Posted February 24, 2015

 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – S. Haig Zeronian, known for his significant research contributions on the relationship between polymer structure and single fiber mechanical properties in natural and manufactured fibers, is the 2015 recipient of the Olney Medal.

 

The Olney Medal, the highest award presented by AATCC, is for outstanding lifetime achievement in a field of major importance to textile science.

 

Zeronian has made significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship of fiber structure and properties for natural and manufactured products, manufactured fiber structure and degradation mechanisms; as well as the location of water, dyes and textile finishes in cotton fibers. Zeronian’s research on cotton has included the effects of mercerization, liquid ammonia treatment and crosslinking on physical properties, including differences in the brittleness, flex life and tensile properties of different species.

 

Zeronian’s research group of graduate students, colleagues and visiting scholars to the Zeronian Laboratory have made significant contributions to the understanding of cellulose water relations. Zeronian also studied the many aspects of textile finishing, including the influence of moisture on the flame-resistance of fabrics, a comparison of the hydrolysis of cotton after slack and tension mercerization by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis, and the effect of fine structure and morphology on the properties of cross-linked cellulosic fibers.

 

Zeronian has published more than 120 papers and three textbooks, and has presented over 75 technical talks at professional meetings. He is a member of the American Chemical Society (Cellulose, Paper and Textile Division), and from this society he received two awards: The Division Fellow Award in 1993, and the Anselme Payen Award in 1996. Zeronian is a senior emeritus member of AATCC, having joined the Association in 1969. He is also a member of the Fiber Society, and was awarded an honorary membership. He also served on the editorial board of the journal, Cellulose.

 

Presentation of the medal each year is a highlight of AATCC’s International Conference. This year, the conference will be held at the Hilton Desoto, Savannah, Ga. March 24-26. The association will present the Olney Medal at the Awards Luncheon on March 26.  

 

The Olney Medal

 

Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science. The award consists of a gold medal, a scroll and an honorarium.

 

Source: AATCC