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The NWI Proposal BP/SKB

THE NONWOVENS INSTITUTE

@

North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC

A Proposal

Submitted to: Vice Chancellor Research & Graduate Studies

Behnam Pourdeyhimi (NCRC) Subhash K. Batra (NCRC)

March 2006


BACKGROUND The beginnings of the nonwovens industry in the US, on a significant scale, occurred during the late 1960s. In consequence, on April 16, 1968, a trade association called "The Industrial Nonwovens Disposables Association" (INDA) was formed and announced. The evolution and future potential of this industry was also recognized by the publication of “Nonwovens Industry” magazine in 1970. Initially, the industry was focused on single-use disposable products. Today’s nonwovens, however, cover a broad array of single-use (short-life) and multi-use (long-life) products. According to industry estimates, the roll goods production of nonwovens in the US amounted to about $300 million in 1970. To paraphrase an old saying, much water has flown down the river since then. Today (2002 data), the US (roll goods) nonwovens fabrics industry (NAICS 313230 formerly SIC 2297 and SIC 2299 (50%)) is estimated to comprise 214 companies with 257 establishments employing about 21,000 people and generating annual sales of about $5.8 billion, supporting a payroll of nearly $833 MM, accounting for raw material cost of about $3.24 billion and $2.58 billion in value added.1 The industry, with establishments of 20 employees or more, is spread over at least 12 states of the union, as shown in Table 2 in the Appendix; North Carolina ($809 MM/2,960), South Carolina ($568 MM, 2872), Georgia ($467 MM/1860) leading the states in value of shipments/employment. Looking at data reported by Zapdata.com (Dunn & Bradstreet), Tables 3, 4, and 5 in the Appendix, suggest that the US Census Bureau data excludes some segments of the SIC 2299 data from the nonwoven fabric industry that the nonwovens industry claims for itself. Also, the Table 5 data suggest that the industry is highly disaggregated. Only 32 of the 174 businesses in SIC 2297 have employees ranging from 100-2,500; the rest are smaller. It is also spread in 35 states of the union. The above data exclude the corresponding data for the resin and fiber manufacturers who supply the raw material to this industry. Needless to say, these data also exclude the downstream converted products industry, made possible, or substantially aided, by the availability and versatility of nonwovens. In contrast, INDA analyses of the North American (US and Canada) nonwovens industry, suggest that the 2003 sales of nonwovens roll goods amounted to US $4,132MM or 1.1 MM tonnes, with an annual growth rate of 4.8%. Correspondingly, the global nonwovens industry in 2004 produced 6.32 MM tonnes, worth US$22.4 billion with a projected growth rate of over 7 % per annum. In 2004, the US production of nonwovens amounted to 26% of the global tonnage. The use of nonwoven roll goods in different end use (market) categories by INDA and EDANA2 are shown in Tables 6 and 7 in the Appendix. The diversity of uses is mind-boggling. In short, the nonwovens industry is a significant global industry, in which the US nonwovens component plays a very significant if not always the lead role. EVOLUTION OF NONWOVEN STUDIES AT NCSU At the North Carolina State University, the activities in support of the nonwovens industry started with the development of an undergraduate course as an introduction to process technologies of the industry during late 1970s or early 1980s. The research in this area also started during the same time period. Gradually, it led to the formation of a faculty group, of six, who sought industrial funds, and interactions, in support of research meaningful to the industry. In time, this led to the formation of an industrial consortium of

1 Based on 2002 data shown in Table 1 in the appendix. 2 The European counterpart of INDA.


nonwovens research with the participating companies paying $5,000 for membership, annually. By late 1990, the industrial membership had grown to twelve (12), when an opportunity to seek funding from NSF, under the newly started NSF State/Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) program, appeared. In brief, the proposal to establish the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC) at the College of Textiles in NCSU was one of the two proposals submitted from the State of NC. NCRC was one of the first five NSF State/IUCRC funded in 1991; NSF funding was to be matched by the State of North Carolina and by the industry membership. Starting at about $300,000 in total funding annually, NCRC budget rose to about $1,000,000 in the fourth year and beyond. The university cost-shared the indirect costs, allocated to industry and state parts of the contributions. Encouraged by the collaborative modalities proposed by NSF, NCRC reached outside the boundaries of NCSU to other US universities (later even universities abroad) to seek talent to undertake research on issues the industry membership deemed “relevant” and critical to its growth. Indeed, the search for the relevance engendered new modes of partnership with the industry:

To gain trust and credibility with the industry membership, NCRC carved out roles for members of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), consisting of identified individuals from member companies, in developing, assessing (merits) and ranking research proposal from the faculty, from as many as a dozen universities at a time. To facilitate more frequent communication between researchers and industrial clients, it assigned industrial mentors, volunteered by the membership, to each project approved and funded. Protocols were developed to present progress reports on each project to the entire IAB membership, including other guests from the member companies. The issues of relevance were monitored through collated responses to feed back questionnaires, in a matter of two days. The NCRC Director(s) made sure that if a project’s progress was questionable and the membership wanted it dropped, it was dropped. Of course, it was dropped in a manner that protected the interest of the graduate student, if one was involved.

As part of its outreach mission, NCRC, developed protocols to provide services to small and medium size companies, of particular importance to the NSF agenda, which included the use of Center laboratories for product development and evaluations (test bed facilities). These however, were very limited in scope. NCRC also developed one introductory short courses on nonwovens. The NSF support continued for its full cycle of eight years as is the case with successful State-IUCRC programs. At the end of ninth year, with one year of no-cost extension, all obligations to NSF were fulfilled. It was time for change. Change in both leadership, spectrum of activities and future directions. THE POST-NSF REVOLUTION Since 2000, NCRC has evolved as a dynamic partnership among the state of North Carolina, nonwovens and allied (suppliers/users) industries and NCSU — the three arrows of its logo. This has several complementing components described below.


• RESEARCH AND FUNDING The research mission in post NSF period remained the same; indeed the involvement of the industry in development of the research project portfolio, as well as improvement of the Center’s capabilities became even deeper and more intense, as would be evident from the descriptions of activities that follow. In addition, the Center sought alternative sources of funding in the form of non-core projects3 from industry and federal/state government agencies. The current on-going projects, core as well as non-core are tabulated in Table 8 in the Appendix; Table 9, in contrast shows all projects undertaken during and since the year 2000. The funding sources of NCRC in 2004-2005 are shown in the table below:

No. Source of funds Core/non-Core Amount ($) 2004-2005

1 State of NC Core 240,000 2. Membership dues Core 875,000 3. Air Force, Jockey, Gentex Non-Core 489,184 4. Service Activities Non-Core 653,788 Total 2,217,972

• RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS ACROSS NCSU AND WITH OTHER UNIVERSITIES

The past tradition of working with other departments within NCSU and other universities continues to be nurtured. In 2005, the participating universities and NCSU departments include:

University of Tennessee University of Loughborough, UK NCSU – Biomedical Engineering (BME) NCSU – Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) NCSU – Textile and Apparel Technology and Management (TATM) NCSU – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (M&AE) NCSU – Chemical Engineering (CHE)

• RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES

The need for significant changes was anticipated during the last two years of NSF sponsorship if NCRC were to remain a self-sustaining center. The future new Director (Behnam Pourdeyhimi) was hired as a member of the College of Textiles faculty; he had been a successful investigator on NCRC projects from the very beginning while he was at two universities previously. He was well known to the industrial membership of the Center. Before joining NCSU as co-Director of NCRC, Behnam had made contacts, on behalf of NCRC, to bring melt-extrusion technologies into the NCRC portfolios of processing technologies. These facilities became a reality within two years. These activities culminated in the inauguration of the Partners’ Laboratory in the summer of 2003 – a laboratory whose value today would be $13,000,000 with total NCSU outlay in the amount of $600,000. This laboratory has continued to evolve in its capabilities and has become a focal point of several new projects (both core and non-core; the latter one-on-one basis) and new industrial partnerships.

3 Results of non-core projects are not shared with general membership of the Center. Non-core funds are generated through Analysis and Testing Agreements and Research memoranda of Agreements (MOAs). Core funds are generated through membership dues and the contribution made by the State of NC through the office of VC Research.


One of the most significant of the latter kind is the partnership with American Truetzschler and other machinery suppliers in the total overhaul of the older Cotton Incorporated Nonwovens Processing Laboratory. This laboratory project is mostly complete, although the acquisition of some additional equipment is under negotiation. The value of this laboratory is estimated to be $2,500,000; the NCSU contribution is limited to laboratory space and infrastructural support. Any one of above two laboratories would put NCRC in the world-class category as a university based R&D facility. The two together make NCRC the envy of any university in the world aiming to support the global competitiveness of the nonwovens industry. This is evident in the growth of the membership and its increasingly global character, representing many US, European and Asian companies, private and public research organization, as well as consulting firms as will be seen below. In addition to laboratories, representing the portfolio of nonwoven technologies, useful for product development as well as for process analysis/development research, NCRC has upgraded its basic research and characterization facilities in the following laboratories:

Microscopy & Image Analysis Laboratory (valued at $500,000) Physical Testing Lab Laboratory (valued at $500,000) Simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (valued at $300,000) Chemistry & Polymer Analysis Lab Laboratory (valued at $300,000)

In summary, NCRC has been able to develop and enhance its research infrastructure as well as test bed facilities for the industry through partnership with many of its member companies.

• OUTREACH/EXTENSION In keeping with the NCSU tradition, NCRC has continually provided service to small, medium and large scale companies in the form of support for product evaluations and/or development. These activities are formalized in the form of ATAs. The NCRC facilities have become self sustaining and generate sufficient funds to support the staff and the maintenance of the labs. Additionally, NCRC has developed the content for a total of six, one week-long short courses. For practicum, the courses use one or more of the NCRC laboratories. These are the only courses of this type available globally. The attendees are often drawn from Europe, US, Asia and other areas of the world with developing interest in nonwovens manufacture and use. Each of the five courses is offered at least once a year. NCRC has formed a strong partnership with INDA. The missions of the two organizations are quite complementary; many of the member companies of INDA are also members of NCRC. INDA in effect is the marketing arm of the US nonwovens industry, and through this partnership NCRC has become the research and educational arm of the industry. Together, the two organizations fully address the needs of this growing industry in the US. In recent months, NCRC has begun playing an active and major role in the creation of a new electronic journal. Administered by INDA, the new journal will be a collaborative effort among The Fiber Society, TAPPI, and INDA and will replace the current International Nonwovens Journal. The new on-line journal will involve the College of Textiles and will resemble other well-known such journals as those offered by the American Chemical Society and others. As the only journal of its kind, it will form the basis for world class prestigious journal. NCRC has committed to being a major contributor to the journal.


• EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES The nonwovens industry has been concerned about the availability of trained human capital required to help sustain it into the future. To date, in the absence of any formal educational programs, the industry has primarily undertaken in-house training of individuals with degrees in engineering or science. The NCRC, however, did not consider this modality a viable option, given the complexities of the materials, processes and products available today. NCRC believed that gaining, and indeed maintaining, leadership in this emerging and evolving set of technologies in the industry required a substantial investment in human capital. We needed to create a human capital that would be particularly capable of inventing fundamentally new ways for achieving "versatile" products and processes, while maintaining environmental compatibility. Thus to maintain the current level of innovations in the industry, it was deemed necessary to develop a more formal, structured model for training of future nonwovens specialists. NCRC efforts in this regard focused on training such personnel with sufficient breadth and depth in the different disciplines that impact the nonwovens industry. This multidisciplinary approach includes fundamentals of academic disciplines, materials, process technologies, etc., with emphasis on adaptable knowledge of material-process integration and subsequent transfer to industrial environment. To develop the structured programs, it was clear that industry and academia needed to engage in an open debate. The programs described below are a consequence of that debate.

Undergraduate Programs At the undergraduate level, the premise was very simple; the students must develop sufficient depth as well as breadth in a truly inter-disciplinary program that addressed the needs of the nonwovens industry; it required thinking outside of the “textile” box. The materials used in the industry are not merely textile fibers. The industry uses, in addition, wood pulp, activated carbon, ceramic particles, powders, various additives, binders and the like to develop truly engineered products to meet specific performance needs. Thus, in addition to the typical textile knowledge, the students need understand topics such as white water chemistry, colloidal chemistry, fiber and polymer chemistry, surfactant chemistry, wet processing as well as mechanical, extrusion, hydraulic and aerodynamic production technologies to address the diverse issues in product or process development. With the above in mind, at this stage, the following new or modified courses have been established within the B. S. Textile Technology degree program:

TT 203 – MATERIALS, POLYMERS AND FIBERS USED IN NONWOVENS TT 305 – INTRODUCTION TO NONWOVENS PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS TT 405 – ADVANCED NONWOVENS PROCESSING TT 406 – BONDING FUNDAMENTALS IN NONWOVENS TT 407 – CHARACTERIZATION METHODS IN NOWOVENS TT 408 – NONWOVEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Graduate Programs

At the graduate level, the current system in the College of Textiles is well adapted for dealing with the needs of graduate students who wish to pursue a career in nonwovens. The Masters program is offered as an option under the MS in Textile Technology.


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By the same token, NCSU’s PhD program in Fiber and Polymer Science allows complete freedom to “design” a course of study best suited for the individual’s needs. Thus, a specialized course of study in nonwovens, both at the MS and Ph. D. levels is easily accommodated by including, in addition to thesis/dissertation topics, one or more of the following courses:

TT 503 – MATERIALS, POLYMERS AND FIBERS USED IN NONWOVENS TT 504 – INTRODUCTION TO NONWOVENS PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS TT 505 – ADVANCED NONWOVENS PROCESSING TT 506 – BONDING FUNDAMENTALS IN NONWOVENS TT 507 – CHARACTERIZATION METHODS IN NOWOVENS TT 508 – NONWOVEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

These six newly developed courses have been put in place for the stated purpose. The first two, plus any other three courses constitute an option in the MS degree programs. Currently, most NCRC supported students are enrolled in degree programs offered by the College of Textiles. A few are in other Colleges on campus and fulfill the requirements of their designated degree programs.

Certificate in Nonwovens; Distance Education To accommodate the needs of professionals currently working in the industry, NCRC offers the above six courses on-campus as well as in the distance education (TOP) mode. Interested individuals who complete five of the six courses satisfactorily can be awarded an NCSU approved Certificate in Nonwovens. If necessary, the student may substitute one or two appropriate courses offered in wood and paper science, or in the College of Engineering, instead of taking all five courses from the above list. This is the only program of its kind in the world.

• IMPACT ON MEMBERSHIP The impact of all these activities on membership of the Center has been very rewarding. At present the industrial membership is divided into three categories: Full, Associates, Affiliates. NCRC Membership stands at more than 65. At this time last year, the membership stood at 47. The transition from National Science Foundation funding to total industry (and some state) funding has been complete for four years now. NCRC has been extremely successful in making this transition. As part of its long term strategic plan and as mentioned previously, over the past few years, in collaboration with its partners, NCRC has upgraded its research laboratories, pretty much completed the $13 million Partners’ Laboratory (melt-extrusion technologies plus hydroentanglement capability), and is in the process of renovation of the former Cotton Incorporated Nonwovens Processing Laboratories (staple fiber based technologies). These activities have had a major impact on the growth of membership. The membership continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The Chart below documents the growth over the last five years as a consequence of its long term strategic plan. The table below shows membership of NCRC, at this writing, in different membership categories, together with their annual dues. The total dues collection for the year 2006 stands at $955,000—the highest in any year since its inception.


The current list of NCRC members is shown below: FULL MEMBER I $25,000/year

FULL MEMBER II $20,000/year

AFFILIATE MEMBERS $2,500/year

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS $2,500/year

BASF Clorox Colbond bv Eastman First Quality Fleetguard Jockey Int. KITECH MeadWestvaco NATICK NatureWorks Rohm Haas Procter & Gamble ProMetic Propex Fabrics

3-M A. Celli Ahlstrom Albany International Arkema AstenJohnson BBA Nonwovens CHA Technologies Cotton Inc. DuPont FiberVisions Fleissner Freudenberg Hills Inc INDA Johns Manville Kimberly-Clark Kuraray Milliken Nordson PGI Raytech Composites Rieter San Fang Chemical Sara Lee Sunoco

3F Allasso Industries American Truetzschler Apexical Atlantic Mills Dophes Ltd Duke Power Fi-Tech FlexForm Fluent Inc General Nonwovens Herrmann Ultrasonics J. D. Hollingsworth Jenkins, Wilson & Taylor Nano Fiber Technology Nippon Nozzle Nonwoven Media N. Schlumberger Porous Materials Inc. Progress Energy Slack & Parr Xymid

CSIRO Herty

$375,000/year $520,000/year $55,000/year $5,000/year Total value of membership dues $955,000/year Currently, several companies are exploring the benefits of joining NCRC and we anticipate that we will have at least 70 members by 2006.


The Proposal to form

The Nonwovens Institute


The NCRC has functioned in many respects similar to an Institute for the past few years. Its expanded mission and focus fit well the model for an Institute. It is proposed that the Institute for Nonwovens be established as an umbrella organization initially for NCRC and perhaps later for additional centers devoted to fiber based engineered solutions for the nonwovens and other fiber products industries. The existing NCRC will be the first such Center under this umbrella.

• ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE The organization of the proposed Institute may be visualized as shown in Exhibit 1 below.

Exhibit 1: The Institute Top level Organizational Chart

The Exhibit simply visualizes the administrative relationship between the Institute and the NCRC as the main and initial center within the Institute. Each center will have its own internal structure as it exits today within NCRC. This model will be duplicated for any future centers within the Institute. It is proposed that the Director and Co-Directors and Associate Directors form a collective team to manage the Institute’s research functions. Each Co-Director may also be designated Director of Research of the constituent center, e.g., NCRC. In addition, the Outreach/Extension and Continuing Education functions of the Institute may be managed by respective Associate Directors, who may or may not be members of the tenure track faculty. The Outreach and Extension function will include management of the Institute’s laboratories; the Associate Director will be the point of contact for industrial clients interested in using the Institute’s test bed facilities. The Continuing Education function of the Institute will involve delivery of the short courses, and management of the Certificate Program(s). The research function will be fulfilled at the Center level. The researchers in each center will be drawn from the entire NCSU, based on their interests and credentials. Under appropriate circumstances, they may also be drawn from other national and international universities, as is currently the practice in NCRC.

The Nonwovens Institute

Institute Director (s)

Executive Committee of the

Industrial Advisory Board

Extension, Engagement & E. Dev

Education Research Core & Non-Core

NCRC

Center for Bio-based Sustainable Materials

Associate Director Education

Associate Director Extension

Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies

Dean, College of Textiles


Needless to say, all three functions will need additional support staff engaged to fulfill the stated mission, both at the Institute and Center levels.

• MANAGEMENT As an operating unit, the Institute will be directly under the authority of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, NCSU, and with indirect reporting responsibilities to the Deans of the Colleges of Textiles, and other participating units as appropriate and upon the recommendation of the Vice Chancellor. The Management of the Institute will be governed by a set of Bylaws, which will provide guidance as to the oversight function and composition of the University Policy Committee, the oversight function and composition of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) for each of the constituent centers. The NCRC Bylaws will be used for the Institute until additional centers are launched. At that time, the bylaws will be modeled after the current, well-tested Bylaws of NCRC, see Appendix. As such they will conform to university policies, rules and regulations.

• RESEARCH AGENDA The research agenda of the Institute will comprise the research agendas of the constituent centers. The latter will be developed in close collaboration with the respective IABs, as it is done currently in the case of NCRC. The manner in which this will be done will be such that the IAB will have ownership in the agenda. Broadly, of course NCRC’s agenda will serve the needs of the nonwovens industry. Similar mission will guide the development of the agenda of any future centers that may come into existence.

• OUTREACH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENDA The Institute through its Centers will continue to assist small and medium size companies in the industry in NC, and elsewhere, as is the current practice in NCRC. NCRC has been working very closely with the North Carolina Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Wake County Economic Development group and will continue to do so. The Institute will form a formal office of Economic Development in Collaboration with the Economic Development office on campus (Ted Morris) and will collaborate with the NC DOC and others in recruiting companies to North Carolina and providing service to those in need. These will include internships and training programs, technical service and technical assistance programs.

• EDUCATIONAL AGENDA In keeping with the mission of the Institutes, and given adequate resources, an MS program in Nonwovens Science and Technology will be developed in due course. Other similar program developments may follow. In the meantime, the current program of Short Courses developed by NCRC will continue. We are confident that the institute will be able to support at the very minimum 25 graduate students and this number will grow to 50 within five years.

• RESOURCES NEEDED To fulfill all three functions of teaching, research and engagement will require at least three faculty lines and four technicians. Currently, the only faculty member who is “allocated” partially (30%) to this activity is the current NCRC Director, Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi. NCRC receives about $240,000 per year from the State, and the College of Textiles has assigned one technician (Robert Byron) to NCRC.


At this point, the estimated resources needed are anticipated to be

• Four additional fully dedicated faculty lines:

o One joint appointment in the College of Textiles and Wood and Paper Science, the College of Natural Resources

o One joint appointment in the College of Textiles and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering

o One joint appointment in the College of Engineering and Wood and Paper Science, the College of Natural Resources

o One appointment in the College of Textiles

• Five Technician lines for the support of the educational/research programs: o Two assigned to the newly established Staple Nonwovens Laboratory o Two assigned to the NCRC partners’ Lab o One assigned to the NCRC Analytical Lab

• Adequate space – estimated needs: 20,000 square feet

Additional support will be needed for the academic needs of the programs under development. In addition to the Center budgets, the Nonwovens Institute will require an adequate budget (estimated to be about $500,000) allocated to it for its operational needs. Note that NCRC will provide an additional four technicians for managing the labs. These positions will be supported through fee for service activities in the NCRC labs.

• TIMING

We are ready to launch the Institute in 2006. We would like to announce the formation of the Institute at the May 25 meeting of the NCRC IAB.


APPENDIX Source of the Tables below: Nonwoven Fabric Mills: 2002 2002 Economic Census Manufacturing Industry Series EC02-311-313230(RV) Issued December 2004


FROM ZAPDATA.COM, JUNE 2, 2005 (UPDATED 5/6/05) Industry: Nonwoven Fabrics (IC 2297) Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing nonwoven fabrics (by bonding and/or interlocking of fibers) by mechanical, chemical, thermal or solvent means, or by combinations thereof. Establishments primarily engaged in producing woven felts are classified in 2231; and those producing other felts are classified in 2299.

Table 3. SIC 2297 Market Analysis by Company Size

Num. of Employees No Bus. % Total Total Emps. Total Sales

Avg. Emps. Avg. Sales

unknown 34 19.5 N/A 23.1 N/A 7.7 1 20 11.5 20 2.3 1 0.1 2 to 4 25 14.4 69 25.1 3 1.1 5 to 9 5 2.9 34 16.8 7 4.2 10 to 24 21 12.1 347 577.4 17 36.1 25 to 49 24 13.8 834 340 35 18.9 50 to 99 13 7.5 824 89.6 63 9 100 to 249 18 10.3 2,538 151.6 141 13.8 250 to 499 7 4 2,060 36.6 294 18.3 500 to 999 6 3.4 3,680 156.2 613 39 1,000 to 2,499 1 0.6 2,000 755.7 2,000 755.7 Total/Avg 174 100 12,406 2,174.4 89 19.8 Note: Sales figures are in millions.


Table 4. 50% of SIC 2299-0000 and other parts of 2299 that relate to nonwovens. SIC Code

SIC Descr. No Bus.

% Total

Total Emps.

Total Sales

Avg. Emps.

Avg. Sales

2299-0000

Textile goods, nec 169 19.7 430 28.2 3 0.2

2299-0108

Upholstery filling, textile 17 2 533 41 33 3.4

2299-0109

Wads and wadding 1 0.1 175 22.2 175 22.2

2299-0200

Felts and felt products 37 4.3 1,229 93.9 35 3.8

2299-0201

Acoustic felts 8 0.9 113 6.9 14 1.4

2299-0202

Automotive felts 3 0.3 13 0.8 4 0.3

2299-0204

Carpet cushions, felt 2 0.2 58 0.2 29 0.2

2299-0205

Insulating felts 2 0.2 62 3.4 31 1.7

2299-0207

Lining, carpet: felt, except woven

1 0.1 2 0.1 2 0.1

2299-0208

Mats, felt: except woven 3 0.3 25 1.9 8 0.6

2299-0209

Pipe and boiler covering, felt 2 0.2 14 3.3 7 1.6

2299-0210

Polishing felts 3 0.3 10 1.2 3 0.6

2299-0212

Punched felts 2 0.2 143 18.8 72 9.4

2299-0214

Wool felts, pressed or needle loom

1 0.1 2 0.1 2 0.1

FROM ZAPDATA.COM, JUNE 2, 2005 (UPDATED 5/6/05) Industry: Nonwoven Fabrics (IC 2297) Note: Sales figures are in millions. Source: Zapdata.com (June 3, 2005)


Table 5. SIC 2297: Market Analysis by State; Sales are in Millions - Source: Zapdata.com State No Bus. % Total Total Emps. Total Sales Avg. Emps. Avg. Sales Alabama 6 3.4 201 10.9 34 2.7 California 13 7.5 389 58.5 35 7.3 Colorado 2 1.1 4 2.1 2 1 Connecticut 2 1.1 4 0.4 2 0.2 Delaware 2 1.1 1 0.1 1 0.1 Washington, DC 1 0.6 1 N/A 1 N/AFlorida 3 1.7 659 28.6 220 9.5 Georgia 8 4.6 877 4.4 125 1.5 Illinois 2 1.1 1 0.1 1 0.1 Indiana 1 0.6 130 8.6 130 8.6 Kansas 2 1.1 310 N/A 155 N/AKentucky 2 1.1 298 N/A 149 N/AMaine 2 1.1 38 3.3 19 1.6 Maryland 2 1.1 0 1 N/A 1 Massachusetts 9 5.2 168 17 21 2.4 Michigan 1 0.6 1 N/A 1 N/AMinnesota 1 0.6 3 0.2 3 0.2 Mississippi 4 2.3 160 17.2 40 4.3 Missouri 1 0.6 4 N/A 4 N/AMontana 1 0.6 3 0.2 3 0.2 Nevada 1 0.6 30 N/A 30 N/ANew Hampshire 1 0.6 550 43.1 550 43.1 New Jersey 6 3.4 310 122.3 52 20.4 New York 9 5.2 94 72.6 13 10.4 North Carolina 18 10.3 1,419 278.2 101 27.8 Ohio 6 3.4 391 9.7 78 3.2 Oregon 1 0.6 1 0.1 1 0.1 Pennsylvania 16 9.2 209 13.6 21 1.4 South Carolina 25 14.4 4,856 866.1 304 86.6 Tennessee 7 4 93 8.1 23 2 Texas 2 1.1 240 21.8 120 10.9 Virginia 2 1.1 264 19 132 9.5 Washington 4 2.3 298 30.2 75 7.5 West Virginia 2 1.1 85 10 85 10 Wisconsin 9 5.2 314 527.4 35 65.9 Total/Avg 174 100 12,406 2,174.4 89 19.8


Table 6. Nonwovens Market Segment Definitions [INDA: Butler (2003)] Hygiene Any nonwoven component used in disposable baby diapers, training pants, feminine

care products (sanitary napkins and tampons), adult incontinence and underpads. Medical Disposable surgical packs and gowns (also isolation gowns), drapes, sterilization wrap,

accessories (caps, masks and shoe covers) sponges and dressings, patient and staff apparel. NOTE: Medical incontinent products and baby diapers are covered in the hygiene segment.

Wipes Consumer pre-moistened baby, adult and other wipes, large array of dry, disposable and limited-use consumer and industrial/institutional wipes. The industrial/institutional segment is further comprised of food service, janitorial, recreation, clean room/critical task, general purpose industrial, automotive after market, printing and publishing and many other. (Abrasive pads are excluded and should be listed under "Others".)

Air Filtration Dust collection, high efficiency and "absolute" filters for clean rooms, hospitals, etc…,heating, ventilating and air conditioning filters, facemasks, carburetor air, vacuum cleaner bags, and passenger car cabin filters.

Liquid Filtration

Metal fabrication coolant oil, process liquid, swimming pools and spas, edible oil, cooking oil, tea bags, coffee filters, micron-rated bags and blood filters (medical).

Industrial Garments

All disposable garments for industrial, institutions and consumer applications (excluding medical and surgical applications gowns captured in Medical segment).

Other Disposable Markets

Include a variety of large and small markets including fabric softener substrate, sterile and non-sterile packaging, oil/chemical sorbents, napkins and table top materials, packaging material, tape substrate, cosmetic pads and many others.

Interlinings Waistbands, coat and jacket fronts, chest pieces and shoulder rolls, sport shirt interlinings. All fusible or sewn-in interlinings for apparel.

Shoe, Leather Goods

Shoe linings and other outer materials, as well as backing or substrates for materials in shoes, leather goods, book covers.

Laminate Substrates

All coating substrate application, including flocked products, coated nonwovens used in automotive, upholstery, luggage, floor and wall covering materials.

Floor Coverings All primary and secondary backings and carpet underlay for residential, commercial and automotive carpet applications.

Furnishings and Bedding

Bedding applications: dust covers, flanging, quilt backings, mattress insulators and Marshall spring wrap. Upholstered furniture: dust covers, spring insulators for arms and backs, skirt linings, decking, breather fabrics, pull strips and cushion internal ticking. Home furnishings: draperies, pleated shades, vertical blind components, mattress pads, skirt decking, toss pillow inserts.

Building Roofing materials, building materials, insulation, wall protection and house wrap. Geotextiles Road building and resurfacing materials, materials for erosion control, pond

underliners and other civil engineering uses. NOTE: Geotextiles are part of the geosynthetics business, which included geotextiles, geo-membranes (liners), geo-grids and fabricated drains.

Automotive All nonwovens except carpet backings used in the automotive industry (except filtration captured in Filter segment). The larger segments are trunkliners, kick panels, package trays, dashboard, headliners, seat construction and engine hood liners.

Electronics Includes battery separators, floppy disk liners, cable wrap, a part of circuit.board substrates and other similar electronic applications.

Other Durable Markets

Includes tarpaulins, apparel insulation, paper making felts, coated bale wrap, can separators, abrasive pads and a host of small markets.


Table 7. End-use definitions by EDANA [EDANA webpage (2004)] Personal care and hygiene

Baby diapers, Feminine hygiene products, Adult incontinence products, Dry and wet wipes , Training pants , Cosmetic removal pads, Nursing pads, Nasal strips, Adhesive for dental plates, Disposable underwear

Wipes industry Manufacturing, engineering and maintenance: cleaning machines and tools, absorbing fluids and oil, hand cleaning. Industries include: Automotive, Transportation, Printing, Food industry, Janitorial, Electronic and computer industry, Optical industries.

Medical disposable caps, gowns, masks and shoe covers, Drapes, wraps and packs, Sponges, dressings and wipes, Bed linen, Contamination control gowns, Examination gowns, Transdermal drug delivery, Shrouds, Underpads, Procedure packs, Heat packs, Ostomy bag liners, Fixation tapes, Incubator mattress.

Home wipes and mops, washing pouches, fabric softener, vacuum cleaner bags, washcloths, kitchen and fan filters, tea and coffee bags, coffee filters, napkins and table clothes, clothing and shoe bags, dusters, stain removers, kettle descaler bags, food wrap.

Leisure and travel

sleeping bags, tents, luggage, handbags, shopping bags, food delivery i.e. pizza, airline headrest, pillow cases, surf boards, beer can widgets, sandwich packaging.

Clothing interlinings, clothing insulation and protection, handbag components, shoe components, belt liners, fire protection suits, high visibility garments, industrial headwear and footwear, disposable work wear, chemical defense suits.

Home furnishing

Furniture construction: insulators to arms and backs, cushion ticking, dust covers, linings, stitch reinforcements, edge trim materials. Bedding construction: quilt backing, dust covers, spring wrap, mattress pad components, mattress covers. Window curtains, wall coverings, carpet backing, lampshades.

School/office book covers, mailing envelopes, maps, signs and pennants, towels, bank notes. Automotive boot liners, parcel shelves, heat shields, shelf trim, moulded bonnet liners, boot floor

covering, oil filters, headliners, rear parcel shelves, cabin air filters, decorative fabrics, airbags, silencer pads, insulation materials, car covers, underpadding, car mats, tapes, backing for tufted carpets, seat covers, door trim.

Building roofing and tile underlay, underslating, thermal and noise insulation, house wrap, facings for plaster board, pipe wrap, concrete moulding layers, foundations and ground stabilization, vertical drainage.

Geotextiles asphalt overlay, soil stabilization, drainage, sedimentation and erosion control, pond liners, impregnation base, drainage channel liners.

Industrial coated fabrics, electronics-floppy disc liners, filters – air, liquid, and gases, satellite dishes, clothing, surfacing tissues and veils, cable insulation, insulation tapes, abrasives, conveyor belts, reinforced plastics, reinforced plastics, PVC substrates, flame barriers, artificial leather, noise absorbent layers, air conditioning, battery separators (alkaline cells, acid systems, rechargeable), anti slip matting.

Filtration liquid, air and gases

HEVAC/HEPA/ULPA filters Liquid-oil, beer, milk, liquid coolants, fruit juices, etc. Activated carbon

Agriculture crop covers, seed blankets, weed control fabrics, greenhouse shading, roots bags, biodegradable plant pots, capillary matting.


Table 8. NCRC ACTIVE PROJECTS October, 2005

Project #

Project Title Principal Investigators GraduateStudent/

Research Associate 02-58 An Investigation of the Role of Cavitation on the

Degradation of the Orifice Shape and the Intact Length of HydroWater Jets

H. Tafreshi, B. Pourdeyhimi NCSU

N. Anantharamaiah (PhD)

02-59 Nanofiber Webs via Spunbonding and Meltblowing

B. Pourdeyhimi N. Fedorova (PhD)

02-60 Modeling of Air Flow and Heat Transfer in the Through-Air Bonding Process

Memis Acar, W. U. Loughboro, UK

Dr. M. Hossain (Res. Associate)

03-64 Influence of Material Variables in Thermal Bonding of Nonwovens

G. S. BhatUniv. of Tennessee

R. Hegde (MS)

03-67NC

Enzymatic Treatment of Cellulosic Fabrics B. Pourdeyhimi E. Shim S. Verenich

K. Arumugam

03-68 Modeling of The Hydroentanglement Process A. SeyamA. V. Kuznetsov

P. Xiang (PhD)

04-69 Surface Modification of Fibers & Nonwovens with Melt Additives

E. ShimB. Pourdeyhimi

V. Datla (PhD)

04-70 Filtration by Micro and Nano Fiber Filters: Simulation and Experiments

H. Tafreshi

Q. Wang (MS)

04-71 Structure-Process-Property Relationships in Nonwovens Made From Multi-Block Elastomers

S. MichielsenB. Pourdeyhimi

A. Beggenir (PhD)

04-72 Development of Interfacial Adhesion During Thermal Bonding of Nonwovens

S. Michielsen Siddharth Jain (MS)

04-73NC

Structure & Properties of Micro & Nano Fibers J. Hinestroza

Bilge Hatiboglu (PhD)

04-74NC-NTC

Printing Conductive Inks on Nonwovens B. Pourdeyhimi,Eddie Grant Troy Nagle

Burcek Karaguzel (PhD)

04-75NC

Acoustical Absorptive Properties of Nonwovens P. Banks-Lee, B. Pourdeyhimi

K. Allampalayam-Jayaram (MS)

05-76 Barrier Nonwoven Fabrics with High Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate

S. VerenichB. Pourdeyhimi

TBD

05-77 Hollow Fiber Nonwoven Structures with Interconnected Pore Configuration

E. LoboaB. Pourdeyhimi

Carla Haslauer (PhD)

05-78 Functional Nanofibers from Associative Polymers Using Electrospinning

S. KhanJ. Hinestroza B. Pourdeyhimi

Sachin Talwar (PhD)

05-79 On the Aerodynamics of Meltblowing Process: Modeling & Experimental Verification

H. TafreshiB. Pourdeyhimi

TBD

05-80 The Influence of Staple Fiber Preparatory Equipment on Web Quality

W. Oxenham E. Moore (MS)

05-81 Spreading and Deposition of Liquid Films and Drops in Fibrous Structures

E. ShimH. Tafreshi

TBD

05-82 Effect of Jet Strip Variables and Forming Wire on Fabric Quality

H. TafreshiB. Pourdeyhimi

N. Anantharamaiah (PhD)


NONWOVENS COOPERATIVERESEARCH CENTER

NC State University

NCSU

IndustryState of NC

NONWOVENS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTER

BYLAWS

Amended May 2005

NONWOVENS COOPERATIVE

RESEARCH CENTER COLLEGE OF TEXTILES

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY 2401 Research Dr.

RALEIGH, NC 27695-8301 Phone: 919-515-6551

FAX: 919-515-4556 URL: http://ncrc.ncsu.edu

EMAIL: [email protected]


BBYYLLAAWWSS

CHARTER The Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC) serves the nonwovens industry through fundamental and applied research in the technologies of the industry and an active program of technology transfer. The Center has developed core research, non-core research, and technology transfer activities. Core research programs are developed jointly by the Center faculty/staff and the NCRC member companies. Core research programs focus on areas such as • the development of new materials • the modification of existing materials • basic studies that lead to a better understanding of technologies • applied research directed at process material – property relationships • the development of instrumentation and test methods for nonwoven fabrics.

Core research programs are supported by funds from the State of North Carolina and fees from NCRC member companies. The results of the research are proprietary to the NCRC and to all member companies of the Center. This information is placed in the public domain, through presentations and publications, poster presentations, software, and patent disclosures, only after the approval of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) of NCRC. The policies governing the ownership of intellectual property are discussed under the policy section. A non-core research program focuses on one or more of the above objectives but is carried out for an individual company. The single company sponsored programs can be proprietary and are made public only if the sponsoring company agrees. Non-core projects of special interest can also be developed for a group of NCRC member or affiliate companies. The results of such research are made public only if the sponsoring companies agree. The Center carries out an active program of technology transfer supported by funds from the State of North Carolina and industrial members. This program seeks to disseminate technology developed by the Center along with existing knowledge of the management of materials and processes. Such programs are provided in the form of: • training and assistance in the implementation of Center developed technology • courses taught at plant sites • workshops at the Center • industrial internships • focused seminars, symposia, and conferences • one-on-one consulting.

To carry out its research mission, NCRC seeks out talent at North Carolina State University as well as other universities such as Georgia Institute of Technology, Clemson University, University of Georgia, Philadelphia University, University of Tennessee, University of California Davis and others. Such cooperative research programs are undertaken by the faculty, staff, and students of these universities with the approval of the IAB.


A. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The organizational structure of NCRC consists of an administrative office, the University Policy Committee (UPC), the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and a Center Analyst (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Organization Chart for Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center

The NCRC administrative office is headed by a Director (or Co-Directors),Associate Directors and an Administrative Assistant. NCRC is also assisted by the Business Manager, College of Textiles. The research functions of the Center are managed jointly by the Director and the Associate Directors who are supported by faculty members (from participating universities) affiliated with the Center (henceforth called Fellows of NCRC), Research Associates, Laboratory Research Specialists, and Laboratory Managers and/or Technicians. The technology transfer functions of the Center are managed by the Associate Director for Technology Transfer who is supported by the aforementioned Operations Laboratory Research Manager. The principal functions of the Center are further supported by Visiting Scholars and Industrial Interns. Other administrative, research and technology transfer staff is added as necessary and as funds permit.

1.0 - The Director/Co-Directors

The Director (Co-Directors) of the Center report to the Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research. The Director/Co-Directors works closely with the Center Fellows, the IAB and the University Policy Committee to

identify key areas of research in support of the technology of the industry and to establish short-range and long-range goals in pursuit of the mission of the Center. In like manner, they work with the Associate Director, the Center staff, the Center faculty, the IAB and the university to select and implement technology transfer activities of the Center. The Director/Co-Directors coordinate membership development, non-routine research, and technology transfer activities with members of the IAB and the Associate Director as well as other staff.

Specific responsibilities of the Director/Co-Directors include:

• Coordination of the core and non-core research projects. • Selection and granting of research projects based on recommendations of the IAB • Budgeting and administration of the NCRC funds • Interaction with industry participants through IAB and other formal and informal mechanisms • Interaction with the university through the University Policy Committee • Promotion of the research and technology transfer mission of the Center • Seeking new participants in NCRC • Making the necessary policy decisions with regard to operation of the Center and implementation of

the Center-related university policies • Coordinating the annual report and meetings supportive of the mission of the Center

Vice Chancellor for Research&

Policy Committee

NCRC Director (s)

Industrial Advisory BoardExecutive Committee


Associate DirectorResearch

Associate DirectorAcademic Affairs

Associate DirectorEngagement

Vice Chancellor for Research&

Policy Committee

NCRC Director (s)

Industrial Advisory BoardExecutive Committee


Associate DirectorResearch

Associate DirectorAcademic Affairs

Associate DirectorEngagement

DeanCollege of Textiles


• Coordinating information services related to the Center activities • Overseeing the Center operation

The Director/Co-Directors has/have administrative authority in the operation of the Center, including fiscal management, policy decisions, selection of research projects and appointment of the technical and administrative staff. The Director/Co-Directors receives recommendations and advice from the IAB Executive Committee, IAB and UPC.

The current Co-Directors of the Center are Professors Subhash K. Batra and Behnam Pourdeyhimi of the Department of Textile & Apparel, Technology & Management, College of Textiles, NCSU.

Subsequent Directors/Co-Directors will be appointed by the Chancellor of the University (NCSU) upon recommendation of Dean of the College of Textiles and Head of the relevant departments in the College of Textiles. The appointees have to be acceptable to the IAB. The Chancellor will then report this administrative appointment to the President of the University of North Carolina.

The Director/Co-Directors recommended/appointed shall be individuals with demonstrated knowledge of the field of nonwovens technology, an established record of research and scholarship in the field, demonstrated administrative skills, and an acknowledged position of leadership in the industry.

The Associate Director(s) are appointed by the Director/Co-Directors, in consultation with the University Policy Committee and the Industrial Advisory Board. Other research and administrative staff of the Center will be appointed by the Director/Co-Directors in consultation with the Associate Director(s).

For each revision of the long-range plan of the University, the Director/Co-Directors will submit a report on the Center's plans to the Dean of the College of Textiles, according to University policies.

2.0 - The University Policy Committee (UPC) The UPC, chaired by the Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research (NCSU), or his/her designee, is

comprised of the Dean of the College of Textiles (COT) and relevant department Heads of the concerned academic units involved in the Center.

The UPC will help ensure that the Center abides by all University policies and State laws. In particular, the University Policy Committee will assist in ensuring that the operations of the Center are consistent with faculty rights responsibilities, and professional development as documented in the Faculty Handbook. Similarly, the Committee will assure the equitable treatment of undergraduate and graduate students, and other staff associated with the Center.

3.0 - The Membership All companies, regardless of their geographical location/origin, engaged in the manufacture of nonwoven goods,

or who are raw material and auxiliary suppliers to the nonwovens industry, nonwovens machinery manufacturers and converters of nonwoven goods into end use items, or U.S. government organizations which have an interest in nonwovens, are entitled to be members of the Center. The IAB will review the membership categories and associated privileges from time to time and advise judicious changes, in accordance with bylaws, when necessary. Multiple-tier membership is available as defined in the memorandum of agreement. Any exception to the criteria above must be approved by the IAB Executive committee. a. Full Members

Companies meeting the criteria listed above who want to become FULL MEMBERS, will be recommended to the

IAB Executive Committee who will confirm the admittance of all MEMBERS. Full MEMBERS of the Center pay an annual fee to support generic research carried out in the Center. The fee

guidelines are determined by the IAB annually. The MEMBERS have representation, with voting rights, on the IAB. They are entitled to participate in the patenting of any inventions conceived by the Center faculty, staff and students during the conduct of Core Research of the Center, as set forth in section B.2. Their representatives are entitled to


attend meetings of the Center where results of the Core Research program are reported. They receive semi-annual progress reports and an annual report of the Center. Their staff is entitled to attend workshops, training seminars and research symposia organized by the Center at reduced rates as determined by IAB policies. They are entitled to use the research and production facilities of the Center for their R&D activities, based on availability, and at reduced fees mutually agreed upon by the IAB and the Center administration.

The fee structure, the voting rights and the associated privileges are approved by the IAB Executive Committee

and may change from time to time.

b. Affiliate Members The IAB assists in recruiting small to medium size companies as AFFILIATES. The AFFILIATES pay an annual

fee, determined by the IAB, to support generic research carried out in the Center. Their representatives attend the Center meetings where research progress is reported and receive reports. They are not entitled to participate in the patenting of any inventions made by the Center nor in the licensing of such inventions for commercial purposes, other than in accordance with section B.2. (f).

The AFFILIATES do not have representation on the IAB. They are entitled to use the research and production

facilities of the Center for their R&D activities, based on availability, and at reduced fees mutually agreed upon by the IAB and the Center administration. Their staff is entitled to attend workshops, training seminars and research symposia, organized by the Center, at reduced rates as determined by the IAB policies.

Multiple-tier membership, as approved by the IAB, is available. The fee structure and the associated privileges are approved by the IAB Executive Committee and may change from time to time.

c. Associate Members The ASSOCIATES are non-commercial organizations, such as government laboratories, R and D organizations

and educational institutions, interested in being supportive of and associated with NCRC. The ASSOCIATES pay an annual fee, determined by the IAB, to support generic research carried out in the Center. Their representatives attend the Center meetings where research progress is reported and receive reports. They are not entitled to participate in the patenting of any inventions made by the Center nor in the licensing of such inventions for commercial purposes, other than in accordance with section B.2. (f) which shall apply to ASSOCIATES as well.

The ASSOCIATES do not have representation on the IAB. They are entitled to use the research and production facilities of the Center for their R&D activities, based on availability. Their staff is entitled to attend workshops, training seminars and research symposia, organized by the Center, at reduced rates as determined by the IAB Executive Committee.

d. Emeritus Members Emeritus members are those individuals who have significantly contributed to NCRC activities over an

extended period of time as an employee of a member company, or the NCRC. Emeritus members are elected by majority vote of the IAB Executive Committee. Emeritus members pay no annual fee and are required to sign all confidentiality agreements. They may attend Center meetings where research progress is reported, and receive reports. They are not entitled to the use of Center generated intellectual property without appropriate license, use of research or production facilities at reduced fees, or voting participation in the IAB. They may attend workshops, training seminars, and research symposia organized by the center with no fees.

4.0 - The Industrial Advisory Board Each FULL MEMBER is represented on the IAB by one individual (together with a designated alternate) and has one vote. The IAB reviews proposed and existing Center programs and recommends alternatives or additions; it also reviews budgets and policies pertaining to any aspect of the Center. In particular the IAB

• Receives annual reports of the Center • Reviews operating and research budgets • Makes policy recommendations • Assures proper balance between Core and Non-Core Research programs in the Center • Advises on criteria for admittance as MEMBERS, AFFILIATES, ASSOCIATES, or EMERITUS • Reviews all Core-Research proposals and recommends priorities to the Director/Co-Directors


• Attends the semi-annual meetings of the Center and receives progress reports.

4.10 - The Industrial Advisory Board Executive Committee This committee shall consist of nine individuals representing full member companies and shall provide membership oversight and policy guidance to the NCRC.

• The IAB Chair shall serve a 2 year term. • The IAB Vice-Chair shall serve a two year term followed by a 2 year term as IAB Chair. • Seven additional members shall be elected for 5 year terms. • Elections shall occur at the Fall Semi-Annual meeting or as required to fill vacancies.

5.0 - The Industrial Interns

FULL MEMBERS (not AFFILIATES) are encouraged to send their selected technical staff to the Center on sabbatical leaves to permit appropriate research and technology transfer activities of the Center.

6.0 - The Center Analyst The CENTER may select/appoint a Center Analyst with the approval of IAB and the University Policy Committee.

This individual shall report to the IAB and be responsible for implementation of the Center Assessment Program. He/she shall serve as both an external analyst and as an internal advisor/consultant.

The Center Assessment Program consists of a series of evaluation studies that began during the Center’s planning phase and continued through the period of NSF support and beyond. The program's purpose is to identify factors that contribute to and/or inhibit attainment of Center goals and outcomes, whether scientific or economic. Included among the four basic types of studies are 1) comparative analysis of the Center's development history; 2) organizational description of the Center; and 3) intermediate as well as long-term studies of organizational effectiveness. The primary input for organizational effectiveness, however, comes from the IAB.

B. POLICIES 1. Amendment Policy

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of IAB voting members present.

2. Patent Policy Regarding Core Research (a) Title to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the performance of the Core Research program by a

University employee shall remain with the University, provided, however, that the University shall grant to Center FULL MEMBERS (not AFFILIATES) a non-exclusive royalty-free irrevocable license for internal use of such invention or discovery. If an invention or discovery is made by an employee of FULL MEMBER’S or AFFILIATE’S organization as a direct result of such employee’s participation in the Core Research of the Center, the title to the invention shall remain with the FULL MEMBER or AFFILIATE. The FULL MEMBER, however, will grant to the University a non-exclusive royalty-free license for the use of the invention or discovery, that is patented or otherwise made public and if it is relevant to the Core Research of the Center, for research purposes for as long as the Center is in existence. Any invention or discovery made or conceived in the performance of the Center Core Research program, jointly by employees of the University and employees of FULL MEMBER or AFFILIATE shall be deemed a joint invention with all parties sharing equally in the rights thereto.

(b) University inventions shall be promptly disclosed to FULL MEMBERS by the University. FULL MEMBERS shall

provide notice in writing to the University to acquire license rights and to support patent filings within thirty (30) days from receipt of the University’s invention disclosure. FULL MEMBERS agreeing to share in the cost of patenting such inventions shall have certain rights and options as further discussed below in sections B.2. (c) and B.2. (d).

(c) FULL MEMBERS participating in the cost of filing, prosecuting and maintaining a patent application shall have

an option to acquire a royalty-bearing license to make, use and sell products or processes for commercial purposes,


said license to be exclusive among those FULL MEMBER(s) (hereinafter a “Limited Exclusive License”). Those FULL MEMBER(s) who have said option shall be required to exercise the option unanimously in order to acquire the Limited Exclusive License. In addition, the option must be exercised within six (6) months of the filing of an U.S. patent application. If the FULL MEMBERS participating in the cost of filing patents do not unanimously elect to exercise the option, or if they do not do so within six (6) months of the filing of a patent application, then the option for a Limited Exclusive License shall terminate, and rights to such patents or patent applications shall be in accordance with other sections of these bylaws.

(d) If no Limited Exclusive License (as described above in section B.2. (c)) Is granted, then those FULL MEMBERS

who participated in the cost of filing, prosecuting and maintaining a patent application, shall have a non-exclusive, royalty free, irrevocable license to make, use and sell products based on the patent applications for commercial purposes.

(e) If no Limited Exclusive License (as described above in section B.2. (c)) Is granted, then those FULL MEMBERS

that did not participate in the cost of filing, prosecution and maintenance of the patents, but who subsequently wish to use the patented invention for commercial purposes, shall be allowed to negotiate a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive license, provided they (FULL MEMBERS who did not pay the costs) also pay the Center their share of the unpaid membership dues from the day of conception of the invention, if any, and the costs of filing, prosecution and maintenance of the patents in equivalent dollars.

(f) If no Limited Exclusive License (as described above in section B.2. (c)) Is granted, then AFFILIATES who wish

to use the patented invention for commercial purposes shall be allowed to negotiate a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive license, provided they (AFFILIATES) pay their share of the costs of patenting and maintenance as well as the difference between membership fees and those charged to the AFFILIATES as if they were FULL MEMBERS in good standing beginning in the year the invention was conceived, in equivalent dollars.

(g) The University shall file for and prosecute patent applications on behalf of the Center if patent protection is

desired pursuant to sections B.2. (a) and B.2. (b) hereof. The FULL MEMBERS (not AFFILIATES) desiring the filing, prosecution and maintenance of a patent shall equally share the cost of doing so and shall have the right to advise the University regarding the manner of filing and prosecution of the patent and its subsequent maintenance, as long as such advice does not conflict with the University policies and practices.

(h) All policies that apply to the filing, prosecution, maintenance and licensing of patents in USA also

apply to filing, prosecution, maintenance and licensing of patents in any other country on a country by

country basis.

3. Confidentiality Policy From time to time, the Center may develop Confidential Information. Accordingly, it is understood that such

Confidential Information will be treated as follows: (a) "Confidential Information" includes technical and/or business information disclosed by the Center to all

members. Such information, if disclosed in writing shall be deemed confidential only if it is designated in writing as confidential to the members at the time of disclosure; if orally presented, it shall be deemed confidential only if it is identified as confidential at the time of disclosure. Confidential Information may be disclosed, as members deem necessary, to their employees and others under their control, all of whom will be directed and required to conform with the provision hereof.

(b) The members agree to use the same care and caution to avoid publication or dissemination of Confidential

Information as they use with respect to their own proprietary information; provided, however, that members shall not be liable for disclosure of such Confidential Information which:


i. is, or becomes, available to the public other than by breach of any obligation herein assumed by the members; or

ii. is furnished to a third party by Center without restriction of the third party's right to disseminate the Confidential Information; or

iii. is disclosed with the Center's written permission; or iv. Is already known to the receiving member other than from any previous unexpired confidentiality obligation

with Center as evidenced by tangible records; or v. Is independently developed by the receiving member as evidenced by tangible records; or vi. Is disclosed to the receiving member by a third party having the right to make such disclosure. If members wish to use Center developed Confidential Information in filing their patent applications, the

members will request permission from NCSU to allow the inclusion of such Confidential Information in such patent application(s), and such permission will not unreasonably be withheld.

(c) The obligations of this Section B.3. Shall continue with respect to any Confidential Information disclosed

hereunder for a period of one (1) year from the date of disclosure thereof, regardless of whether FULL MEMBER and/or AFFILIATE remains a FULL MEMBER and/or AFFILIATE of the Center during said period.

(d) In the course of carrying out the work of the Center, the Center does not expect to receive any confidential

information from the FULL MEMBERS or AFFILIATES. If, to benefit the Core Research program of the Center, it becomes necessary for a FULL MEMBER or AFFILIATE to divulge proprietary information to any member of the staff of the Center (including students), such divulgence shall be made in writing, or if made orally, confirmed in written summary within thirty (30) days of disclosure. It will be the responsibility of the individual(s) involved in such transaction to keep the information confidential.

4. Publication Policy For the purposes of this Article 4, “Publication” shall be deemed to mean any written, oral, or other public

divulgence of research results, including the public use or sale of an invention based on the research results, to the extent that any such event could bar the availability of patent protection in foreign jurisdictions or trigger the one-year grace period in the U.S. within which a U.S. patent application must be filed.

Publication of research results in scientific journals is encouraged. In order to prevent untimely publication of

patentable research, a publication-delay mechanism has been established. Notification of intent to publish must be sent to each member of the Industrial Advisory Board. Any member of the board can request a maximum six-month delay in publication from the date of notification to determine whether the paper contains patentable material, or if the company making the request has a justifiable reason. If it is determined that patentable material is contained in the proposed publication, such material will be either deleted and publication will be allowed to proceed, or publication will be suspended until all necessary intellectual property rights have been secured through filing of patents. The IAB member must respond within thirty (30) days of receipt to request a publication delay. Failure to respond by a given IAB member shall be construed as approval of the publication by that member.

Under no circumstances will a student’s thesis, for which funds are derived from the Center, be delayed in degree

confirmation; provided, however, that student theses shall be subject to a six-month delay provision following their approval before they are made publicly available in University libraries; and provided, further, that the University may be released from this six-month delay period if the IAB members unanimously acknowledge that the thesis does not disclose patentable subject matter, or if a U.S. patent application is placed on file which covers the subject matter of the thesis.

5. Software Copyright Policy

Copyright to the software developed by the Center will belong to NCSU. During the term of their membership, the FULL MEMBERS (not AFFILIATES) will be granted a license for internal use only. The FULL MEMBERS will have the right to sub-license the software to their subsidiaries and affiliates also for internal use only. In case the software is used as part of a commercial product, the FULL MEMBER shall pay royalty to the University at a mutually negotiated rate, even if the software has been modified and/or augmented by the FULL MEMBER company personnel. The


University will not release software copyrighted material except pursuant to the terms and conditions of membership in the Center.

6. Communications Policy

FULL MEMBERS and AFFILIATES receive a semi-annual technical report of research progress. The Center also publishes the NCRC Annual Report in which Center accomplishments, financial status and prospects for the future are reviewed. Center investigators transmit project manuscripts, preprints and theses in accordance with the above publication and patent policies. Reports are distributed at the scheduled meeting.

Two meetings per year of IAB are held. The meetings deal with technical and administrative topics. The Center hosts one annual meeting for all members at the NCSU campus, to present an executive summary of the year's accomplishments. Scientific results from the Center are discussed in presentations and demonstrated visually. Involvement of NCRC graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates is utilized as appropriate.

7. “Phase-out” Policy

If a decision is ever made to discontinue the research Center, then the Chancellor should forward such a recommendation to the President.

Subject to the availability of funds, the "phase-out" period for the research Center will be sufficient to permit an orderly termination or transfer of contractual obligations and will allow ample time to find alternate employment for full-time staff. Normally, the "phase-out" period will be no more than one year after the end of the academic year in which the decision is made to discontinue the unit.

3. INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY INTERACTIONS 1. Non-Core Research Projects

Some members that have particular interest in certain aspects of the NCRC Core Research program may want to accelerate or further reinforce a particular project by granting additional funds for the purpose. Such grants are considered as enhancements of the Core Research program.

The members may also create (sponsor) new projects of their choice within the NCRC structure. These projects are called Non-Core Research projects, and carry indirect costs at the university-determined rates. Such projects are distinguished by increased interaction between University and company researchers. Research at the Center may be closely related to projects at the company facility. Results of Non-Core Research projects are available to all FULL MEMBERS and AFFILIATES if and only if the sponsoring company so designates. The Sponsoring Company may negotiate with the university licensing terms pertinent to any intellectual property developed under the Non-Core project.

2. Industry Personnel as Visiting Scientists

Industry personnel from FULL MEMBERS (not AFFILIATES) can have the opportunity to participate directly in NCRC research as visiting scientists. Lengths of assignments and responsibilities will be determined on an individual basis.

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