SDO: American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Diana Wyman
Technical Director
PO Box 12215
1 Davis Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2215
Phone: 919.549.3532
Fax: 919.549.8933
Website: http://www.aatcc.org/
Organizational Overview
AATCC is a technical and scientific society of approximately 3,000 individual, corporate, and student members in more than 60 countries. Members represent a broad spectrum of expertise in textile research, manufacturing, design, and marketing. Since its inception in 1921, the Association has been dedicated to three objectives: education, technical applications and research, and communication. The Association is internationally recognized for its standard methods of testing dyed and chemically-treated fibers and fabrics to measure and evaluate such performance characteristics as colorfastness to light and washing, durable press, soil release, shrinkage, water resistance, and moisture management. Test methods are compiled in the AATCC Technical Manual, of which a Chinese translation is available. AATCC publishes a bimonthly peer reviewed journal, AATCC Journal of Research, a bimonthly magazine, AATCC Review, and twice-monthly newsletter, AATCC News. Additional publications include books and conference proceedings. The Association provides training, education, workshops, and conferences on textile related topics worldwide.
Until 2010, AATCC served as Co-secretariat to ISO/TC38/SC1 - Tests for Coloured Textiles and Colorants, and as Secretariat for ISO/TC38/SC2 - Cleansing, Finishing, and Water Resistance Tests. Along with ASTM, AATCC continues to administer the USA TAG for ISO/TC38 - Textiles.
The Association is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Scope of Standards Developing Activity
AATCC began developing and establishing testing procedures in 1921. To date, the Association has developed more than 200 test methods and evaluation procedures.
AATCC test methods and evaluation procedures focus on biological properties, colorfastness, dyeing properties, identification and analysis, and physical properties of textiles.
Training and education on the use of testing procedures, along with Proficiency Testing Programs and a UV Calibration Fabric Program ensure good laboratory practices.
The AATCC also sells a variety of quality control materials that comply with the specific test method parameters found in the AATCC Technical Manual. Using authentic quality control materials is important to achieving reproducible results throughout the world. AATCC quality control materials are sold directly to customers through the Association’s website, www.aatcc.org, or through local resellers. While the Association does not authorize preferred suppliers or distributors, many corporate members of AATCC perform an important service by keeping quality control materials in stock in locations convenient to customers that need them.
Although it is unscrupulous for organizations to misappropriate the intellectual property of AATCC, there is even a greater danger to organizations that purchase and use counterfeit products or publications. The cost to an organization for textile goods that must be returned or rejected due to improper testing greatly outweighs the relatively inexpensive cost of current methods and authentic consumable testing materials. Buyers should make sure they are purchasing authentic AATCC methods and quality control materials, either directly through AATCC or through reputable resellers of authentic AATCC products, such as corporate members of the Association.
Quick Links
International Activities by Region
Americas
Diana Wyman
PO Box 12215
Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709
919.549.3532
[email protected]
Asia Pacific
Dr. Dongsik Jin
FITI Testing & Research Institute
Seoul, South Korea
+82 2 3299 8077
China
Jiping Wang
ZSTU University
Hangzhou, China
+86 571 86843625
[email protected]
