a Ph.D. is a defining decision, and one of the best choices I’ve made was joining The Nonwovens Institute,” said Nazem. “Here, learning goes far beyond academics; it’s about developing a critical mindset that questions convention, finding creative solutions to real-world problems, and building meaningful connections with industry.”
“We are proud to have our students discuss their work with industry leaders from around the world”
“We are proud to have our students discuss their work with industry leaders from around the world,” said Professor Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D. “It demonstrates the quality of work within The Institute and across the entirety of NC State.”
Are you interested in student research opportunities with NWI?
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